No, you cannot register a Zipcar account under someone else's name. Zipcar's membership agreement explicitly requires the account to be in the name of the primary driver for critical safety, insurance, and liability reasons. The person whose name is on the account must be the one who completes the application, passes the driving record check, and uses their own credit card. Attempting to register for someone else is a violation of terms that can lead to immediate account termination and could void insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
The core reason is insurance. Zipcar's insurance policy is tied directly to the approved member. If an unapproved driver, like the person you're trying to register for, gets into an accident, the insurance may not cover the damages. This could leave you personally responsible for thousands of dollars in costs. The application process includes a check of the driver's record to assess risk; using another person's clean record to bypass this is fraudulent.
Instead, the correct approach is to add the other person as an approved Additional Driver on your own account. This is a formal, sanctioned feature. They will need to meet Zipcar's driving requirements and you will be responsible for their usage. This ensures everyone is properly covered and complies with the rules. The table below outlines the key differences between the prohibited and approved methods.
| Aspect | Prohibited: Registering for Someone Else | Approved: Adding an Additional Driver |
|---|
| Insurance Coverage | Voided in an accident, leading to personal liability. | Officially covered under the policy. |
| Account Status | Violates terms, leading to immediate termination. | Fully compliant with membership agreement. |
| Driving Record Check | Bypassed or falsified, which is fraudulent. | Properly conducted by Zipcar for safety. |
| Financial Responsibility | Unclear; billing disputes are likely. | Primary member is clearly responsible. |
| Convenience | Seems easier initially but carries high risk. | A simple, official process for long-term use. |
The safest and only legitimate way to share Zipcar access is through the Additional Driver program. It protects you, your friend, and your wallet.
