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Exploring Short-Term Car Rental Options for Newcomers to Canada Without a Driver's License
Moving to a new country like Canada is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the most common hurdles faced by newcomers is transportation, especially in the early days when they might not have a Canadian driver’s license yet. Fortunately, Canada offers a range of innovative car rental apps and companies that cater to short-term needs, providing newcomers with convenient mobility solutions. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top options for short-term car rentals in Canada, ensuring that newcomers can explore their new surroundings with ease and flexibility.
Once you arrive in Canada, you can rent a car by following these steps:
1. Select a car rental company:
Before you travel, research the car rental services that are available in the area. Common car-sharing providers include companies like Zipcar, Turo, and enterprise. Visit their website or download their mobile app to gather information about their service, availability and pricing at the particular area you are.
The following is some website information compiled:
1 Zipcar: $70- $100 Per day
https://www.zipcar.com/en-ca/
Zipcar is a well-established car-sharing service that has made its mark in Canada. This app-based service offers flexible hourly and daily car rentals, making it a perfect choice for newcomers who need a vehicle occasionally for short trips or errands. With Zipcar, you can easily locate a nearby car, book it through the app, and unlock it using your smartphone. The membership process is straightforward, and their fleet includes a variety of car models to suit your needs. You are allowed to rent a car using your driver license from your country of origin (International or Canadian driver license not required). You need to be 21 years or older to rent a car, but if you are a student with valid proof, you are allowed to be 18.
You must have membership to rent a car, so it is not recommended to choose for single use
You need to be 21 or over (18 if a student) and have a valid driver’s license (G1 and G2 licenses are not acceptable)
Average Price:
Hourly rates: Starting from around $9 to $15 per hour (may vary depending on the location and car model).
Daily rates: Typically range from $70 to $100 per day.
Best for:
Occasional use: Zipcar is ideal for newcomers who need a car for short errands, appointments, or exploring the city occasionally.
Urban travel: If you live in a city and need a car for quick trips without the commitment of owning one, Zipcar can be a cost-effective option.
Steps to rent:
- Download the Zipcar app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for an account and provide the required information, including your driver’s license details and payment method.
- Once your account is approved, you can use the app to locate nearby Zipcar vehicles.
- Reserve a car of your choice for the desired time (hourly or daily) through the app.
- Use the app to unlock the reserved car when you reach the vehicle’s location, and you’re good to go!
2. TURO: $40- $150 Per day- rent from private owners
Turo is a peer-to-peer car rental platform that connects car owners with potential renters. This service allows private individuals to rent out their vehicles, providing newcomers with a wide selection of cars to choose from, often at competitive prices. Turo offers more variety in vehicle types, including luxury cars and specialty vehicles. You are allowed to rent a car using your driver license from your country of origin (International or Canadian driver license not required). You must be 23 years old to rent a car with Turo. (need to show valid government ID for G2 License)
Average Price:
Prices vary significantly based on the car’s make, model, and location.
Hourly rates: Some listings offer hourly rates starting at around $10 to $25.
Daily rates: Daily rental costs can range from $40 to $100 or more, depending on the car’s value and features.
Best for:
Unique car options: If you want to experience driving different types of cars, Turo offers an array of choices beyond standard rental fleets.
Extended trips: Turo can be more cost-effective than traditional car rental companies for longer rental periods, such as weekend getaways.
Steps to rent:
- Download the Turo app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for an account and complete the verification process, including your driver’s license information and payment details.
- Browse available listings of cars in your desired location, compare prices, and filter based on your preferences.
- Once you find a car you like, you can request a booking directly through the app.
- Communicate with the car owner through the app to arrange pickup details.
- Meet the owner to pick up the car, and you’re all set to start your rental period.
3 Communato $25 (corportate rate)- $80 Per day
Communauto is one of the largest car-sharing services in Canada, particularly well-established in cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Quebec City. They offer both round-trip and one-way rentals. While most of their services do require a driver’s license, they have specialized programs tailored for non-license holders, making it possible for newcomers without a license to use their services. You are allowed to rent a car using your driver license from your country of origin (International or Canadian driver license not required). You must be at least 19 years old to rent a car with Communauto.
Average Price:
Round-trip rates: Prices start at approximately $5 to $10 per hour, with daily rates ranging from $50 to $80. If you have extra plus account (corporate account), you can get a car on weekdays for $25 Plus Tax.
One-way rates: Costs depend on the distance traveled but generally start around $0.40 to $0.50 per minute and $0.30 to $0.40 per kilometer.
Best for:
Eco-conscious travelers: Communauto is known for its environmentally friendly fleet, which includes hybrid and electric vehicles.
Short trips and errands downtown Toronto: With round-trip and one-way options, Communauto suits various mobility needs for both short and longer distances.
Steps to rent:
- Download the Communauto app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for a membership and provide the necessary information, including your driver’s license details.
- Browse available cars nearby and choose the type of rental that suits your needs (round-trip or one-way).
- Reserve a car through the app for your desired time and location.
