Common questions

Here are the answers to the questions we are most regularly asked. If you have additional queries please do contact us.

Why isn’t there a car club nearby?

Check the map at carclubs.org.uk to see if there is a car club in your area. If not and you would like advice on starting one, contact us.

What if a car isn’t available when I want one?

You may have to be a bit flexible about the time you book the car for, but it is rare that no cars are available. Our online system allows you to see when the car is booked already so you can change your time or try a different vehicle.

What if the car isn’t there?

If you have booked the car and it isn’t in the designated parking space call us and we will move your booking to a nearby car or provide a taxi alternative.

What if the cars get dirty or damaged?

Dirty – The cars are cleaned regularly but if they are found in an unfit state, members should make a note in the log book in the glove box and let us know so we can get it tidied.

Damaged – Note what and where the damage is in the log book. If it is serious call us so we can get it fixed as quickly as possible. If the damage is minor do use the car, but make a note of the condition of the car so we can get it repaired

Do I need car insurance?

No, full insurance is supplied on joining Commonwheels, subject to our approval.

What are the driving licence requirements?

To join Commonwheels you must have a driving licence, held for more than one year. Subject to approval – we check all licence details with the DVLA when you join.

Does Commonwheels cost less than running my own car?

For cost and other savings please see What are the benefits

Isn’t it the same as car rental?

No. The three major differences are that: cars can be borrowed for a short time rather than an entire day, they are parked near to your home or office so you don’t have to travel to an out of town depot to collect a car and reservation is done online with no need to queue or fill in forms.

Can anyone drive the cars?

Only Commonwheels members can drive the cars as only they have been through our checks and have insurance cover.

What if I get a fine?

Each member is responsible for the following:

Parking tickets – please settle these with the relevant authority. If we receive notification of fines we will forward them to the driver.

Speeding fines – if a member is caught speeding we will be sent notification by the authority which we will forward to the driver who had the car booked at that time.

Congestion Charge – there is currently no exemption for car club vehicles so if you are planning on driving in London please make sure you pay, when applicable, the charge increases if you pay it after visiting. See www.tfl.gov.uk for more detail.

Penalties will apply for late returns, damage to vehicles or cars left unfit for the next member to use. Any costs incurred by the next driver will have to be paid, as well as an administration fee.

To avoid late return fees we encourage all members to book for a few minutes longer than you expect to need the car, just in case. You’ll not be charged for the last quarter hour if the car is back in place by then.