Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Who is Communauto?

Communauto is the oldest carsharing service in North America, and one of the most important in the world. It has over 23,000 subscribers who share over 1,100 vehicles in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Gatineau.

What is the P2P program?

The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program is a service offered by Communauto. This program allows vehicle owners to make their personal vehicle available to Communauto subscribers.

Which sectors are targeted by the pilot project?

Initially, Communauto will implant the P2P program in two sectors. The two targeted sectors are the neighbourhoods of Rosemont in Montreal, and Saint-Foy in Quebec.

What is a subscriber?

A Communauto subscriber is a registered user who meets the Communauto eligibility criteria.

What is a participating owner?

It is a vehicle owner, registered with Communauto as a participating owner for the P2P program, who makes their personal vehicle available to Communauto subscribers in exchange for monetary compensation.

What is Réservauto?

Reservauto is the online reservation module for Communauto vehicles.

  • If you are a subscriber to Communauto, it will allow you to reserve a vehicle of the Communauto fleet, or a private vehicle with the P2P program.
  • If you are a P2P participating owner, it will allow you to make your vehicle available to Communauto subscribers.

What are the general usage regulations for the shared cars?

All Communauto subscribers are to respect the Rules & Regulations for the use of vehicles for all borrowed cars, including the vehicles of the participating owners of the P2P program.

How can I trust the person using my car?

Each Communauto subscriber goes through a rigorous verification process to ensure their reliability. In particular, Communauto evaluates each driver's credit report, SAAQ driving record and automobile claims.

How can I trust the participating owners’ vehicles?

The Communauto subscribers will be able to evaluate their P2P experience by posting positive or negative comments – moderated by Communauto – towards the participating owner. In addition, participating owners’ vehicles that are older than 48 months are put through a rigorous inspection and are certified before being allowed into the P2P program, and will be inspected on a yearly basis in subsequent years.

I am an owner

Eligibility

Am I eligible for the P2P (Peer-to-Peer) program?

To be eligible for the program, you must be:

  • An individual ready to make your personal vehicle available to Communauto subscribers;
  • 18 years old or more;
  • The owner of your vehicle;
  • The owner of a mobile phone;
  • A client of La Capitale General Iinsurance for your car insurance. Certain conditions are applicable. For more information about this topic, please communicate with La Capitale General Insurance.

Is the vehicle I want to share eligible for the program?

To be eligible it must:

  • Be less than 48 months old (based on the date the car has first been put on the road). If the vehicle is 48 months old or more, it must pass a mechanical inspection in one of Communauto’s accredited mechanical shops. An inspection must then be done every 12 months;
  • Always be clean and in a good working condition when it is available for use to subscribers;
  • Have an automatic transmission (manual transmission is not accepted);
  • Have winter tires during the scheduled periods by law (15th of December to the 15th of March);
  • Not be a leased car;
  • Be supplied by regular gasoline (diesel vehicles are not accepted);
  • Not be a vehicle belonging to one of the following categories: SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), station wagon, pick-up truck, van, based on the car classification done by Natural Resources Canada.

Can I register more than one vehicle on my account?

Yes.

Registration

How can I register to the program?

You must fill out the online registration form.

You must indicate, among other things, the characteristics of your car and the place where the subscribers will take possession of the keys.

After analyzing your file, a P2P account number will be given to you, as well as a password, which will allow you to display your car’s availabilities on the online reservation module.

What are the registration and usage costs of the P2P program for the owner?

The registration and the participation of the participating owners are free.

However, the inspection costs conducted before the registration of a vehicle that is older than 48 months, or the annual inspections, are to the owner’s expense.

Can I register both as an owner and as a subscriber?

Yes. To do so, you must perform both registrations separately.

1- Register yourself as a subscriber at  www.communauto.com/sinscrire_ENG.html
2- Register yourself as a P2P participating owner at www.communauto.com/PEP/sinscrire_ENG.html

Can I chose to whom I rent my car?

Yes. When you register, you have the possibility of making your car available to all subscribers, or to a pool of people you know (however they must all be Communauto subscribers).

If you wish, you may also ban certain subscribers from accessing your car by using the option “Ban access to my car” on Réservauto. By activating this function, your decision will be kept confidential and your car’s availabilities will no longer be shown to the subscriber in question.

Insurance

Do I need to have a special automobile insurance to be eligible for this program?

