Manage Gocar

How to cancel your GoCar membership and avoid charges

What is GoCar and why you might want to leave

GoCar is Ireland's largest car and van sharing platform, giving members hourly and daily access to vehicles across Dublin and beyond. You pay a monthly subscription fee or use the pay-as-you-go model, and fuel and insurance are included in every trip. If you've signed up for a monthly membership, you're authorising recurring charges until you actively cancel. Many members join for short-term needs-a city move, testing car-free living, or a temporary project-and then realise they no longer need the service. Others find the costs add up faster than expected, or they've switched to personal ownership. Whatever your reason, Stopee is here to walk you through the cancellation process step by step, so you stop paying and regain control of your account.

GoCar membership types and what you're paying for

GoCar offers vehicle access across five main categories, each with hourly and daily rates. If you've opted into the monthly subscription, you pay €20 per month for discounted access to all vehicle types. Below is a snapshot of GoCar's current pricing structure in Ireland.

The monthly subscription is optional but recurring. Once you activate it, GoCar charges your payment method automatically each month unless you cancel. That's the key trigger for action: if you're no longer using the service, or you're unhappy with the cost, you need to submit a formal cancellation to stop the charges.

When cancelling GoCar makes sense

You should cancel your GoCar membership if you're not using the vehicles regularly, or if the subscription fee no longer represents value. Common reasons members choose to leave include moving out of Dublin, switching to public transport, purchasing a personal vehicle, or finding that hourly rental costs exceed their budget. If you're on the fence, compare your monthly spend (€20 subscription plus any trip charges) against alternatives like traditional car rental, taxi services, or public transport passes. If GoCar isn't winning that comparison, cancellation is the right move. Stopee recommends reviewing your trip history in the GoCar app before you cancel-if you haven't used the service in two or three months, that's a strong signal it's time to go.

Your cancellation rights under irish consumer law

Irish consumer law gives you specific rights when you sign up for a recurring subscription, and those rights apply to your GoCar membership.

Consumer rights act 2022 protections for subscriptions

The Consumer Rights Act 2022 and earlier EU consumer protection directives enshrine your right to cancel a subscription contract. Under Irish law, you have the right to end a recurring contract without penalty, provided you give clear, written notice to the trader according to the terms they've set out or within a reasonable timeframe if the terms are silent. GoCar must confirm the cancellation in writing once they receive your request. Crucially, they cannot charge your payment method after they've acknowledged your cancellation. If they do, you have grounds to dispute the charge with your bank and report the conduct to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

How the billing cycle affects your cancellation date

The timing of your cancellation request matters. If your GoCar subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you submit your cancellation on the 10th, you should avoid being charged for the next cycle. However, if you submit your cancellation after the renewal date, GoCar may have already processed the next month's charge. In that case, you're entitled to a refund under consumer law, and Stopee advises you to request it in writing. Keep detailed records of when you submitted your cancellation and when you were charged. This evidence is critical if you need to escalate a dispute to the CCPC or your bank.

How to cancel your GoCar membership

GoCar does not offer in-app or web cancellation; you must contact them directly via their help desk, email, or phone.

Method 1: submit a cancellation request via GoCar help desk

1. Log into your GoCar account on the GoCar website or app.
2. Navigate to the help or support section (usually found in account settings or a menu icon).
3. Select "Billing" or "Membership" as the issue category.
4. Choose "Cancel membership" or "Subscription issues" from the dropdown options.
5. Fill in your request with a clear statement: "I wish to cancel my GoCar subscription effective immediately" or "effective [specific date]."
6. Include your full name, account email address, and the email or phone number where you'd like confirmation sent.
7. Submit the request and keep a copy of the reference number or confirmation screen.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your submission. Help desk systems sometimes lose requests, and a screenshot proves you submitted a cancellation.

Method 2: email GoCar directly

1. Compose a new email from your personal email account (the one linked to your GoCar membership).
2. Address it to GoCar's support email address, which you can find in your account settings or your most recent invoice.
3. Write a clear subject line: "Request to cancel GoCar subscription - [Your Full Name]."
4. In the body, state your request clearly:
   • "I am writing to formally request the cancellation of my GoCar membership account effective [today's date or desired future date]."
   • Include your full name, account email, phone number, and GoCar customer ID (found in your app under Account or Settings).
   • Include the payment method ending in X digits so they can identify your account quickly.
   • Request written confirmation of your cancellation date.
5. Send the email and save a copy in a folder marked "GoCar Cancellation" on your computer.

Warning: Email support can be slow. If you don't receive a confirmation within 5 working days, follow up with a second email or call their phone line. Do not assume silence means acceptance.

