Car sharing makes it easy to break loose from the hassles and costs of owning a car.  Imagine, no more waking up at 5 a.m. to move your car and no more circling the block time and time again looking for an opening. Car sharing is spending your Saturday with friends and family, not waiting an hour for an oil change. Car sharing is smart, convenient and inexpensive.

When you join the Brooklyn car share community, you enjoy 24/7 access to a fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles, without the traditional hassles of vehicle ownership. Forget about car payments, maintenance costs, and insurance premiums. As a car share advocate, you get to use a car without owning one.

There’s just one catch (but it’s not a big one, we promise!). When you become a member of the Brooklyn car share community you agree to abide by an unwritten code of user conduct. By showing respect for your car share vehicle, you’re directly impacting the experience of other Brooklyn car share members. The more care you show your vehicle, the easier it is for us here are Carpingo to improve our fleet and keep rates low.

When booking a Brooklyn car share vehicle, remember to abide by the following car share etiquette in order to ensure a positive experience, both for yourself and your fellow car share compatriots.

1) Take the time to understand policies.

Carpingo’s Brooklyn car share community is built around trust. Everyday, we trust our fleet of communal car shares with a growing group of strangers. As you can imagine, this isn’t something we take lightly. That’s why every member of our car share community is required to review and accept a handful of booking policies that are designed to protect you, your vehicle, and the rest of our car rental community.

These protective measures include requiring a valid driver’s license, age restrictions, and a review of your driving record. For more information on Carpingo’s terms of membership and our Brooklyn car share membership eligibility, please review our website or contact our office directly.

2) Treat your Brooklyn car share as if it was your own.

Once you drive away in one of our Brooklyn car share vehicles, you’re the one in control. We can only trust that you’ll treat our vehicles with care and respect. Members of the Carpingo community treat our vehicles as if they were their own. This means keeping the vehicle clean, not smoking, and abiding by the rules of the road.

3) Don’t skirt your responsibilities.

Our Brooklyn car share community runs smoothly when our members work together and support one another. This is accomplished when members remember to gas up the vehicle before returning it, and when they return the vehicle on time.

All Carpingo vehicles are equipped with a free fuel card. So really, there’s no excuse not to make sure there’s gas in the car before returning it. If you happen to be running late, remember that you may be able to extend your trip as log as another member hasn’t reversed the car after you. Simply follow the instructions on the car’s on-board computer to add more time to your reservation.

4) Honesty is always the best policy.

When all is said and done, the Carpingo car share community only works when people are upfront and honest. While we provide our drivers with complimentary insurance, minor damage inside and outside of the vehicle can and does happen.

As a Brooklyn car share company, we are aware of this, and so too are our members. Taking responsibility and being honest about any damages helps us to keep our rates low and enables us to ensure that every vehicle in our fleet is safe and operational. As a Carpingo community member, we ask that any scratches, dents, or strange smells be reported to our main office by calling toll-free 1-888-604-4160.

Enjoy a rewarding Brooklyn car share experience from start to finish by practicing good car share etiquette. If you have a question or concern about the program, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re always happy to introduce a new driver into our car share community.

A Quick Reminder: Carpingo’s Rules of the Road

Carpingo cars are shared by dozens of drivers. As such, we depend on one another to keep the fleet safe and clean. Before driving off on your next car share trip, remember to familiarize yourself with Carpingo’s five quick and easy Rules of the Road:

1) Inspect the Car

Report any dents, scratches, smells or low fuel to Carpingo by calling toll-free 1-888-604-4160. We won’t charge you for any damages reported before your reservation period.

2) Keep it Clean

Animals must be in carriers and food should always be kept in containers. Remember to remove all wrappers, bottles, and other garbage from the vehicle when you end your reservation.

3) Do Not Smoke

Carpingo vehicles are smoke-free. If you ever smell smoke in one of our rentals, please tell us right away.

4) Leave Gas

Brooklyn car share community members are asked to leave at least ¼ of a tank of gas in the vehicle at the end of their reservation. If you’re running low, fill up at a gas station using the fuel card that’s provided inside each Carpingo rental.

5) Return on Time

Late returns will be assessed a late fee. If you’re running late, you may be able to extend your reservation by following the on-board prompts that appear on your Brooklyn car share’s display.

Check out our rates, find a car in your neighborhood, and join our carmmunity^TM. Become a car share advocate today and enroll in the Carpingo Brooklyn car share community.