Your vehicle needs to be insured by La Capitale General Insurance to be eligible for the P2P program. Certain conditions apply. For more information on this topic, please communicate with La Capitale General Insurance.

If a subscriber has an accident with my car, is it going to affect my insurance record?

No. If an accident occurs involving a Communauto subscriber with a loaned vehicle, the damages will be covered by Communauto’s insurance policy. For more information on this subject, please communicate with La Capitale General Insurance.

Compensation

What amount will I be paid for the reservations made with my vehicle?

You will be paid $1.67 per hour, up to $20.04 a day + 10¢ per kilometre. This amount is applicable for all car models, regardless of where you live. The payment per kilometre may be increased according to fluctuations in the price of gas.

When and how will I be paid?

You will be paid once a month, by cheque.

Will I receive an additional amount if the subscriber returns my car late?

Yes. You will receive $10 for every hour your car is late, up to a maximum of $50.

Should I pay taxes on the revenues generated by the rental of my car?

Yes. More information coming soon.

Does the compensation of a reservation vary based on the model of my car?

No.

Who pays for the gas?

The owner pays for gas. Before each reservation, your car’s gas tank must be half full in summer and three quarters full in winter (1st of December to the 31st of March).

If a subscriber fills up the tank, the costs will be credited to the subscriber and deducted from your revenue. The owner must keep all the justificatory pieces (trip coupons, gas receipts…) and must present them to Communauto on demand; these must be kept up to a year after the transaction. The owner must respect the conservation periods of the justification pieces.

Logistics

How do I make my vehicle available to the subscribers?

You must connect yourself to Réservauto with your P2P account number and password. Choose the tab “Make my vehicle available”, and select the desired time slots.

Can I change my mind and make my vehicle unavailable after having displayed it in the reservation system?

  • If your vehicle has not been reserved, you may remove your car’s availability at no cost;
  • If your vehicle is already reserved, you cannot cancel the availability offer less than 48 hours before the start of the reservation except if there is an exceptional situation (car failure, accident, theft, etc.) which would hinder the use of the vehicle;
  • If your car is already reserved, you can cancel the availability offer of your car if you warn the subscriber 48 hours before the reservation starts, however a negative note will show up on your public file.

Does my car have to be available for a minimum period of time?

Yes. You must make your vehicle available for a minimum of 1 hour.

There is no maximum rental time for your vehicle.

Do I have to make my vehicle available a minimum number of times to be able to participate?

No.

What delay does the subscriber have to reserve my vehicle?

The subscriber has until a certain hour, which, by default is, 21:00 (9pm) on the eve of the reservation day. This delay can be changed when setting up the availability of your vehicle for reservations. Past this specified hour, your availability offer will no longer be shown to subscribers.

What do I have to leave in the vehicle before every reservation?

When you loan your vehicle, it should be clean, in good mechanical condition and free of your personal belongings. As well, you should include the following items in the vehicle:

  • In the glove compartment, an "Info-Coffre" containing:
    • An up-to-date sheet showing the general state of the vehicle, with all existing damages identified;
    • A trip coupon book;
    • An envelope to deposit the completed trip coupons and the justification pieces, if needed;
    • The insurance certificate related to Communauto’s insurance policy.
  • A pen;
  • The manufacturer’s manual;
  • The vehicle’s license plate certification;
  • Windshield washer fluid;
  • In the winter: a shovel and a snow brush.

How is the exchange of key(s) supposed to happen?

At the start and end of every reservation, the subscriber and the participating owner must meet at the arranged location to exchange the keys. The end time can be fixed or variable if it is contained within the defined reservation time slot.

When the car keys are exchanged:

  • The owner of the car checks the subscriber’s identity with his driver’s license and his Communauto subscriber card;
  • The owner then gives the keys of the vehicle to the subscriber;
  • The owner communicates all information relevant to the vehicle or to the reservation.
  • NOTE: the subscriber may arrive up to 15 minutes before the beginning of the selected time slot to take possession of the car.

When returning the vehicle:

  • The owner collects the keys;
  • The owner claims the trip coupon along with all the receipts for the eligible purchases done by the subscriber;
  • The owner inspects the vehicle for any significant damages (the owner has up to 48 hours to report any significant damages to Communauto for which the subscriber would be at-fault);
  • NOTE: the subscriber has the last 15 minutes of the reservation to return the keys, the owner must be available at that time. If, exceptionally, the owner cannot be present, it is to the owner’s discretion to establish the terms for the return of the keys with the car, as the owner may not be able to be present when the vehicle is due to be returned.

