Enterprise CarShare Has Arrived Here in Chicago {Review}

Disclosure:  I received compensation in exchange for sharing my honest opinion and this information.

Owning a car here in Chicago is expensive beyond the typical car costs of car payments, insurance and gas.  Here in Chicago you also have to pay for parking, that is if you can even find parking!  My brother and brother-in-law actually both live in city and use mass transit because its not even worth it to them to own a car.  There are times though that they have to miss out on family events though because public transportation was either not at times they needed or too much of a pain.  My brother is lucky and can borrow a friends car occasionally but there are times when even he has said he’d wish he had his own car.

Well Enterprise has a new program called Enterprise CarShare that is a car-sharing program perfect for those who need a car occasionally.  Whether you need a car for a round of errands or overnight, you can rent a car as a reasonable price that includes fuel and insurance!  There is a one-time application fee and yearly membership fee but the rates are reasonable.

I was asked to rent an Enterprise CarShare vehicle and head out on a shopping adventure with a girlfriend.  So I headed onto the Enterprise CarShare website and checked out what was available.  I found that I could rent a car nearby a huge outlet shopping center that I had never been to and was excited to check out.

Here are some pictures of my experience:

How it worked:

• First I created an account at Enterprise CarShare and I received a membership car in the mail that works as a “key” for the cars.

• I visited the Enterprise CarShare website and saw the car models available and rates.  I chose a car and reserved it.

• I headed to the location of where the car was.  The car I choose was in the parking lot right next to the CTA line stop in Rosemont, IL  by Park N’ Ride.  It would be super convenient for someone coming in from the city who wanted to do some shopping in the suburbs.

• To unlock the car you just need to hold your membership card over the card reader in the windshield.  The doors unlocked when the light turned green and I was in the car in just a minute.  Once inside the car, there is a regular key in the glove box.

• I drove the car around and for the 2.5 hours I had it my total cost was just $15.  Super affordable!

• To return the card you just put the key back in the glove box key holder where you got it, place the membership card over the car reader on the windshield and wait until the light turns red.  The doors will lock automatically and your rental will have ended.

• Enterprise even has a solution if the car needs gas – there is a pre-paid fuel card in the car.  Should you need any assistance they do have a 24/7 member services number.

Overall, I think the Enterprise CarShare program is a great idea.  The prices are affordable, there are tons of locations and you don’t have to deal with customer service associates or hours, you have the power with your membership card to open the car!  I’ve raved about the program to my friends and family in Chicago and would recommend it to anyone.  Each car used by Enterprise CarShare is even said to take 15 cars off the road, plus puts money back in your pocket.

CHECK IT OUT:  Rent a car right from your phone, desktop or tablet whenever you need it!  Currently, new members in Chicago can join with a $10 one-time application fee and we will waive the annual membership fee for the first year. Plus, new members enjoy low introductory rates of $5/hour for a limited time. You can learn more about Enterprise CarShare and how it works by visiting our site here:  http://www.enterprisecarshare.com/blogchi The URL address will direct you to the Chicago sign-up page designed specifically for this promotion.  No promo code will be necessary – by nature of using this special URL, you’ll receive the deal.  Also, the home page will have all the program info including rates, locations, eligibility, etc.

WIN IT:  (1) US winner will receive an Enterprise Car Prize Pack that includes a messenger bag, t-shirt, hat

Need help entering a giveaway?  Check out my blog post for some help!

GIVEAWAY ENTRY:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Giveaway Ends June 6, 2014.