Method 3: call GoCar customer service

1. Ring GoCar on 01 844 1969 (Dublin local line) or 1890 446 227 (national freecall number).
2. When a representative answers, state clearly: "I want to cancel my GoCar membership subscription."
3. Provide your full name, account email, phone number, and GoCar customer ID.
4. Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation date and confirm your last billing date.
5. Request a confirmation email to be sent to your inbox within 24 hours.
6. After the call, send a follow-up email reiterating what you discussed and asking for written confirmation of the cancellation date.

Pro tip: Call between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Weekend or after-hours calls may go to voicemail, which delays your cancellation.

Important: you must settle all outstanding invoices before cancellation

GoCar will not cancel your membership until all outstanding invoices and liabilities are paid. This means if you have unpaid trip charges, parking fees, or damage claims, you must settle them first. Check your account statement in the app before you submit your cancellation. If you dispute a charge, contact GoCar support to resolve it before requesting cancellation. If you cancel with outstanding invoices, GoCar may refuse to process your request or may reinstate your account to collect the debt. Stopee recommends reviewing your account balance in full and ensuring all charges are resolved or disputed formally before you initiate cancellation.

What happens after you cancel

Once GoCar confirms your cancellation, your account access stops and recurring charges end.

Timeline and what to expect in the days after cancellation

After you submit your cancellation request, GoCar should confirm the end date within 2 to 5 working days. You will lose access to book or use vehicles on the date they specify. If you cancel mid-cycle (for example, on the 20th of the month when you're charged on the 15th), you are not entitled to a refund of the monthly subscription fee under most subscription terms, unless you cancel within 14 days of your initial sign-up (a statutory cooling-off period). After the cancellation date, your payment method will no longer be charged. However, you should verify this by checking your bank or card statements for 2 to 3 billing cycles to ensure GoCar has stopped charging.

Check your payment method for lingering charges

Set a reminder to review your bank or card statement 5 to 7 days after your cancellation date. Look for any GoCar charges that shouldn't be there. If you see a charge dated after your cancellation confirmation, contact GoCar immediately and ask for a refund. If they refuse, report the charge as unauthorised to your bank. Your bank can reverse the charge and open a formal dispute on your behalf. Stopee recommends keeping your cancellation confirmation email in a safe folder so you can reference the exact date if a dispute arises.

Refund rights and disputed charges

Your right to a refund depends on when you cancel and whether you have unsettled invoices.

When you are entitled to a refund

You are entitled to a refund in the following situations. First, if you cancel within 14 days of signing up for GoCar, you have a statutory cooling-off period and can request a full refund of any subscription fees paid during that period, provided you haven't used the service. Second, if GoCar charges you after your confirmed cancellation date, you can request a refund of those unauthorised charges. Third, if you cancel mid-cycle and GoCar's terms explicitly state a pro-rata refund policy, you may be entitled to a partial refund for the unused portion of the month. Most GoCar terms do not offer pro-rata refunds for mid-cycle cancellations, so the second and third scenarios are less common. Stopee advises checking GoCar's published terms (available on their website or your signup email) to confirm whether a pro-rata refund clause exists.

How to request a refund

1. Gather evidence: your cancellation confirmation email, bank statements showing the charge, and any correspondence with GoCar.
2. Email GoCar's support address with the subject line: "Refund request - GoCar account [Your Name]."
3. Clearly state the date you cancelled, the date of the charge you're disputing, and the amount you're requesting back.
4. Explain your reason (e.g., "charged after cancellation confirmation" or "within 14-day cooling-off period").
5. Request a refund within 14 days and ask for written confirmation once processed.
6. If GoCar refuses or doesn't respond within 14 days, contact your bank and dispute the charge as unauthorised or request a chargeback.
7. You can also escalate to the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) if GoCar refuses to cooperate.

Pro tip: Most refund requests are honored within 7 to 14 days if you have clear evidence. Banks are also swift in reversing charges if you report them as unauthorised after a merchant has failed to refund.

Common mistakes when cancelling GoCar

Cancellation can feel daunting, especially if you're worried about being charged again or if you're navigating a company's support system for the first time. You're not alone in finding this frustrating, and Stopee is here to help you avoid the pitfalls that trip up most people.

Mistake 1: assuming in-app settings or account deletion mean cancellation

Some members disable push notifications or delete the GoCar app, thinking that stops charges. It doesn't. The app is just a user interface; deleting it has no effect on your subscription or payment authority. You must submit a formal cancellation request to GoCar's support team. Similarly, changing your password or updating your profile doesn't cancel your membership. Stopee strongly advises treating account deletion and subscription cancellation as two separate actions-you may need to cancel the subscription first, then delete the account afterward (if deletion is available).

