Car Subscription - a Mobility Concept with Advantages and Disadvantages

In addition to leasing, car sharing, and rental cars, car subscription has emerged as an option for being flexible and mobile without the need to buy a car right away. And this model is gaining more and more followers. It's reason enough to take a closer look. Many providers promise an all-inclusive package with rates that include everything, including a variety of vehicles with different horsepower options.

Customizable durations and adaptable mileage packages are also available. However, not every offer lives up to its promises. We will explain what you need to pay attention to.

Things to Consider with Car Subscription

Car subscriptions are convenient, flexible, and comparatively affordable. All costs related to your car are included in the monthly rate. This allows you to easily drive a sports car for a month or book an open-top convertible for the summer. The best part? You can get it online. Just a click away from your dream car, really?

Indeed, you can sign up for car subscriptions online, but before you get into your new Volvo, Mercedes, or Ford, a credit check is required.

Additionally, you must have a valid driver's license and reside in the country where the subscription provider is based. Your age also plays a role, as some providers only offer their services to those aged 23 or older. Many also require a starting fee and/or a deposit. Therefore, you should take a closer look at these criteria.

Here are some differences among car subscription providers:

• Duration: Options range from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, to even 12 months. Shorter options allow for more flexibility in meeting various mobility needs.

• Mileage Packages: There are usually multiple mileage packages to choose from.

• Access Restrictions: Starting fees and/or minimum age requirements act as entry barriers.

• Insurance: Which insurances are included, and what do they cover? What is the deductible?

• Deposit: Is a deposit required, and if so, how much is it? How lenient is the provider when it comes to returning it?

• Selection: Some companies offer only a few brands and models to choose from. If you value specific features, you may have to make compromises or face long waiting times.

• Included Services: "All-inclusive" is a flexible promise. Does it also include services, roadside assistance, tire changes, the Swiss vignette, as well as a fuel card and charging pass?

• Cancellation Policy: Monthly cancellations or multi-month notice periods are possible.

• Locations: Is the location central or hard to reach? Delivery fees are often charged for home delivery of the vehicle.

• From Rental to Ownership: With many providers, you can purchase the subscription car after your contract ends. If this option is important to you, pay attention to the provider's policy when making your choice.

Disadvantages of Car Subscription

As convenient as the subscription model may be, in the end, the car does not belong to you. You are not allowed to make structural modifications and must repair any scratches. If you have specific preferences regarding color or equipment, you may have to search for the ideal subscription vehicle for a long time.

Popular models and attractive deals are often sold out. Besides these obvious disadvantages, there are other drawbacks to car subscriptions that may not be immediately apparent. We will reveal what they are.

Insurance

Third-party liability insurance is included in the car subscription. The subscription provider charges a flat rate that does not consider your individual bonuses. If you have been accident-free for many years, this system may be disadvantageous to you, while drivers with penalty points or novice drivers may benefit from it.

The same applies to comprehensive insurance, which also operates on a bonus-malus system. Additionally, you cannot choose the insurance yourself. Generally, both comprehensive and third-party insurance are included in the car subscription, and there may also be additional coverage for parking damages and glass breakage.

Pay attention to the deductible: How much is it, and how often is it applicable within a calendar year?

Access Restrictions

Not every provider welcomes novice drivers; they may require several years of driving experience or have minimum/maximum age requirements. Others only partially open their services to very young drivers.

You can find information about access restrictions in the providers' FAQs.

Country Restrictions

Signing up for a car subscription and enjoying unlimited freedom sounds great, but often, you are only allowed to drive the vehicle within certain countries. Even some EU member states may be off-limits. Inform yourself beforehand if you plan to drive the car abroad.

Mileage

The more you drive, the more wear and tear your vehicle experiences. Subscription providers take this into account by offering various mileage packages. However, the higher your mileage, the higher your monthly rate will be. While driving, you must always keep your chosen mileage package in mind. If you exceed it, it can become costly.

Service and Location

Subscription cars are usually located at the provider's headquarters. Depending on your place of residence, this may require a long journey. Almost always, home delivery (though chargeable) is possible. Pay attention to the conditions for maintenance and inspection: You must take your vehicle to a partner garage for regular service. Is there a garage near your place of residence?

Who Benefits from Car Subscription?

• If you need a car for a short period, the subscription model is usually the best choice: It is cheaper than renting a car and just as uncomplicated.

• An increasing number of companies are discovering car subscriptions as a practical alternative to corporate car leasing. The short terms allow for a fleet of company cars tailored to the needs without much bureaucratic effort.

• If you want to test a vehicle before purchasing it, flexible subscription durations make it possible.

• Future-proof: With a cancel-anytime subscription car, you can calmly respond to stricter environmental regulations. Additionally, you can book low-emission electric and hybrid vehicles.

CARIFY Car Subscription

At CARIFY, we want to offer you a true worry-free package.

As the largest Swiss car subscription provider, we provide a huge selection of vehicles from various brands, models, and equipment variants. And our offering is growing as we cooperate with more Swiss car dealerships and garages. Therefore, you can find our cars and the appropriate service throughout the country.

Here's what you'll also get:

• Duration from 1-48 months

• No starting fee or deposit

• Offers starting at 18 years old

• Monthly cancellations

• Multiple mileage packages, with the option to increase the chosen package once during the subscription period

• Inclusive package with taxes, registration, insurance, charging card, and Swiss vignette

• Optional premium insurance package with no deductible

• Optional FLEX package to continue driving the car after the contract period ends

• Option to purchase the subscription car after the contract ends

• Optional home delivery

• Attractive special conditions for business customers