Car-sharing and ride-sharing services in Germany

Germany has one of the highest numbers of cars in Europe, reflected in congested cities like Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich. To battle congestion while maintaining convenience, car-sharing companies now offer better cars, better prices, and even more accessibility.

Save Money with Car Sharing

As an expat, importing a car or buying a new one requires substantial initial expense: the car itself, registration and number plate fees, taxes, insurance, maintenance expenses, and fuel. For those who live and work in the same city, a personal car may be too great an expense for limited use.

The alternative, renting a car from a standard agency when you need it, is often fairly expensive, but car sharing is not your typical car rental agency. With car sharing, you may actually save significantly more.

Pay for What You Use

With car-sharing companies, some offering a one-off registration fee, you rent cars by the minute, not by the day. However, others also offer the option to park the car overnight during the week at no charge. With a standard rental car, you're paying for every moment the car is in your possession.

Major car-sharing companies operating in Germany include:

• DriveNow - Offers flexible minute-based rentals with vehicles located throughout major cities
• Share Now - Large fleet including electric vehicles available across urban areas

Insurance Included

Car insurance in Germany is mandatory, and it can be quite costly. Car insurance rates depend on various factors, including the type of car and the age of the driver. With car-sharing services, insurance is already included in your rental rate, no additional policies needed. Companies offering standalone policies include DA Direkt.

No Fuel Costs

Fuel prices in Germany are on the higher side; it costs the average driver in Germany 1.24% of a typical salary. When you use some car-sharing companies, you don't pay for fuel at partner petrol stations. In fact, you're rewarded with bonus minutes if the tank is at half or lower when picked up and over 90% when dropped off, or if you recharge an electric car.

Save the Environment with Car Sharing

Going green and saving the planet has become increasingly important. One way to cut down on carbon footprints is to limit the use of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Some people have begun to avoid using ICE cars at all, opting instead to use bicycles, public transportation, or electric cars. Electric cars, however, may prove too costly to purchase, especially for expats who may not use the car often or plan on moving abroad.

Included in current car-sharing company portfolios now are electric cars, allowing eco-conscious individuals who need to drive to feel like they are helping the environment.

Save Time by Sharing Cars

Expats in Germany without a car can certainly rely on public transportation. However, getting around may take much longer, and sometimes you just want some time to yourself on the road. Instead of heading to a rental agency to fill out paperwork and pick up a car, car-sharing apps can show you the cars closest to you. You'll simply hop in, push start, and get going.

Most car-sharing apps allow you to:

• Locate available vehicles near you in real-time
• Reserve a car instantly through your smartphone
• Unlock the vehicle using the app
• Start driving immediately without paperwork
• Park and end your rental anywhere in the designated service zone

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