What Exactly Is Car Sharing?
Car sharing is a modern alternative to car ownership and traditional rentals. Instead of owning a vehicle or going through a rental agency, you book cars through an app or website for just the time you need them.
Two Main Types:
1. Peer-to-Peer (Turo): Everyday people list their personal vehicles. Think Airbnb, but for cars. More variety, flexible locations, competitive pricing.
2. Fleet-Based (GoGet, Flexicar): Companies own and maintain a fleet of vehicles parked at designated spots. Standardized experience, predictable pricing, convenient for quick trips.
Why Choose Car Sharing?
Perfect For:
- ✅ Weekend getaways
- ✅ Airport trips
- ✅ IKEA/Bunnings runs
- ✅ Date nights in a nice car
- ✅ Road trips without wear on your own car
- ✅ Testing cars before buying
- ✅ Living car-free in the city
Benefits:
- 💰 No ownership costs
- 🔧 No maintenance worries
- 📱 Book in minutes via app
- 🚗 Access to variety of vehicles
- ⛽ Fuel often included
- 🛡️ Protection included
- 🌍 More sustainable
Step 1: Choose Your Platform
Each platform works differently. Here's a quick guide to choosing:
Choose Turo If...
- • You want more vehicle variety (economy to luxury)
- • You need flexible pickup locations (suburbs, airports, hosts' homes)
- • You prefer daily/weekly rentals
- • You don't want membership fees
- • You value contactless, convenient experiences
Best for: Weekend trips, road trips, special occasions
Choose GoGet If...
- • You live in inner Sydney and need quick access
- • You want hourly rentals for short trips
- • You prefer predictable, standardized vehicles
- • You'll use it regularly (membership pays off)
- • You like designated parking pods near home/work
Best for: Short city errands, hourly use, inner suburbs
Choose Flexicar If...
- • You need a car for regular commuting
- • Your workplace offers corporate membership
- • You prefer simple, structured pricing
- • You want a reliable, professional service
- • You're a student at a participating university
Best for: Regular commuters, business use, students
Step 2: Sign Up and Verify
Getting started is straightforward on all platforms. Here's what you'll need:
Requirements Checklist:
- ✅ Valid driver's license (Australian or International)
- ✅ Minimum age: Usually 21+ (some vehicles 25+)
- ✅ Credit or debit card for payment
- ✅ Phone number for verification
- ✅ Email address
- ✅ Profile photo (Turo)
- ✅ Clean driving record (some platforms check)
Verification Process:
Turo:
- Download app or visit website
- Create account with email
- Upload license photo (front and back)
- Take a profile selfie
- Add payment method
- Verification usually takes 1-24 hours
GoGet:
- Sign up online or via app
- Choose membership plan
- Upload license
- Pay membership fee
- Receive membership card in mail
- Start booking once card arrives (3-5 days)
Flexicar:
- Register on website
- Select membership tier
- Upload license and payment details
- Wait for approval (usually 24 hours)
- Download app and start booking
Step 3: Browse and Book Your First Car
Finding the Right Vehicle:
First-Timer Tips:
- Start small: Book a short trip first (2-3 hours or one day) to get comfortable
- Choose familiar: Pick a car model you're comfortable driving
- Read reviews: On Turo, look for 5-star super hosts with lots of positive reviews
- Check location: Ensure pickup/return is convenient for you
- Understand pricing: Check what's included (fuel, protection plan, km limits)
Booking Process (Turo Example):
- Enter dates and location: Be specific about pickup/return times
- Filter results: By price, car type, features, delivery options
- Read the listing: Vehicle details, host rules, cancellation policy
- Check reviews: What other guests say about this car and host
- Select protection plan: Standard is usually fine for first-timers
- Message the host: Introduce yourself, ask any questions
- Confirm booking: Review total cost and click book
- Get confirmation: You'll receive pickup instructions via app
Step 4: Before You Pick Up
24 Hours Before:
- ✅ Confirm pickup time and location with host (Turo)
- ✅ Download any required apps
- ✅ Check pickup instructions in your booking
- ✅ Save host's contact info
- ✅ Plan your route to pickup location
- ✅ Set reminders for pickup and return times
Step 5: The Pickup Process
Turo Pickup:
Most Turo pickups are contactless with keyless entry:
- Arrive at agreed location
- Confirm via app that you've arrived
- Unlock car using app (or get keys from lockbox/host)
- Do a walk-around inspection
- Take photos of exterior (especially any existing damage)
- Check fuel level and document it
- Take photo of odometer
- Upload photos to app
- Start your trip in the app
GoGet/Flexicar Pickup:
- Go to designated pod/parking bay
- Find your booked vehicle
- Use membership card or app to unlock
- Check for damage (report via app if found)
- Find keys (usually in glove box or sun visor)
- Check fuel level
- Start your booking in app
- Drive away!
