Car-sharing is here to stay. For the better or worse. One of the larger players in the car-sharing scene locally expects demand for its cars to grow by more than 50% from 2022 to 2023.
With more drivers using these platforms, it isn’t unwise to take additional steps to protect yourself if you are, or intend to be, a frequent user of such services. While some involve cash outlays (explicit costs), some do not (implicit costs).
Invest in a Dashcam for Protection
I would not wish vehicular accidents on my worst enemy. In fact, no one should have to go through the pain of having to deal not only with the accident itself, but with its aftermath too.
A dashcam protects you from being liable in not-at-fault incidents, a bit like how you buy health insurance to protect yourself from financially crippling medical expenses. Yes, most car-sharing fleets now have dashcams installed, but you will not be able to gain easy access to the recordings.
Furthermore, there are instances where they malfunction, and it is impossible to troubleshoot them yourself. Dashcams are relatively affordable now – you do not need to fork out more than $100 for one that does the job.
Compare that to the >$2,000 insurance excess triggered in an accident. Most importantly, shop for one with a suction mount as you want a dashcam that can be easily removed and re-installed in the next car you rent.
Ensure you have Enough Phone Storage
In only half a year, I used more than 15GB of my phone’s internal storage to store photos and videos related to my start and end trip inspections. Some companies advise you to keep them for at least two months.
However, based on personal experience, I recommend at least a year, as the insurance companies often take more time than that to investigate vehicle damages. Insufficient storage space? Invest the time to transfer the media to the cloud or your PC – this will pay dividends down the line should you ever need the evidence.
On a side note, be thorough in doing your start trip inspections. This involves checking for punctured tyres, cracked windows and undercarriage damages. You do not know what the previous hirer subjected the car to (offroad expeditions are not unheard of). These detailed checks undoubtedly will take time, which leads us to the third cost.
Always Factor in More Time Than is Necessary
As the adage goes: time is money. Car sharing companies can charge you with late fees should you return the car after a set grace period. By booking the car for a slightly longer period than needed, you can avoid putting yourself in a situation where you are stressed about returning it.
This will also minimise the need to drive recklessly in your bid to be punctual with your car return. Which in turn reduces the risk financial penalties as a result of accidents or from the flouting of traffic rules.
Keep in mind that there are many variables that may affect your rental experience. Even something as simple as connectivity issues – Woodleigh Mall springs to mind. When you are not limited by time, you can contact the respective Live Chats for their help in locking/unlocking the car.
During peak periods, chances are there is another booking soon after yours. So, please be considerate and do your part in keeping the rental platforms reliable by extending your rentals as soon as you anticipate that there will be delays.
Top up your Cashcard
I am a huge fan of newly deployed or redeployed cars. They are usually clean and ideal for photo ops, but sometimes come with a caveat. However, these cars may not have valid season parking for their respective home lots yet.
As such, it isn’t uncommon for users to be slapped with parking charges of more than $10. You can seek reimbursement from the respective companies later on, but having sufficient funds in your cashcard will allow you to exit the carpark more easily, without the need to contact the carpark operator to open the gantry for you.
Keep in mind also that you’ll need a cashcard to pay for ERPs, as well as if/when you park at carparks throughout the day that isn’t the car’s home lot!
Other Miscellaneous Charges
We’ve broken down the basic general charges for three of the most popular car-sharing companies below:
| GetGo | Tribecar | Shariot | |
| Peak hour rental charge for Standard cars | |||
| $10 | $8.80 | $11.90 | |
| Additional mandatory fees | |||
| GST | Included | 9% | 9% |
| Platform fee | $0.80 | – | – |
| New Driver Surcharge | – | 15% | – |
| Optional add-ons | |||
| Extra coverage | CDW, 5% of total bill | Tribeshield, $0.60/hr | CDW, 10% of total bill |
| Malaysia entry | Not allowed | 30% surcharge | No surcharge, but must opt in for CDW |
| Additional drivers | Not allowed | 10%-30% surcharge, depending on membership status | Not allowed |
Prices are accurate as of 6/8/2024 and subject to change.
Final rental prices are generally higher than advertised as there are several other fees that you must/may pay. If you have fewer than 2 years of experience or are below 23 years old, I’d discourage you from using Tribecar due to its hefty New Driver surcharge.
In simple maths, for an hour’s booking, the advertised rate of $8.80/hr goes up to an effective final payment of $11.03. Or about a 25.3% increase. While these platforms allow you convenient (and relatively affordable) access to a car, once you factor all the additional costs in, your final bill may not necessarily be more affordable than taking a PHV or a taxi.
In Conclusion
Service standards in the car-sharing market will never surpass those of traditional car rental firms. I have come across cars with flat batteries and faulty air-conditioners. However, if you do not need a car for an entire day, car-sharing is a viable alternative to public transport.
Make sure that you are meticulous in inspecting the cars, and take note of the various platforms’ guidelines to safeguard yourself from exorbitant (yet avoidable) charges!
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