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If you live or work in Brooklyn, chances are you’ve heard people talking about Carpingo. This is because we’re one of the fastest growing car share services in New York City. Thanks to our community-focused, customer-first approach to New York car sharing, Carpingo has quickly become the preferred transportation method for many busy Brooklynites.

This is because we treat our New York car share members with care and respect. Our growing group of customers watches out for one another by abiding by the Carpingo Rules of Road and ensuring the timely use of our hourly car rental service. Clean and conscientious, Carpingo customers tidy up after themselves and make sure to fill the tank with a provided prepaid fuel card.

In return, Carpingo offers affordable membership rates, safe vehicles, and peace-of-mind insurance coverage for all of our drivers.

New York Car Share Insurance Policies at Carpingo

Drivers don’t have to have their own auto insurance policy in order to join the Carpingo community. Each of our membership levels includes basic liability insurance, which is the minimum required by New York State law. When you drive one of our cars, we provide – at no additional cost to you – the following coverage:

• General New York State liability insurance
• Up to $10,000 for property damage by an accident.

Every reservation with Carpingo automatically includes this required insurance. If an accident were to occur, the Carpingo member would be assessed a $500 deductible, meaning that drivers are responsible for the first $500 and insurance picks up anything over that, up to $10,000. This deductible fee is applicable to any damages that may occur during the time of the reservation. It applies to dents, scratches, theft, collision and third party damages or injuries.

Carpingo members are not responsible for normal maintenance issues or malfunctions. Provided you take the proper precautions to lock your vehicle and stow any valuables, you should not have to worry about theft.

Do I Need Additional Insurance?

While New York State law only requires drivers carry basic liability insurance, some of our Carpingo customers like the added security of an optional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This coverage exempts drivers from part or even all damage fees (drivers are responsible for up to $750 of damage to cars on their watch).

The nice thing about CDW coverage is that many credit card companies offer this automatically, simply forebeing a card older. Contact your credit card issuer today to see if, by purchasing your Carping membership on credit, you qualify for this additional coverage free-of-charge.

Carpingo New York Car Share customers are also given the opportunity to purchase Collision Damage Waiver coverage when placing their car share booking. This waiver allows Carpingo members to eliminate the damage fee that would be charged if their New York car share vehicle were damaged or stolen. This coverage can be purchased for $9 a day or for $2 an hour, whichever option is cheapest for the customer.

What Doesn’t My New York Car Share Insurance Cover?

Damages will not be covered by the insurance policy if New York car share members violate the usage rules during their rental period. In these cases, Carpingo members will be held responsible for any repairs. Non-members who drive a Carpingo vehicle are also not covered by the basic liability insurance.

Carpingo members will be held responsible for any interior vehicle damage, such as ripped upholstery, stains, scratches or strange smells. New York car share customers will also be liable for:

• any damages to tires and wheels;
• broken or lost keys;
• damages caused by driving the vehicle off the road, and/or
• damages incurred by trying to use the wrong type of fuel.

Help Keep Our Vehicles in Tip-Top Shape

As a New York car share community, we rely on our members to communicate any damages they find on either the interior or exterior of their vehicle. This information helps us to keep our prices down and our vehicles safe and presentable. The Carpingo team keeps extensive records on all of our New York car share members and vehicles in order to make sure that repairs are dwelt with and damage costs are assessed fairly. As a Carpingo member, we encourage you to make note of any issue with your vehicle, and to submit any photos of damages that you come across when picking up your car share vehicle. Together, we can keep the Carpingo fleet looking good and running smoothly!

If you have any questions concerning the insurance coverage offered by Carpingo and whether it works for your personal needs, please consult with a licensed insurance agent. You can also have them call our office directly 718-509-1800. Automotive insurance can be confusing after all, and we want to make sure that you’re fully protected when behind the wheel of one of our New York car share vehicles.

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Car sharing services are quickly revolutionizing our traditional understanding of personal transportation. Why go to the expense of buying, maintaining, insuring and parking your own car when you can easily book one at a moment’s notice and use it only when necessary?

Whether you’re a Brooklynite in need of wheels on a regularly basis or a student at Long Island University in need of a car once or twice a month, NYC car sharing with Carpingo can improve your commute without increasing your expenses. In fact, we’re confident that we have a plan for every kind of New York City driver.

What Kind of NYC Driver Are You?

Almost every New York City car owner falls into one of the following categories. Find which one suits your commuting needs to better understand what Carpingo membership level is right for you.

The City Slicker

The City Slicker lives in a hip and happening area of Brooklyn. As such, all of the amenities that they need are located right in their neighborhood. And while these urbanites love their loft apartment or beautiful brownstone, they’ve come to find that parking in their neighborhood is nonexistent. If they aren’t circling the block time and time again looking for an opening, they’re waking up at the crack of dawn to avoid a ticket.

