Carsharing: what is it? Easily explained

Car sharing has been around since the 1970s and is becoming increasingly popular. In this practical tip, we clarify exactly what car sharing is and for if it is worth it.

That is hidden behind the term car sharing

Car sharing means nothing more than "sharing a car" and that is exactly what happens with car sharing: several people share cars. In the big city in particular, many things are easy to reach on foot or quickly by public transport. It is hardly worth it for many people to have their own car that is in the garage most of the time. However, there are always occasions when a car is advantageous - and that's where the car sharing providers step in.

• There are many different car sharing models, but in principle the principle is always the same: you join a car sharing club as a member and can then borrow a car whenever you need one.
• The practical thing: You always use the car you need. If you only want to do something for a short time and only need a small vehicle, you can get it just as much as a large car for furniture purchases or moving.
• Usually the vehicles are located in different, easily accessible locations in the city, so you can quickly find a car near you.

This is how car sharing works

As a member of the larger car sharing companies, you usually receive a chip card. As soon as you have reserved a car, the card for this vehicle will be activated.

• You can easily find out which vehicles are currently available for free via the smartphone app or on the computer via the provider's website. The location of the cars is also shown here.
• After you have booked the right car for yourself, go to the appropriate location and open the vehicle using the chip card. You can usually find the car key in the vehicle itself.
• In some cases, the car sharing companies have fixed locations where the cars are parked or picked up. For many, however, the locations are also flexible and therefore more or less scattered throughout the city.

Share your car and save costs

As a rule, you pay a membership fee and a deposit when you join the car sharing company.

• The conditions for membership in the respective car sharing companies are of course different. However, different tariffs are often offered, with which you pay a small contribution monthly or annually. For example, members who need a vehicle more often pay a slightly higher monthly fee and a significantly lower price per kilometer traveled. Occasional drivers, on the other hand, often do not conclude a tariff and pay a slightly higher mileage allowance.
• Apart from special tariff offers, most car sharing companies pay for the time you have the car and per kilometer driven.
• This makes car sharing, especially in the big city and especially for occasional drivers, cheaper than maintaining your own vehicle. If you do not travel more than 5000 kilometers a year with your car, car sharing would probably be worth it, according to calculations by the Stiftung Warentest.

Car sharing opportunities & alternatives

If the car sharing principle appeals to you, you will also be interested in the following links:

• We have tested and compared all major car sharing providers. Although no company attracted negative attention, the test winner is clear. Read all the details in the article.
• You can also get a quick overview of the most important car sharing providers by reading our practical tip on the subject.
• Alternative: A somewhat different type of car sharing is so-called private car sharing, which is particularly interesting for rural areas.
• Alternative: You can also use Mitfahrgellassung.de and the alternative portals. You do not have your own car here, you only "rent" a seat with private drivers. So you travel extremely cheaply and get to know new people at the same time.