What happens if a driver cancels a reservation at the last minute?

After making a reservation, a subscriber has 60 minutes to cancel their reservation at no cost.

After this period, reservations can be cancelled at no cost if they are done more than 48 hours in advance. The subscriber will be charged 50% of the cost of the reservation if it is cancelled 24 to 48 hours before the reservation, and 100% if the reservation is cancelled 24 hours before or less.

What happens when the driver does not show up or is late for the exchange of the keys ?

The subscriber must warn the participating owner (or Communauto if the owner does not answer) of his tardiness.

When taking possession of the vehicle:
If the subscriber does not show up 15 minutes after the start of the reserved time slot or if he does not show up at all, he will be charged the totality of his travel and the owner will be allowed to leave the arranged exchange location.

When returning the vehicle:
The subscriber has a leeway of 15 minutes after the end of his reserved time slot to bring back the keys of the car. Beyond this period, late fees will be billed to the subscriber.

What happens if my car is returned dirty or in bad condition?

You can file a complaint. Communauto will be in charge of communicating with the at-fault subscriber.

Do I need to fill up my gas tank before each reservation?

Before each reservation, you must check that your tank is half full in winter and three quarters full in winter (1st of December to the 31st of March).

What happens if the driver is a victim of an incident (flat tire, dead battery,car failure, etc.) while using my vehicle?

As subscribers of Communauto, drivers are covered by roadside assistance, who can provide the professional resources to help if necessary. The subscriber cannot, under any circumstances, abandon the vehicle. For more information on this topic, consult section 10 of the Rules & Regulations for the use of vehicles.

What happens when the driver speeds or receives a ticket during a reservation?

The driver is responsible for paying all speeding tickets or any other ticket received during a reservation, and to pay them in a timely manner. If this is not done, Communauto will charge the subscriber the cost of the ticket in addition to the $20 administrative fees involved. Communauto will then reimburse the owner. For more information on this subject, consult section 12 of the Rules and Regulations for the use of vehicles.

Can the subscriber take my car outside of the province of Quebec?

No.

Who can I contact if there is a problem?

At all times, you can communicate with Communauto, by telephone or through Réservauto to report a problem.

Does my car need to be smoke-free?

Yes. All our subscriber are offered a smoke-free environment. For this reason, it is also prohibited for the subscribers to smoke in the participating owner’s vehicles.

Can I leave my child’s car seat in the car?

Yes. If you choose to always leave it in your car, tell us when you are registering. The system will be able to specify that it is equipped with such a seat, and the subscribers will be allowed to use it, at no additional cost.

Does the location where my vehicle resides need to be plowed?

You have to make sure that the access to your car is plowed; however, you do not have to remove the snow from the vehicle.
For example, if your vehicle is parked on the street, the plowing will be ensured by the city, however you do not have to plow the car itself or the parking space.

But if it resides in a residential parking or in an alley for example, the access way to the parking space needs to be plowed, but the car and the parking space do not.

How am I evaluated?

After each reservation, the subscribers are able to evaluate their P2P experience by emitting positive or negative comments – moderated by Communauto – which will be added to your file.

I am a subscriber

Eligibility and Registration

Am I eligible for the P2P (Peer-to-Peer) program?

To be able to enjoy the P2P program, you must be a Communauto subscriber. Learn more about Communauto’s eligibility criteria.

How can I register for the program?

You must become a Communauto subscriber either by coming to the offices in person or by going online. Learn more about registration at Communauto.

How much does my registration cost?

The cost of your registration is dependent on the package chosen. Learn more about Communauto’s packages.

If I am a Communauto subscriber, do I still need to register for the P2P program?

No. The P2P vehicles will automatically show up in the availability report when you are making your reservations online or they will be proposed by our attendants if you make a phone reservation.

Can I register myself both as a subscriber and an owner?

Yes. To do so, you must perform both registrations separately.

1- Register yourself as a subscriber at  www.communauto.com/sinscrire_ENG.html
2- Register yourself as a P2P participating owner at www.communauto.com/PEP/sinscrire_ENG.html

Insurance

What do I do if there is an accident with the vehicle?