As a City Slicker, you probably ask yourself why you’re wasting money keeping a car in the first place. If only you didn’t make those handful of random trips in and out of the borough each month. The L trainis always crowded, and the cab fare alone is enough to convince you to keep your car on the road.

For these occasional commuters, Carpingo recommends our popular Pay As You ‘Pingo membership level. Pay As You ‘Pingo members enjoy their first year free and there’s no monthly fee. Simply pay the $25 application fee and you’ll enjoy NYC car sharing rates starting at just $8 an hour. While the hourly rental rate is cheaper on some of our other plans, the free first year of membership and non-existent monthly fee makes this the perfect option for low-mileage Brooklynites.

The Weekend Warrior

The Weekend Warrior lives for Friday night. Whether it’s hanging out with friends on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg or catching a game with buddies at a bar in Midtown, your social calendar is jam-packed once the workweek comes to a close.  Too bad you spend so much of your time and money on public transportation; if only you had your own vehicle, you’d be able to squeeze even more fun into your overflowing itinerary of activities.

Luckily Carpingo can help you make the most of your time, without burning through your bank account. With the City Saver membership, you’ll enjoy NYC car sharing weekend rates from just $10 an hour. You can even take advantage of Midnight Madness rates (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.) for just $6 an hour Friday through Sunday – perfect for when the late night munchies hit you. Brooklyn residents will be hard pressed to find a monthly car insurance plan for less than the $50 Carpingo prepaid membership (which is banked to your account and applied towards your driving credit) and one-time $25 application fee, so why saddle yourself with the unnecessary responsibility of a personal vehicle? With a City Saver Carpingo membership, you’ll enjoy the freedom of your own car every weekend, without the added expense.

Young and Mobile

Young and Mobile New Yorkers have places to be and people to see. Unfortunately, their wallets are often lacking the funds needed to get from Point A to Point B. Often a student, but perhaps a recent grad, Young and Mobile New Yorkers are often forced to bum a ride off of friends, or risk spending their free time stuck in their dorm room or apartment.

If a tight budget has you stuck home alone, consider the Starter Saver membership plan from Carpingo. This membership has the lowest monthly-prepaid commitment (just $25) and provides you with access to our fleet of NYC car sharing vehicles for just $7.50 an hour. So what are you waiting for? The world is your oyster with the Starter Saver membership option from Carpingo.

The Chauffeur

The Chauffeur is always on the road. Whether it’s driving kids to basketball camp, or running suits to the dry cleaners, the Chauffeur is rarely seen without a set of keys in hand. However, the financial strain of having two cars to one household can often cause this type of New York City commuter a lot of undue stress. If only there was a way to secure an hourly car rental on a consistent basis…

Now, thanks to the Pro Saver plan from Carpingo, you can! This membership level offers the most affordable weekday hourly rate (just $6.50) with a daily reservation rate of just $65 from Monday through Thursday (or $99 for Friday through Sunday). Talk about a convenient NYC car sharing offer!

What kind of NYC commuter are you? Review our NYC car sharing rates today and save! Join the Carpingo car share community now!

The post NYC Car Sharing: Share No Matter What Your Driving Requirements appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

Of course you have questions.

As a first time car share customer, you’d be crazy not to want a little more information before your drove away in someone else’s car. That’s why we put together the following blog post. While it doesn’t cover some of the more technical aspects of our membership (you can find answers to those on our main FAQ page), this post will help introduce you to the world of car sharing in Brooklyn.

Have a question that isn’t answered here? Then give us a shout – we’re always happy to provide a new car share Brooklyn community member with information and advice.

Q. Isn’t “car sharing” just a fancy way to say I’m renting a car?

A. No, actually. Car sharing differs from car renting in a number of distinct ways. If you’re interested in joining the car share Brooklyn community at Carpingo it’s because you’re looking for a long-term solution for your vehicle needs. For example, many of our members have decided to downsize their household from two cars to one, and use Carpingo for those days when an additional vehicle is necessary. People join the car share Brooklyn community because they need the freedom of a vehicle but wish to avoid the hassles of owning their own car. If you’re looking for a one-time solution, you’d be better served making a reservation with our Brooklyn car rental partner, AllCar Rent-A-Car.

