[prima-facie]

I've rented Zipcars here in the UK many times and never encountered this.

The cars have a key in the glove compartment. After you initially unlock it at the beginning of your reservation you take that key with you. You put it back in at the end of the reservation. In between you use it to unlock like a regular car key/fob.

Am I missing something here?

Edit:

https://support.zipcar.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/360001460928-...

> The key is in the glovebox in ALL vehicles. Throughout your reservation you should use the key to lock and unlock the doors. For a vehicle that has a start button instead of a key, the Zipcard or app can be used throughout the reservation to lock and unlock the doors.

OK so this situation is plausible when the car doesn't have an actual key.

[Kneecaps07]

Technically, according to their rules, you are supposed to leave the key in the car. I didn't think anyone actually paid attention to that rule.

[prima-facie]

You're supposed to put it back _at the end of the reservation_. Not every time you lock the car.

[mcguire]

Given human nature, I'd assume you would be missing the key frequently.

Many of the reported issues seem to involve renewing an expired reservation. Also, how's your cell coverage there?

[prima-facie]

You will be charged quite a bit if the key is missing at the end of your reservation. They do have your ID, driving license, and credit card on file after all.