Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on the Phil's car share scheme, read our frequently asked questions:
1. What is car-sharing?
2. What are the costs of car-sharing?
3. What are the chances of finding a perfect match to my requirements?
4. Do I have to pay to search for drivers or passengers?
5. Will my e-mail address be visible to other users?
6. How do I contact the driver/passenger?
7. How safe is car sharing?
8. Is it possible to find travelling companions of the same sex? (Single sex travelling i.e. Only females)
9. Where should I arrange to meet my travelling companions?
10. What are the insurance implications of liftsharing?
11. How do I cancel my membership?
12. How do I edit my e-mail address, password etc?
1. What is a car-sharing? (liftshare, rideshare, carpool)
Car-sharing (also called liftsharing, ridesharing and carpooling) is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows individuals to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst reducing the costs and alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution.
2. What are the costs of car-sharing?
We suggest that drivers and passengers can split the cost of petrol. Please note that drivers should not make a profit from car-sharing as in most countries this can invalidate their insurance and tax. If you have any concerns please contact your insurance company directly.
3. What are the chances of finding a perfect match to my requirements?
Tens of thousands of members have had success in finding travelling companions, and our software has been designed to help identify all possible ways of getting you from a to b.
If, however, you're having difficulty in finding a match, we suggest that you look for a travelling companion for part of your journey, and do the rest on public transport.
And remember - the more members we have, the greater the chance of finding an exact match. So make sure you tell your friends about this website, and get them to register their journeys a.s.a.p.
4. Do I have to pay to search for drivers or passengers?
It is completely free to search for travelling companions. However we suggest that drivers and passengers split the cost of each journey, or passengers contribute to the fuel costs. Drivers must not use car-sharing as a means of making a profit.
5. Will my e-mail address be visible to other users?
No, your email address is kept hidden and not shown to other members anywhere on the site.
6. How do I contact the driver/passenger?
Having selected a suitable travelling match, you should make contact (to agree a time and place to meet) using the message centre on the website. We do not recommend that you exchange home addresses (for security reasons), and we advise all members to meet in public locations such as a train station or bus station, which are easy to get to and away from, should the lift fail.
7. How safe is car sharing?
The safety of our members is a priority, and we have made our web-site as secure as we can. All members' details are stored securely in the database and only the members' intended travel information can be accessed on-line.
When it comes to travelling, every member is responsible for his or her own safety. However we do recommend that members' follow some simple security measures outlined below:
- Avoid exchanging home addresses with your travelling companion before you meet them.
- Arrange to meet in a public place.
- Inform a friend or family member of who you will be travelling with, when and to where.
- Make sure you show each other your I.D.s - passports, student cards or driving licences - so you know you're travelling with the right person.
- You are under no obligation to go ahead with any liftshare. If you have any doubts about your travelling companion, for any reason, you should avoid travelling with them.
- If you have any problems please call us immediately on (+44) (0)1953 451166 and we will endeavour help in any way that we can.
- It is your responsibility to check that the person you are sharing with has all the legal driving documents such as driving licence, car insurance, MOT and car tax.
8. Is it possible to find travelling companions of the same sex? (Single sex travelling i.e. Only females)
Yes, through our advanced search you can select male or female matches.
9. Where should I arrange to meet my travelling companions?
We recommend that you meet your travelling companions at a public place, close to public transport networks if possible so that alternative transport options are available should the lift fall through. We advise members not to meet at a home address for security reasons.
10. What are the insurance implications of liftsharing?
In most countries insurers state that car pooling will not effect an individuals car insurance. E.g. The Association of British Insurers clearly states that car-sharing won't affect the insurance of their members so long as a profit isn't made:
"Giving Lifts - All ABI motor insurers have agreed that if your passengers contribute towards your running costs your insurance cover will not be affected, as long as lifts are given in a vehicle seating eight passengers or less. This agreement does not apply if you make a profit from payments received or if carrying passengers is your business." (Source: ABI website, 2005)
Drivers with any concerns should check with their insurance company as terms and conditions may vary between insurance providers over time.
11. How do I cancel my membership?
To cancel your membership, please login to your account and click on the My Settings page and select 'Please remove my details'. All your details will be removed from the database immediately.
12. How do I edit my e-mail address, password etc?
To edit any of your personal details such as your default e-mail address or password, please click on My Settings. Your can amend your details as necessary, and the records in our database will be updated automatically. Any new details will also be e-mailed through to you for your records.