Q. How will I know if car sharing is right for me?

A. Brooklyn car share members come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. With that being said, all of our members have a few things in common. First, they want to save money. Car share Brooklyn members are budget savvy and understand that the cost of occasionally booking a car with Carpingo is far more economical than monthly insurance premiums, ongoing maintenance expenses, and sky-high fuel costs. They also like the convenience of a personal vehicle, but don’t want the hassle that goes along with owning one. Car share Brooklyn members also want to do their part to protect the planet and are committed to alternative forms of commuting. So, if you’re tired of spending money on taxis and are looking for something more convenient than public transportation, car sharing could be right up your alley!

Q. How long in advance do I need to reserve a car?

A. If possible, always plan ahead by at least one or two days. As soon as you know you’re in need of a car, let us know. This will ensure access to more cars and provide you with more flexibility concerning your pickup. However, sometimes planning just isn’t possible. If that’s the case, don’t worry! You can book a last minute car share Brooklyn vehicle with Carpingo with as little as 30 minutes to go before you need to pick it up.

It’s worth noting that we monitor car share Brooklyn usage rates at all of our locations. As such, if usage is consistently high in a certain area, we’ll look into adding an additional vehicle to this fleet in order to better accommodate user demand.

Q. How long can I have a car?

A. As long as the vehicle is available, you can reserve it for as long as you need it. This is another reason why it’s important that you book your car share Brooklyn trip as far in advance as possible. With that being said, the average reservation period is roughly two hours.

Q. Can I use a Carpingo car for a one-way trip?

A. Carpingo’s car share fleet is designed for round-trip use. As such, we require that you return your vehicle to the spot where you picked it up.

Q. Which rate plan is right for me?

A.  If you need help deciding on a rate plan, check out this useful article.

Q. Will my car come with gas?

A. Yes! Carpingo members are required to leave at least a ¼ tank of gas in a car share vehicle following their reservation. What’s more, each car share Brooklyn vehicle comes equipped with a fuel card, just in case you’re ever running low.

Q. How nice are the vehicles? (Can I pick up my boss or girlfriend in one?)

A. The Carpingo fleet is made up entirely of new vehicle makes and models. Our vehicles are kept in tip-top shape thanks to our community of responsible and respectful members. The Carpingo team also performs regular maintenance on the entire fleet of vehicles in order to ensure they’re running properly. This includes inspecting the steering, tires, fluids and other safety features.

Q. Can I use a Carpingo car for work?

A. Absolutely! If your business is interested in ditching the company car for a smarter, cleaner, and more economical option, now’s your chance! Check out our business rates and membership options today.

Q. Do I have to pay more for this insurance coverage?

A. No. Insurance costs are covered in your membership fee.

Q. I have to take my dog to the vet; can I use a Carpingo car for this task?

A. Yes, provided you leave the vehicle as clean as it was when you picked it up. We also ask that you keep your pet crated in the vehicle.

The post Car Share Brooklyn First Time Questions appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

But that was then, and things have changed. Now, instead of mulling over which car to buy, Americans are now asking themselves whether or not they need a car at all.

The mix of a depressed New York car share economy, increased environmental awareness, and the rise of dis-ownership  has put a serious cramp in car enthusiasm. What started out as a small car-free movement has now taken the nation by storm, spawning alternative transportation options in practically every major metropolis, including right here in Brooklyn. Affordable, convenient and environmentally sound, more and more Big Apple residents are opting for New York car share transportation options – so why aren’t you?

Interested in joining the car-free movement? There’s never been a better time to throw away your keys and commit to the car share community. The following are a few simple tips to help make your shift to car-free living as easy as possible.

New York Car Share – How to Live Car-Free Tips

Tip #1 – Plan Trips Wisely

If you’re going to swap the convenience of your personal vehicle for a greener (and cheaper) New York car share option, planning will become a critical part of your daily routine. Making multiple trips to a grocery store in Williamsburg because you forgot the milk is easy when you have your own car. It can be a tad trickier to coordinate when you’re relying on public transit or a communal car share program.

Tip #2 – Break Old Habits

Did you know:

• 41 percent of urban trips in the U.S. cover a distance of less than 2 miles?
• 90 percent of those trips are made by car?
• 6 percent of them are made on foot?
• Less than 1 percent of these trips are made on bicycle?

Resisting the urge to grab your keys and go is tough when you have a vehicle taking up space in your driveway. Oddly enough, when you don’t have a personal vehicle staring you in the face, it’s easy to cut out these trips and be more conscientious of your driving habits. Our New York car share members have found this to be a beneficial side effect of joining the Carpingo community. Now, instead of driving around the corner for a late night snack in Crown Heights, our members make an effort to drive only when it’s absolutely necessary.

