Frequently Asked Questions

What is car sharing?
How does car sharing work?
Why should I consider car sharing?
What about sharing costs?
What about insurance?
Do I have to share everyday?
What if I carshare and have to leave work suddenly?
What happens if I am the driver and am sick?
What happens if I find that car sharing doesn't suit me?
I work shifts. Can I still share?
I only have use of the car occasionally. Can I still share?
How can I plan a journey using public transport?

What is car sharing?

It is when two or more people decide to travel to work together in one car rather than separately. It does not exclude people who would normally travel as a passenger on other transport, but is really aimed at getting vehicles off the roads by increasing the number of people in each car.

How does car sharing work?

Once you have completed the registration form the details will be entered into the database. The Carshare system will then produce a list of suitable sharers; people to pick up on the way or who live near you and who meet the criteria you have requested. From this list it is then up to *you* to contact each other and formulate a carshare agreement that is convenient to you all.

You do not have to over commit yourself at this stage. One option is to set a trial period and a date to review the feelings of all parties. This will enable you to stop sharing at this point if the arrangement doesn't suit any or some of the parties involved.

Why should I consider car sharing?

Below are some of the many reasons:

• Reduce congestion and save valuable time at the beginning and end of the day
• Reduce fuel costs and parking charges by sharing the day-to-day expenses
• Reduce the mileage and everyday wear and tear on your vehicle
• Reduce traffic pollution and help contain the increasing pressure on the local community and environment
• Enjoy a more sociable and less stressful way of travelling

What about sharing costs?

There are various ways in which this can be done. If you find a method which works particularly well for your group please email the scheme administrator with details. Any other methods which are considered appropriate can then be added to the list of suggestions.

• On a reciprocal basis, where you drive one week and the next week your carshare partner drives
• If there is only one driver then he/she may charge their passengers for the journey: carshare Birmingham currently recommends that 10-15p per mile is a fair contribution, plus splitting any parking fee equally, as long as you don't charge your passengers more than the running costs of the vehicle.

What about insurance?

You must be fully insured and it is advisable to inform your insurance company that you are registered in a carshare scheme. This should not incur additional costs. Most insurance policies cover you to carry passengers on your journey to work, as long as you don't charge your passengers more than the running costs of the vehicle.

We offer a sample letter (opens in new window) which you could use if you wish to contact your insurance company.

Do I have to share everyday?

No, the registration form includes a section that enables you to choose the days that you want to share.

What if I carshare and have to leave work suddenly?

If, for genuine unexpected reasons, you have to leave work suddenly, and are a passenger, many employers have agreed to provide a lift or taxi to your home. This is also the case for any passenger whose driver has to leave unexpectedly.

What happens if I am the driver and am sick?

You must contact your carshare partner(s) as soon as possible so that they can make alternative arrangements. As a passenger it is also essential for you to let the driver know you are ill so that they know not to wait if you are not at your pick up point.

What happens if I find that car sharing doesn't suit me?

If you find that car sharing does not suit you, you can stop at any time

I work shifts. Can I still share?

Yes, car sharing is flexible. If you work irregular hours, we will put you in touch with employees who work similar hours to you.

I only have use of the car occasionally. Can I still share?

Yes, the system will match you on appropriate days.

How can I plan a journey using public transport?

Visit www.transportdirect.info. You can plan your journey for door to door and compare car/train/bus/plane times and distances.

If you have any more comments or questions please email the carshare administrator and we can include answers to any frequently asked questions for other users.