- Access the reserved car using the app’s unlocking feature when you reach the vehicle’s location.
4 Eva Car Share $80 – $90 Per day
Evo Car Share operates primarily in the Vancouver area, providing residents and newcomers with a sustainable car-sharing service. They focus on offering a fleet of hybrid and electric vehicles, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious individuals. You are able to use an international driver’s license to rent a car from Evo Car Share. You must be 18 years old to rent a car with Evo Car Share.
Average Price:
Hourly rates: Prices typically range from $0.41 to $0.49 per minute, depending on the membership plan.
Daily rates: Daily pricing can be around $80 to $90, offering a more affordable option for extended usage.
Best for:
Environmentally-friendly options: If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, Evo Car Share’s hybrid and electric cars are a great choice.
Vancouver residents: Evo is particularly advantageous for those living in the Vancouver area, where their services are most concentrated.
Steps to rent:
- Download the Evo Car Share app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for a membership and complete the verification process, which includes providing your driver’s license details and payment information.
- Use the app to locate available Evo vehicles nearby.
- Reserve a car for your desired time and location through the app.
- Unlock the reserved car using the app when you reach the vehicle’s location, and you’re ready to start your trip.
5 Enterprise Car Share $60 – $100 Per day
Enterprise CarShare is a branch of the renowned Enterprise Rent-A-Car company, offering short-term car rentals to customers in several Canadian cities. While a driver’s license is typically required, they may have specific programs designed for newcomers without a Canadian license. For example, owing an international driver’s license will allow you to rent a car from Enterprise. You must be 21 years old to rent a car with Enterprise have a valid driver’s license (G1 licenses are not acceptable).
Average Price:
Hourly rates: Prices range from approximately $8 to $12 per hour.
Daily rates: Daily rental costs can vary from $60 to $100.
Best for:
Trusted brand: Enterprise CarShare is part of a reputable company with a long history in the car rental industry, providing peace of mind for customers.
Comprehensive coverage: If you’re looking for a wide range of car rental options and services, Enterprise CarShare is likely to have you covered.
Steps to rent:
- Download the Enterprise CarShare app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for an account and provide the necessary information, including your driver’s license details.
- Browse available cars in your location and select the vehicle that meets your requirements.
- Reserve the car of your choice through the app for the desired time and location.
- Unlock the car using the app when you arrive at the vehicle’s location, and you can begin your rental period.
Which Car Rental Should I Choose As Newcomers?
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TIPS FOR NEWCOMERS:
Each short-term car rental app or company in Canada caters to different needs, preferences, and budgets. Zipcar offers flexibility for occasional use, while Turo provides unique car options and competitive prices. Communauto focuses on eco-consciousness and diverse mobility plans. Evo Car Share is the go-to option for environmentally-friendly choices in Vancouver, and Enterprise CarShare is ideal for those seeking a trusted brand with comprehensive coverage.
If you are a university student that came here for education and are living here just for the next few years, or are a newcomer that is living alone downtown, we recommend using either Communauto or Zipcar. They both allow you to drive using IDs from back home and allow younger drivers to drive. It is also much more convenient than going to a car rental dealership as it allows you to rent a car for short-term use only (sometimes hours).
If you are a newcomer with a family or live in the suburbs and need a car for daily use (i.e. going to work everyday, dropping kids to their activities and back, errands), we recommend Enterprise. Enterprise is extremely trusted and has a wide range of variety to fit anyone’s needs.
How Do I Use Car Rentals (Steps)?
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1. Select the car rental company that you prefer
Download mobile apps for easier access if applicable
2.Make reservations (Book a Car):
Once you’ve chosen a car-sharing service, make a reservation in advance. Log in to the website or download the APP, first register with your driver’s license and identity documents, and then provide the date and time you need to rent a car, as well as the length of time you need the car. Follow the prompts on the website or app to select the appropriate vehicle and complete the booking and payment process.
3.Arrive at the pick-up point
On the day of arrival, proceed to the designated pick-up area. The location of these areas may vary by region, so please follow signs or directions provided by the rental car service.
4.Pick up the car
Once you arrive at the pickup area, find a designated parking space or a vehicle assigned to the service you booked. Follow the instructions provided by the car sharing service to access the vehicle. This could involve using an app to unlock the car or retrieve keys from a specific location.
5.Check the vehicle:
Before you drive away, check the condition of your vehicle thoroughly. Look for any pre-existing damage and report it to the car-sharing service to avoid being held liable later. Before starting your journey, familiarize yourself with the car’s features and controls.
6.Car use:
Once you are happy with your vehicle, you can begin your journey. Comply with the rules and regulations of the car sharing service, including regarding mileage, fuel or other policies. Drive safely during your rental.
7.Returning the car, don’t be late:
After the rental period expires, return the vehicle to the designated area. Follow the directions provided by the car-sharing service to park your vehicle properly. Make sure you have removed all personal items, kept the car clean and returned the keys, or followed the necessary steps to end the rental through the app or service.
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