Tip #3 – It’s Not Where You’re Going, But How You Get There

The next time you’re planning to head out to visit a friend or run an errand in Fort Greene, consider whether or not a car is really necessary. If it isn’t, why not opt for a more adventurous form of transportation – like your bike or roller blades for instance? Sure, you’ll lose a little bit of the convenience and ease that driving offers, but the fresh air and fun that you’ll experience is always more enjoyable.

Tip #4 – Know Your Options

Living car-free doesn’t mean that you have to deny yourself the convenience of a personal vehicle. With Carpingo’s New York car share memberships, you’re never more than a click away from a safe, reliable and affordable temporary rental. Cheaper than a taxi, and more convenient than the subway or city bus, a Carpingo New York car share vehicle makes it easy to run errands according to your schedule.

Why We Should All Live Car-Free

It’s no secret that driving isn’t good for the environment, society, or us. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Driving a private car is probably a typical citizen’s most “polluting” daily activity.”

And that’s just the beginning.

The following are just a few statistics concerning personal vehicle usage in the United States. Imagine how much good could be accomplished if we all pledged to throw away our keys and focus our efforts on a car-free lifestyle?

• Number of U.S. cities (1000+ Population) in which 100% of households own a car (2000 census): 155 (source: www.bikesatwork.com)
• Average cost per year of owning and operating a vehicle (2008): $8,095 (source: United States Department of Transportation)
• Average percentage of household income Americans spend on transportation costs each year (2007): 17.65% (source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Number of minutes per day the average American reports spending behind the wheel (2007): 87 (source: Gallup News Service)
• Amount of time the average 16 year-old American will spend driving a car in his or her lifetime (Figure based on 87 minutes per day average driving-time and a 77.8 year life-expectancy): 3.73 years (source: Gallup News Service and the United States Census)

For decades, city planners have focused on creating car-centric communities. From suburbs to strip malls, drive-through restaurants and gigantic parking lots, we’ve become accustom to accommodating the thousands of cars that crowd our urban centers.

Experience a different way of commuting. Start down the path to car-free living by joining Carpingo today.

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If the daily grind has you pulling your hair out, it might be time to rethink your approach. If you’re not careful, you can waste more than half of your spare time in your car driving from one of end of Brooklyn to the other. Wouldn’t you rather be spending that time relaxing, exercising or having fun with friends? That’s where a Carpingo Brooklyn car share comes into play!

Get your priorities straight. Accomplish your errands faster, easier and with less stress. Book a Carpingo Brooklyn car share today and complete your to-do list in just a few short hours. Here’s how to streamline your errands into one quick and efficient trip:

You Can Use a Brooklyn Car Share For…

1)    Group Errands

The golden rule of efficient errand running? Never, under any circumstance, run a single errand at a time. You’ll save time, energy, and stress by grouping your errands into intuitive groups. Write down all of the errands that require your attention this week. Are any located in the same neighborhood? Are any time sensitive? Simply having a plan can help you eliminate a ton of wasted time.

2)    Know When to Run Your Errands

Avoid long lines and traffic congestion by booking one of our Brooklyn car share vehicles during so-called “quiet times” (in other words, any time but on the weekend). Dropping your dry cleaning off during your lunch break, or grabbing some groceries on the way home from the office will help you avoid the crush of crowds and leave your weekends open for activities of your own choosing.

3)    Designate an Errand Center in Your Home

You’re not the only person in your home that has errands to run. Instead of tackling your to-do lists separately, combine them by creating a designated errand area in your home. This is where library books that need to be returned, or packages that need to be mailed, should be stored. This way, whenever someone is about to run out the door, they can quickly scan to see what errands need to be run.  If you’re lucky, you’ll have everything crossed off of your to-do list without even lifting a finger!

4)    Buy in Bulk

Grocery shopping in Brooklyn Heights can suck hours out of your life every month. The less time you have to spend browsing the aisles at the supermarket, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the things that really matter to you. The next time you’re out running errands in your Brooklyn car share, consider stocking up on mundane, non-perishable items (things like toilet paper, toothpaste, cat litter, etc.). Worried that storage space might be too tight in your Cobble Hill row house or Manhattan Beach condo? Most of these items will slip under your bed without much trouble.

5)    Keep Your Kids Out of the Mix

Toddler temper tantrums can really throw your daily routine for a loop. If possible, avoid tackling your to-do list with a testy child in the backseat of your Brooklyn car share. Instead, try and run some of your errands after your child has been put down for the night. Try it – you’ll be in and out of the supermarket in half the time it takes with children in tow.