🔍 Pro Tip: Always do a thorough inspection and take clear photos. This protects you from being charged for pre-existing damage. Check for scratches, dents, windscreen chips, interior stains, and tyre condition.
Step 6: During Your Trip
Driving Best Practices:
- Drive responsibly: Treat the car better than your own
- Follow traffic rules: Parking tickets and tolls are your responsibility
- No smoking: This applies to all vehicles and results in hefty cleaning fees
- Keep it clean: Remove your rubbish, don't eat messy foods
- Respect km limits: If there's a daily limit, plan accordingly
- Report issues immediately: Contact host/platform if problems arise
What's Included:
✅ Usually Included:
- • Comprehensive protection plan
- • Roadside assistance
- • Basic cleaning
- • Registration and CTP
- • Fuel (full tank at start)
❌ Your Responsibility:
- • Parking fees
- • Toll charges
- • Traffic fines
- • Refuelling before return
- • Damage excess if applicable
Step 7: Returning the Vehicle
Return Checklist:
- ✅ Refuel: Return with same fuel level as pickup (or per platform rules)
- ✅ Clean interior: Remove all rubbish and belongings
- ✅ Check for damage: If anything happened, report it now
- ✅ Return to exact location: Where you picked it up (or agreed spot)
- ✅ Take photos: Exterior, fuel gauge, odometer, interior condition
- ✅ Lock the car: Use app or lock manually and return keys
- ✅ End trip in app: Confirm return and upload photos
- ✅ Leave a review: Help future guests and show appreciation
Return Timing:
Be punctual! Most platforms charge late fees of $20-50 per hour. If you need more time, extend your booking through the app before your return time.
Step 8: After Your Trip
Once you've returned the vehicle:
- Leave a review: Share your honest experience
- Check your receipt: Ensure charges are correct
- Report any issues: Contact support if something wasn't right
- Save your favorite hosts/vehicles: Makes rebooking easier
- Book your next trip: Now that you're a pro!
Common First-Timer Concerns
😰 "What if I damage the car?"
Don't panic! Protection covers accidents. Take photos immediately, report to host/platform, file incident report through app. You'll pay the excess (typically $500-3,000 depending on protection level), but that's why protection plans exist.
😰 "What if the car breaks down?"
All platforms include roadside assistance. Call the number in your app (usually 24/7). They'll arrange help and the platform typically provides a replacement vehicle or refund.
😰 "What if I return late?"
Contact host/platform immediately. Extend through app if possible. Late fees apply but communication helps. Most hosts are understanding if you're honest and proactive.
😰 "Is it safe?"
Yes! All platforms verify drivers, include protection plan, and have support teams. Turo hosts are rated and reviewed. Fleet services maintain their vehicles professionally. Millions use car sharing safely every day.
Your First Booking Success Guide
🎯 Recommended First Trip:
The Perfect Starter Booking:
- ✅ Duration: 24 hours (Saturday to Sunday)
- ✅ Distance: Short trip (Blue Mountains, beaches, local exploring)
- ✅ Vehicle: Compact or sedan you're comfortable with
- ✅ Platform: Turo (easiest for beginners)
- ✅ Host: 5-star super host with 50+ trips
- ✅ Timing: Book 1-2 weeks ahead for better rates
This gives you time to get comfortable without pressure, at an affordable price point.
Ready to Get Started?
Car sharing opens up a world of freedom and flexibility. Now that you know the process, you're ready for your first trip!
As a premier Turo host in Chippendale with 50+ vehicles and a 4.99/5 rating, we welcome first-time users. Our fleet includes beginner-friendly cars, clear instructions, and responsive support. Search "Chippendale" on Turo to find us!