If you own a car and you don't use is all the time. (like you use only on weekends or only for going to and coming back from work) You will rent out your car to people who don't have a car and need it sometimes with a new application: called RelayRides.

RelayRides is the first 3rd-party-developed application for OnStar. OnStar is a subscription based in-vehicle communications service. Now 6 million customers subscribed. In January 2012, OnStar announced that it will open up its platform to 3rd-party developers in early 2012. So far OnStar have worked with Mapquest and Google for providing a navigation system to subscribers. But now 3rd-part developers will be able to develop applications for an OnStar's platform. The first app introduced at the time of the announcement is RelayRide.

If you are a car owner, with the app, you set the price and the time you don't need your car, make a listing, enter some information of your car. (such as make model, year and etc) Then someone who sees the listing, matches the time and accepts the price can rent your car. It's sort of rent-a-car service but renting out and renting a car individually through the app. Using GPS, a borrower will find the car and unlock it with their smartphone. You left a car key somewhere inside the car such as a glove compartment and the borrower will also find it and drive.

It is possible for car owners to have their cars make money for you very easily. You can't make a lot of money but hopefully it would be able to cover cost on gas. A car is a liability for most people. (except taxi drivers or someone who use a car for work such as delivery) Once you own a car, you start spending money for gas, oil, tire, wash, tax, repair and so on. The more miles you drive, the less value your car has. I think it's a good news and a great opportunity for car owners.

OnStar is connected on-board diagnostic system all the time and can access any time. It means cars for rent are checked for safety. And it also detect an accident by impact sensors. So if a renter make an accident it will be reported and you can claim repair cost. RelayRides offers a $1 million insurance policy on your car.

But what if a borrower make minor scratches or dents that can't be detected by the sensors? What if a renter wouldn't return your car on time and you can't go to work? Spilled coffee on a carpet.... There are many what-ifs that need to be answered before we use this system. And we need some research as well.