If you can’t remove your kids from the errand equation, the least you can do is diffuse the situation with a few standard distractions. So stock your Brooklyn car share with snacks and toys. This will help you avoid meltdowns in the middle of Midtown. You can also combine errands with an afternoon outing to the park or some other child-friendly attraction (a quick cone at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory perhaps?). Simply extend your Brooklyn car share reservation using the on-board display.

6)    Be Tech-savvy

There are literally hundreds of apps out there designed to help you manage your to-do list and improve your errand efficiency. From online banking apps to restaurant reservations, the worldwide web can help you handle a seemingly infinite number of tasks, most of them from the comfort of your couch!

7)    Treat Yourself Right

Children aren’t the only ones who might need a little motivation during an afternoon of errand running. It’s normal to feel stressed and frustrated after waiting for an hour at the DMV. So go grab yourself a latte at Café Grumpy in Greenpoint, or a gourmet doughnut at Dough in Bed Stuy. This little pick-me-up will make it easier for you to complete the remaining items on your to-do list.

Getting everything done on your to-do list may seem like an impossible undertaking. But don’t let that discourage you. Once you learn how to better organize your tasks it will only be a matter of time before you find yourself freed from the confines of your car and the constant crush of errands by Carpingo’s Brooklyn car share service.

Get your errands done quicker behind the wheel of a Brooklyn car share vehicle. Join Carpingo today to start taking advantage of our convenient pay-per-use car share program.

The post Brooklyn Car Share – Completing Your Daily Errands Faster appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

New York Car Share and the Shared Economy

It’s called the Shared Economy, and it’s the biggest shift in attitudes to happen since the consumerism caused by the industrial revolution. Instead of taking pride in what they own, New Yorker’s are now enjoying more value by owning less property. It’s a move that’s changing not only the social fabric of our vibrant city; it has the potential to redefine the American dream. From Carpingo’s New York car share to alternative energy and co-working spaces, sharing is the new standard of success in New York… and it’s something we couldn’t be more excited about!

We Live in a Sharable World

Dis-ownership isn’t about denying yourself the luxuries in life, rather, it’s a re-imagining of life’s necessities. Driven by online social networks, the concept of sharing and collaboration has become increasingly ingrained into our everyday lifestyles. Today, people are realizing that they can enjoy almost all of the benefits of owning, without any of the hassles or costs of buying. At Carpingo, our New York car share programs make it easier for you to avoid costly insurance and maintenance costs, but still enable you to enjoy the freedom of a personal vehicle.

For the first time in a long time, the mantra of “I want, I need, I must have,” is starting to fade. Stuff is no longer the ultimate status symbol. Now, it’s what you’re smart enough not to own that sets you apart from the crowd.

It’s Not Just Generational

Baby Boomers and members of Generation Y alike are embracing a less materialistic outlook on life. Today, “owning” something doesn’t necessarily mean it has to have a permanent place in your life.  According to Strengths Doctors, a consulting firm that focuses on changing values, millennial and middle-aged soccer moms alike are experiencing an evolution of consciousness. Facilitated by technology (practically every one of us has something on the “cloud” – that ethereal arena where modern entertainment now resides), dis-ownership is impacting practically every American demographic.

After living through the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, more and more people are embracing the fact that relationships and experiences are far more important than material possessions. As such, boomers and millennial alike are taking a new approach to their purchasing decisions.  While more and more members of Generation Y are avoiding investing in personal vehicles, fewer Boomers are traveling and buying luxury items, preferring instead to downsize and move closer to their children.

While it’s common for cultural shifts to start with members of the younger generation, it appears that the Shared Economy has become a mainstream mentality.

What Does it Really Mean to Own Something?

When it comes down to it, people just aren’t that excited about owning things anymore. “Pride of ownership” is no longer something that is strived for. This is partially a side effect of our credit culture; today we can buy what we want, when we want, simply by pulling out our credit card and charging it to our account. Gone is the anticipation, planning and waiting to purchase and own something prestigious.

Green is the New Black

When you get more by owning less, not only do you save money, but you also help contribute to a greener future. At Carpingo, we’re committed to both convenience and environmental consciousness. By sharing a Carpingo New York car share, members have more access, making driving cheaper, greener and more enjoyable for everyone involved. As our New York car share membership increases, we’re confident that the number of cars on Brooklyn’s roadways will decrease, alleviating traffic congestion and unnecessary air pollution.