Mistake 2: submitting cancellation via phone without written follow-up

Phone calls leave no paper trail. If you call GoCar and a representative tells you "your subscription is cancelled," that's helpful, but it's not officially documented in their system unless they send you a written confirmation. Always ask for an email confirmation during or immediately after your call. If you don't receive one within 24 hours, send a follow-up email recapping the conversation and requesting written confirmation. This protects you if a charge appears on your statement and GoCar claims they never received a cancellation request.

Mistake 3: cancelling before settling outstanding invoices

GoCar will not process your cancellation request if you have unpaid trip charges or other liabilities. Some members submit a cancellation request, assume it's done, and then get frustrated when GoCar re-initiates charges or refuses to process the cancellation. Check your account balance first. If you owe money, pay it or dispute it formally before you ask to cancel. This streamlines the process and prevents delays.

Mistake 4: not tracking the cancellation deadline or renewal date

If your subscription renews on the 1st of the month and you submit your cancellation on the 25th, you're likely safe. But if you delay and submit your cancellation on the 2nd, after the charge has processed, you'll need to request a refund. Mark your calendar with your renewal date and submit your cancellation at least 3 to 5 days before that date to avoid an unwanted charge. Stopee recommends setting a phone reminder on the 20th or 25th of each month if you're considering cancellation.

Mistake 5: ignoring post-cancellation charges

Even after you receive a cancellation confirmation, sometimes GoCar or their payment processor charges you again-often by accident, due to a system lag or a database sync issue. Don't ignore it. Contact GoCar immediately and ask for an explanation. If they don't refund within 7 days, dispute the charge with your bank. Many members assume one errant charge is too small to pursue, but that complacency is exactly what some companies rely on. You have the right to be refunded for unauthorised charges, and Stopee encourages you to claim it.

Comparing GoCar to alternatives

Before you cancel, consider whether GoCar is right for your needs or whether a competitor might be better.

If you're cancelling because of cost, compare your actual GoCar spending to the alternatives above. Many members find that a combination of public transport and occasional taxi rides costs less than a GoCar subscription. If you're moving to a smaller city without GoCar coverage, cancellation is the only option. If you're moving back to car ownership, weigh the total cost of purchase, insurance, and maintenance before you assume it's cheaper than GoCar.

Contacting GoCar: addresses and contact details

Use these details to submit your cancellation request or follow up on outstanding issues.

Phone numbers

• Dublin local line: 01 844 1969
• National freecall: 1890 446 227
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm (approximate; confirm on their website)

Email support

GoCar's support email is typically found in your account settings, on your invoice, or in the help section of the app. If you cannot locate it, call the above numbers and ask for the cancellation email address.

Escalation: competition and consumer protection commission (CCPC)

If GoCar refuses to refund charges, ignores your cancellation request, or continues charging after you've cancelled, you can report them to the CCPC. Contact the CCPC at:

• Phone: 0818 400 600
• Email: info@ccpc.ie
• Website: www.ccpc.ie

The CCPC investigates unfair commercial practices and can compel companies to cease unauthorised charges or issue refunds. Provide them with all evidence: cancellation confirmation emails, screenshots of account statements, and records of any calls or support tickets.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your GoCar cancellation is complete and successful.

• Review your GoCar account balance and settle any outstanding invoices or liabilities.
• Note your subscription renewal date (check your last invoice or account settings).
• Submit your cancellation request at least 3 to 5 days before your renewal date via email, phone, or help desk.
• Keep a copy of your cancellation request (screenshot or email confirmation) in a dedicated folder.
• Wait for a written confirmation email from GoCar within 2 to 5 working days. If you don't receive it, follow up by email or phone.
• Record the cancellation date stated in GoCar's confirmation email.
• Check your bank or card statement 5 to 7 days after the cancellation date to ensure no further charges appear.
• If you see a post-cancellation charge, contact GoCar within 48 hours and request a refund in writing.
• If GoCar refuses, dispute the charge with your bank within 60 days.
• Keep all documentation (cancellation email, bank statements, dispute correspondence) for at least one year.

Final steps and moving forward

Cancelling your GoCar membership should be straightforward once you know what to do. The key is to submit a clear, written cancellation request to GoCar's support team, track the confirmation, and verify that charges have stopped on your payment method. Don't hesitate to follow up if you don't hear back within 5 working days, and don't ignore errant charges after your cancellation is complete. Your consumer rights are clear: you have the right to cancel a subscription without penalty, and you have the right to a refund if you're charged after you've cancelled.

Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions, resolve billing disputes, and reclaim control of their finances. Whether you're leaving GoCar because you've moved, changed your transport habits, or simply found a better alternative, you now have the tools and confidence to do it right. Use the contact details and step-by-step methods outlined above, keep your evidence close, and remember: Stopee is always here if you need guidance on cancelling any subscription service in Ireland. Your journey toward cancellation starts now-take action today and stop paying for services you no longer use.