You must communicate as quickly as you can with Communauto. If another vehicle is implicated in the accident, you must, prior to calling, create a police report or fill out an amiable statement. Generally, the damages are covered by Communauto’s insurance policy. To know more about this topic, consult the 10.5 section of Communauto’s Rules & Regulations for the use of vehicles.

What do I do if there is superficial damage to the car?

You must advise the owner so he can write it on the status form of the vehicle.

What do I do in a case of theft?

You must communicate with Communauto as quickly as possible.

Payment

Do I pay the owner directly?

No. The cost of the P2P travels will appear directly in the monthly bill you receive from Communauto.

Will I need to pay penalties if I bring back the car late?

Yes. You will be billed an additional $10 for every tardy hour, up to a maximum of $50.

Does the cost of a reservation vary dependent on the model of the P2P car?

No.

Who pays for gas?

Gas and other eligible charges (windshield washer fluid for example), will be credited to the subscriber and deducted from the owner’s revenue. You are responsible for delivering the justification pieces to the participating owner and to conserve a copy.

Logistics

How do I reserve P2P vehicles?

The P2P vehicles will show up in the availability report when you reserve online and they will be offered by our attendants if you were to make a phone reservation.

Can I cancel a P2P reservation?

Yes. After lodging a reservation, you have 60 minutes to cancel your reservation at no cost. After this period, reservations can be cancelled at no cost if they are done 48 hours in advance. The subscriber will be charged 50% of the cost of the reservation if a reservation is cancelled 24 to 48 hours before the reservation, and the subscriber will be charged 100% if the reservation is cancelled 24 hours before or less.

Can I reserve a P2P vehicle for a short time period?

Yes. P2P vehicles are available for a minimum period of 1 hour, however, there is no maximum time limit.

How is the exchange of the keys supposed to happen ?

At the start and end of every reservation, the subscriber and the participating owner must meet at the arranged location to exchange the keys.

When the car keys are exchanged:

  • If the owner asks, you must present your driver’s license and your subscriber card;
  • Collect the keys of the vehicle;
  • Exchange all relevant information in relation to the reservation and the owner of the vehicle;
  • NOTE: You may present yourself up to 15 minutes before the beginning of the selected time slot to take possession of the car.

When returning the vehicle:

  • Fill out the trip coupon and give it to the owner as well as any other eligible charges (gas, car wash, windshield washer fluid);
  • Give the keys back to the owner.
  • NOTE: You have a leeway of 15 minutes over the convened time slot to return the keys to the owner. You must establish the terms with the owner on how to return the keys when you bring back the car as the owner may not be able to be present when returning the car.

What happens if the owner is not present or late for the exchange of the keys?

Communicate with the owner of the vehicle (or with Communauto if the owner does not answer).

Can the owner change his mind and decide to no longer make his vehicle available during my reservation?

Yes, but he must do it with a 48 hour notice before the start of the reservation and you will automatically be notified.

Do I have to return the vehicle with a full gas tank?

When returning the vehicle, you must make sure that the tank is at least half full in summer and three quarters full in winter (from the 1st of December to the 31st of March). The cost of gas and any other eligible expenses paid by the subscriber to fill up the tank will be credited by Communauto and deducted from the owner’s revenue. You are responsible for giving the justification pieces to the owner and to keep a copy for yourself. These receipts must be kept up to a year after the transaction.

Can I return the vehicle earlier than planned?

No. The owner is only responsible for being present at the end of the reservation time, unless an arrangement has been established with the owner before. The usage cost for the vehicle will however stay unchanged.

Do I have to wash the vehicle after each use?

No. However, you are responsible for bringing the car back clean, in a good condition, and free of your personal effects.

What happens in case of an incident (flat tire, dead battery, failure, etc.) ?

You are covered by Communauto’s roadside assistance. You cannot, under any circumstance abandon the vehicle. For more information on this topic, consult section 10 of the Rules & Regulations for the use of vehicles.

Can I leave the province of Quebec with the P2P cars ?

No. The insurance only covers travels inside of the province of Quebec.

Can I smoke inside of the vehicles?

No. It is strictly prohibited to smoke inside the vehicles.

Are there P2P cars with child car seats ?

Yes. This information will be specified in the vehicle availability report, and you will be permitted to use them, at no additional cost.

Can I transport an animal in the vehicles ?

No, unless you have been authorized by the owner.