Now It’s All About Access

The best way to explain the Shared Economy and the rise of dis-ownership is through the understanding of access. While we used to buy records and record players, we now buy a smartphone that allows us to access an almost infinite amount of music online. Sure, we still “own” the phone, but that’s actually secondary – it’s what the phone enables use to do that matters. Our New York car share service is very similar.

The same goes with cars. It’s where the car takes you that’s important – not the car itself. With a Carpingo New York car share membership, you enjoy the freedom of a car, but only when you need it. Can you image what that could mean for car culture in general? Ensuing changes could be drastic, ultimately reorganizing our entire economy and even the design of our car-centric cities.

Isn’t it time you let go of your materialistic side?

Join Carpingo’s New York car share service today (right now, our popular Pay As You ‘Pingo plan is FREE to join for the first year) and become a member of the Shared Economy.

The post New York Car Share – The Rise of Dis-Ownership appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

The concept is simple: make a fleet of affordable, reliable vehicles available to a community of in-need drivers. Members of the community then share these vehicles in order to reduce emissions, alleviate costs, and avoid unnecessary traffic congestion.

In Brooklyn, we call it Carpingo, and right now you can join our growing community of conscious carthusiasts for just $25.

Sharing is Car-ing

It’s no secret that New York residents spend a lot of time and money trying to get from point A to point B. The combination of costly gas and cruddy parking conditions in the city is enough to drive anyone mad.

That’s why we created Carpingo. By removing costly overheard from car travel, we’ve effectively democratized personalized transportation through our quick and easy online carsharing reservation system.

And for a limited time only, we’re letting you access our entire fleet for FREE.

Carpingo’s First Year FREE Pay As You ‘Pingo offer gives you the freedom of a car, but only when you need it. Join Carpingo today and we’ll waive your membership fee, providing you with 365 days of free Brooklyn car share usage. Simply pay the $25 application fee and you’ll enjoy one full year of 24/7 access to more than 25 car sharing locations throughout Brooklyn.

Already active in our Carpingo community? Then guess what? We’re going to waive your membership fee for the rest of the year! It’s our little way of saying thank you for sharing and car-ing.

Improving Your Community One Car at a Time

At Carpingo, we believe in the power of sharing. That’s why we’ve fused the personality, responsibility and ease of a Brooklyn car share community with the efficiency and expertise of our trusted car rental counterparts, AllCar Rent-A-Car. Whether you’re running errands in your neighborhood or heading across town, as a Carpingo member you’ll have access to a safe, affordable and environmentally friendly Brooklyn car share experience.

With Carpingo’s First Year Free promo, you can own the road without worrying about traditional car rental or ownership costs. Simply sign up with Carpingo and away you go. Instead of paying an arm and a leg to park, insure, maintain and fuel your personal vehicle, you can share a car with hundreds of other New Yorkers for as little as $8.00 an hour. We believe you’ll love Carpingo so much that you’ll replace your personal vehicle with our convenient Brooklyn car share option indefinitely! Simply visit www.carpingo.com and sign up for our Pay As You ‘Pingo plan. No coupon or discount code required. We’ll immediately set you up in our system and send you your FREE Carpingo membership card – it’s your key to unlock dozens of Brooklyn car share vehicles around town!

It’s our goal at Carpingo to keep New Yorkers on the road in the easiest and most convenient way possible. That’s why we’re offering our most popular rental plan FREE to new members.

Become a Member of our Brooklyn Car Share Family

Carpingo cars are shared by an infinite number of drivers. A community of conscientious and caring carthusiasts, Carpingo’s customers respect our vehicles and respect one another. That’s how we’re able to keep our rates low, cars available and maintenance completely free.

Before driving off in your Carpingo Brooklyn car share for the first time, do yourself a favor and follow our 5 Rules of the Road:

1. Inspect the Car – keep an eye out for any dents, damage, or strange smells. If you see something, give us a call toll free at 1-888-604-4160 and we’ll make sure not to charge for you for the repairs.
2. Keep it Clean – Remember to leave your Carpingo vehicle in the same state that you found it. Take all food wrappers, bottles, etc. with you when you drop your vehicle of at its designated parking spot. Also, if you’re taking pets along for the ride remember to keep them properly crated.
3. Don’t Smoke – Smoking is not permitted in Carpingo cars. If you smell smoke in your vehicle, let us know a.s.a.p.!
4. Gas it Up – Remember to leave at least 1/4 of a tank of gas in your Brooklyn car share vehicle when you end your reservation. If you’re running low, simply grab the fuel card that’s located inside the vehicle. Carpingo members never have to pay for their own gas!
5. Return on Time – Running late? Check your Carpingo’s on-board display to see if you can extend your reservation. Late returns will be charged a late fee.

