Car Sharing Glossary
When you first encounter car sharing, you will often come across many technical terms. Here we explain common words one by one so you can look them up anytime.
- Hourly car rental
- Hourly car rental refers to renting a car with hours as the billing unit, suitable for short outings, errands or pick-up and drop-off trips. You can choose the time slot that suits your actual needs rather than paying for a full day.
- Car sharing app
- A car sharing app is a mobile application that lets you find nearby available vehicles, book them, unlock them and end your trip. You usually need to register an account before use and follow the on-screen instructions to verify your identity and driving eligibility.
- Car sharing insurance
- Car sharing insurance is the coverage arranged when you rent a shared car, which may include damage to the vehicle, third-party liability and other items. Before renting, read the coverage details, excess amounts and exclusions carefully to avoid misunderstandings if an incident occurs.
- Car sharing fees
- Car sharing fees usually consist of rental charges calculated by time or mileage, plus insurance, parking and other additional costs. You can check the fee breakdown before booking and see which items are basic charges and which are extras.
- Car sharing parking zone
- A car sharing parking zone is a designated bay or location where vehicles may be picked up and returned; some vehicles can only be left within a specified area when a trip ends. Check the locations of nearby parking zones before booking so you can plan where to pick up and return the car.
- Eco-friendly travel
- Eco-friendly travel means choosing modes of transport with less environmental impact, such as walking, taking public transport or sharing a car. Using car sharing sensibly can help reduce how often you need to use a personal vehicle.
- Car sharing
- Car sharing is the practice of several people taking turns to use the same car. Users book and use it as needed, without having to buy or keep a vehicle long term. This model lets you drive only when you need to, offering more flexibility in your arrangements.
- Peer-to-peer car sharing
- Peer-to-peer car sharing is a model in which car owners open their private cars to others for booking and earn fees through a platform. Before using one, understand the owner's rules for use and the vehicle's condition to help your trip go smoothly.
- Self-drive car rental
- Self-drive car rental means renting a vehicle and driving it yourself, as opposed to a service where a driver is provided. Before renting, make sure you hold a valid driving licence and are familiar with the vehicle's controls and traffic rules.
- Car rental platform
- A car rental platform is an online or mobile service system offering features such as vehicle search, booking, payment and customer support. When choosing a platform, compare its pricing transparency, pick-up and return arrangements and the channels available for user enquiries.