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A UK company is exiting the UK, leaving 650,000 people without a car, with all accounts being closed. Zipcar is a car-sharing service which allows users to rent and share cars and was popular in London in particular.

But last month, the US-owned service announced it was consulting on the closure of its UK operations and has now followed up by emailing all 650,000 members that it is closing all accounts. The company says it must give users 30 days' notice before closing accounts, as per its member terms, but nobody will be able to make any bookings anyway between now and the account closure date.

The firm said in its email to customers: "On 1 December 2025 we announced that we were proposing to cease the UK operations of Zipcar. Following formal consultation with our UK employees, we can now confirm that Zipcar will cease operating in the UK.

"In accordance with Clause 7.5 of the member terms, please take this as your written notice that we will formally close your account in 30 days' time. It's not possible to make any new bookings with Zipcar UK at this time, but your account will remain open until February 16, 2026.

"If you would like to see what other car sharing options are available in your area, please visit the national charity for shared transport, CoMoUK's website.

"On behalf of the entire Zipcar UK team, whether you used Zipcar occasionally or regularly, we'd like to thank you for being a member and being a part of our journey."

Customers are also being given refunds on their membership fees.

Zipcar said: "Any member who had an active paid membership as of 1 January 2026 will receive a pro-rated refund of their membership fee, backdated to 31 December 2025.

Refunds are being processed proactively. Members do not need to take any action unless advised otherwise."