Messaging Your Host

Every conversation with your host happens in Carvia's in-app messaging — keep it there, and you'll always have a clear record if something needs sorting out.

Why in-app messaging

In-app messages are timestamped, tied to your trip, and permanently attached to it. If a disagreement ever comes up — about pickup time, the car's condition, a late return — your message thread is the first thing Carvia's team looks at. Texting or calling a host directly might feel faster, but it leaves nothing on the record. Keep the conversation in-app and you're protected either way.

When to message your host

You don't need a reason to say hello, but a few moments are worth reaching out proactively:

Right after booking. Confirm your arrival time and ask any questions about the car before your trip starts.
The day before pickup. A quick "still on for 3pm tomorrow?" avoids surprises for both of you.
If you're running late. Message as soon as you know — hosts can plan around a delay if they hear about it early.
If anything about the car looks off at check-in. See Guest Check-In: How To for what to do before you confirm handoff.
If your plans change. Ask about modifying dates before assuming you need to cancel — see Canceling a Trip (Guest) for when a change makes more sense than a cancellation.

What to include in your first message

A good first message answers the questions your host is likely to have:

Your expected arrival time (or a window, if you're not sure yet).
How you're getting there — driving, rideshare, on foot — especially relevant for airport pickups or delivery.
Any specific questions about the car: parking at your destination, car seat compatibility, whether a specific feature works.

Something like: *"Hi! Booked your Civic for Thursday–Sunday. Planning to land at 2pm and grab a rideshare over — should be there by 3. Does the car have a USB-C port up front?"* is enough. Plain, specific, easy to act on — no need to over-explain.

If your host is unresponsive

Most hosts respond within a few hours. If you haven't heard back and your trip is coming up soon:

1. Send a follow-up a day or so before pickup if you haven't gotten a reply to your first message.

2. Check your booking status. If your trip was a request (not Instant Book) and the host hasn't responded within 12 hours of your request, it auto-expires and you're not charged — see Instant Book vs. Request to Book.

3. Contact Carvia support if your trip is confirmed and pickup is within 24 hours with no response. Reach us in-app or at support@carvia.app — we can help track down the host or, if needed, walk you through your options.

If a host is unreachable at the actual scheduled pickup time and you end up cancelling because of it, that's treated as a host cancellation, not a guest one — see What If My Host Cancels?.

What not to do

Don't move the conversation to text, phone, or another app, even if a host suggests it — politely keep it in Carvia's messaging so there's a record tied to your trip. And don't share your license, payment details, or other sensitive info in chat; everything Carvia needs from you is already verified through your account.