Who needs a car when there’s a safe and affordable Carpingo vehicle waiting for you around the corner? We’re confident there’s a Carpingo location near your Brooklyn and Long Island City neighborhood. Check out our interactive map to located a Brooklyn car share vehicle near you at www.carpingo.com/cars

And don’t forget, new locations have recently opened in Williamsburg on Graham Avenue, as well as in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens at the former site of Ebbet’s Field.

Carpingo makes driving cheaper, streets cleaner and people happier with every trip. Join today to take advantage of our limited time First Year Free Pay As You ‘Pingo offer!

The post Brooklyn Car Share – Pay As You ‘Pingo Changing the way Brooklyn commutes appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

Carpingo, your hometown Brooklyn car share company,  is ringing in 2013 with brand new locations in the southern neighborhoods of Brooklyn, New York.

In the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, we’re just across from the busy and popular Brooklyn Junction Mall  featuring Target, and a hop, skip and a jump from the Brooklyn College campus. Our three cars, a family-friendly Dodge Caravan, a sleek Ford Focus and a parking space-friendly Fiat 500 are in an open lot with 24/7 access located at 1625 Flatbush Ave, between Avenues H and I. Our East Flatbush cars are are a short stroll from the Brooklyn College Station on the number 2 or number 5 subway lines.

In Midwood, there’s a Hyundai Sonata and a Toyota Corolla carveniently^TM parked in a residential driveway at  1397 E 18^th St. It’s close to the Avenue M subway station on the Q line.

And hello, Brighton Beach, Coney Island and Gravesend! At the convergence of Shell Road, Neptune Ave and 8^th Street near the Luna Park Houses, Trump Village Shopping Center, Touro College and the landmark St. Paul’s Evangelical Church, you’ll find a Mazda 6 and a Honda Civic parked outside in this complex.  The exact address is 2955 Shell Road. The Neptune Avenue subway station on the F line is close by.

Join Free in January

We hope you’ll try Carpingo in these new locations, and that you enjoy the proximity and carvenience^TM close to where you live, work, shop or attend school, synagogue or church.  Whether you rent by the hour, overnight or by the day, Carpingo always included free gas, 180 miles and basic insurance coverage. That’s the Carpingo car share advantage.

Give us your feedback, and please be kind enough to spread the word to your friends. It’s Join Free January, so first year membership and application fees are waived until January 31, 2013. Be sure to tell your friends and families and give Carpingo a test drive!

The post Brooklyn Car Share Community Carpingo – New Year, New Locations! appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.

‘Tis the season to get gifted! 

Here’s how:

LIKE us on Facebook and you’ll be entered to WIN

We’re giving out 12 days of prizes Dec 10 – 22

Every day, for 12 days, we’re picking winners from our Facebook fans to receive a prize. There’ll be new prizes every day, so check our posts for details daily! (Hint: we’ve got tickets to hot shows and events,gift certificates T-shirts, driving credits and more.)

Post a holiday greeting on our wall — your Christmas or Chanukah wish list, a song, a card, a ho-ho-ho and you’ll double your chances of winning!

Help us get to 500 Likes! Spread the “Like” Cheer and Get More Gifts:

If we reach 500 Likes by Dec 31, 2012, EVERYBODY, current members and members-to-be, will receive $20 in driving credits.  Joining Carpingo is FREE for a limited time, so take advantage of our holiday driving offer and unwrap the gift of holiday driving! That’s a few extra hours of shopping, party-hopping and family visits on us! So tell your family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances about Carpingo car share and let’s rock the holidays with free driving!

As your NYC hometown car share, we’re here to make your holiday driving affordable, flexible and fun. With Carpingo, gas, miles and insurance are always included, so rent with less stress this season!

We have even more holiday surprises in store, so stay in touch on social media and subscribe to our e-newsletter for special deals and updates.

Happy ho-ho-holidays, NYC, from your friends at Carpingo!

Our Contest and Promotion Fine Print

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Twitter. You are providing your information to Carpingo and not to Facebook or Twitter. The information you provide will only be used for Carpingo.

Users creating multiple accounts in order to win prizes  will be deemed ineligible and may have their accounts suspended by Twitter or Facebook. We accept one entry per day, per contestant.  You must be 18 years or older to enter the contest.

Driving credits prizes must be redeemed by March 31, 2012.

Carpingo is not responsible for content posted or uploaded by contestants.

The post Like Carpingo on Facebook and Unwrap Holiday Prizes! appeared first on Carpingo - New York car share community.