Sharing rides works for some

Car-sharing is a growing trend in some parts of the country. Many cars rest idle in office parking lots during weekdays and on weekends. There are people living in cities who do not own a car but would use one on occasion.

Thus, entrepreneurs have matched car owners who could use some extra cash with city dwellers willing to rent a vehicle by the hour. Such an arrangement is called "peer-to-peer" car-sharing, USA Today reported.

Companies with names such as Getaround, Spride Share, RelayRides and JustShareIt operate in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles and Cambridge, Mass.

Renters pay $5 to $15 an hour for a car; they agree to drive carefully, pay parking tickets and refrain from smoking in the vehicle.

The rental company arranges insurance to cover accidents. Car owners can earn $200 to $300 per month for renting an hour a day.

Insurance is an issue, but some states have passed laws that prevent insurers from canceling policies of drivers who share their vehicles. The states have also ensured that owners are not liable for damage when their cars are being used for sharing.

It meets a need.