First Experience with Car Club

Joined "Connect by Hertz" car club recently because they offered to waive out £50 membership fee for the first year. Few days after submitting the necessary documents to them, I received the member card which look like London Underground's Oyster Card or Malaysia's Touch 'n Go. It is a smart card for unlocking or locking the reserved car.

A friend invited me to his new flat in Croydon on Saturday, so I thought it might be a good opportunity to use the car club. The whole online reservation process was easy. I was given a few locations and car details to decide which one suits me best. They sent me a mobile text message and email to confirm the booking.

I collected the car at the designated parking bay in a car park complex adjacent to Victoria Coach Station. Car key, fuel card and parking card were in the car so everything had gone smooth so far. I also did a visual inspection and took a photo of the car as a record of its condition. Obviously I also took another photo after returning the car to the same parking bay.

A small device was installed in the car to let customers contact the car club if they have any queries. When I finished using the car, the device showed the total hire duration and the mileage. As it only provides free fuel for the first 30 miles per 24 hours booking, I had to pay for the extra miles I used at 25p a mile. They sent me the charging details shortly after I confirmed the end of my use by pressing the button on the device.

In summary, the process is simple and the charge is reasonable. The total charge is £41.10 which is £3.95 x 10 hours (capped at 10 hours for 24 hours use) plus £1.60 (6.4 miles x £0.25). For me, the main advantage is easy access to a car as and when I need one, without the hassles of buying a car.