Help and frequently asked questions
How carpooling works in the Philippines: finding a ride, offering a seat, sharing costs, pickup points, cancelling, and what we cannot yet call safe.
Last reviewed
Getting started
What is BookCar?
A platform that matches drivers with spare seats to passengers travelling the same route. The people sharing the car split the cost of the trip, such as fuel and tolls. It is not a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a bus service.
Do I need an account?
To offer or book a seat, yes. You sign in with a one-time code we email you, so there is no password to remember. You can search and look at rides without an account.
Is it free to use?
Yes. BookCar charges no fee. The contribution per seat is agreed between you and the driver and paid directly to them; BookCar does not collect or hold it.
For passengers
How do I find a ride?
Enter your origin, destination, and date in the search. Matching rides are listed with their departure time, vehicle type, seats available, and contribution per seat.
What is the difference between instant booking and manual approval?
With instant booking, your seat is confirmed immediately. With manual approval, the driver has to accept your request before it is confirmed.
How much will I pay?
The amount shown is the contribution per seat, towards a share of fuel and tolls. If you take two seats, the total doubles. There is no online payment on the site at the moment.
Where do I meet the driver?
Each ride lists a pickup and drop-off point. Still agree the exact spot before the trip. Do not share a full home address until you have both confirmed.
For drivers
How do I offer a ride?
Go to Offer a ride and enter the route, schedule, vehicle, number of spare seats, contribution per seat, and how you want to approve requests.
How much should I ask for?
The contribution is a share of actual costs, not a way to make money. Charging more than the cost of the trip turns it into a commercial service, which carries different legal obligations.
What is a Founding Driver?
The first 100 members to publish a ride on BookCar are Founding Drivers. It happens automatically with your first ride. You get a Founding Driver badge on your rides and ride page, and among rides leaving on the same day, Founding Drivers are listed first. The badge is free and permanent, even if you unpublish a ride. It shows that a driver joined early; it is not an identity or safety check.
How many seats can I offer?
It depends on the vehicle: up to 4 for a car, 6 for an SUV or MPV, and 8 for a private van. Do not offer the driver's seat.
Safety and trust
Are drivers and passengers verified?
No. The only thing confirmed is an email address, when someone signs in. There is no identity check, background check, licence check, or review system, so there is no verified badge or rating to rely on. Meet in a public place, and tell someone your route and the driver's name before you travel.
Is the trip insured?
BookCar does not provide any insurance. Whatever cover applies comes from the vehicle's own insurance, and it is the vehicle owner's responsibility to make sure of that.
What do I do if something goes wrong?
In an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, open the conversation under Messages: Report sends it to moderation, and Block stops the two of you messaging or booking each other, undoable from your account. If it is not about a conversation, email hello@bookcar.online with the route, the date, and the other person's display name. One person reads both. You can cancel a booking from My trips at any time.
Cancelling
How do I cancel?
My trips lists all your requests and rides, including cancellation. When you cancel, the seat goes back to the ride.
Is there a refund?
No payment is processed yet, so there is nothing to refund. The cancellation and refund policy is not final, and it will be explained before any real booking runs.
Didn't find your answer?
BookCar is an early version and email reaches one person, not a support team. See the contact page for the current status.