Car sharing has been a booming industry in Illinois for the last decade. The industry has exponentially grown that some legislators are pushing for it to be held on the same standard as traditional car rental businesses. Despite car sharing being dubbed as a “car Airbnb” a lot of people are unaware of its distinction from the traditional car rental. How do these two services differ?
Car sharing is primarily used by consumers from densely populated areas with no vehicles and are best for short-term usage. Its benefits include:
- 24/7 accessibility over the phone through membership-based websites or applications
- Possible last-minute booking
- May be spread through your area
- Car models fit for daily use
- Cars can be unlocked using your phone or card with keys already inside
- Best used for running errands or less than 24 hours of usage
Despite the convenience it offers, shared cars are less regulated than rentals and are not held in the same taxing structure. Consumers will also have to keep the vehicles clean. Although owners and their units in car sharing services are not as thoroughly inspected by the State, they are still checked for legal documents, licenses, and insurances to ensure consumer safety.
Car rentals offer a traditionally safer choice as it is regulated in the State of Illinois; it follows safety standards via inspections. Its differences from car sharing include:
- Availability mostly during office hours
- Requires to be booked in advanced
- Needs to be collected from the office
- Offers a wide range of car models
- Fit for more than 24 hours of use
- Serviced after each rental period
