What is a car subscription? How it works - Guide | CARIFY

CARIFY - November 29, 2022

What is a car subscription? Everything you should know

You could call the car subscription system the missing link between rental cars and leasing. In fact, it offers you flexible mobility whenever you need it. While rental cars can quickly become expensive if you use them for a long time, the costs of a car remain manageable with a car subscription. In addition, unlike leasing, you don't have to commit to a long-term contract for an extended period of time, but instead, choose the rental period for as long as you need the car. Here you can find out what other advantages you can expect with a car subscription.

What is a car subscription?

Have you always wanted to drive a Maserati? With a car subscription, you can make this dream come true at a flat rate. But you can also find environmentally friendly and emission-free electric cars, delivery vehicles, or family vans in CARIFY's portfolio. With a car subscription, you enjoy the greatest possible freedom and have the choice of vehicles in every class and price segment. In addition, the car is at your disposal; you don't have to take care of anything else. Read on to find out how it works.

How does a car subscription work?

You choose the car that best suits you by selecting the following parameters: subscription period and monthly mileage. With CARIFY, No. 1 among Swiss car subscriptions, you can choose periods from 1 to 48 months. The monthly rental price depends, among other things, on the rental period and decreases with a longer term. This is because frequent drivers use the vehicle more and have to factor in higher rates.

At the end of the selected minimum term, you can cancel at any time, return the car or exchange it for another. Have you fallen in love with your subscription car? No problem, after your subscription, you can buy it by arrangement.

What is included in a car subscription?

The car subscription is a complete package. Unlike leasing, all costs are included except for fuel. This includes:

  • Registration taxes

  • Insurance

  • Comprehensive insurance with or without deductible per incident depending on the booked package (partial coverage, parking damage or roadside assistance around the clock)

  • Service or maintenance (tire change if required)

  • Swiss vignette

You have full cost transparency and don't have to fear any hidden costs. You know exactly how high the monthly installment is and can better calculate your budget. 

The advantages of a car subscription

Driving a convertible in the summer and a four-wheeler in the winter - you can only be this flexible with a car subscription. You can rent a second car, a delivery vehicle or a van at short notice to take on vacation. Thanks to flexible terms, you can adapt your vehicle exactly to your needs. Do you use your car more or less than you initially thought? You can change the monthly mileage upon request. Extend the contract, change or buy the car - everything is possible with a car subscription.

When does a car subscription start paying off?

Despite all the advantages, it's worth looking at the calculation to see when a car subscription is the most favorable option - and which vehicles are suitable for you. We have a few examples to help you decide (all calculations are based on a minimum subscription period of 24 months).

In the case of the SKODA KAMIQ 1.5 TSI Monte Carlo, the surcharges for frequent drivers on the monthly rate are relatively moderate. 

  • 750 km/month (9,000 km/year) - no surcharge.

  • 1,000 km/month (12,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rate of CHF 20

  • 1,750 km/month (21,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 100

  • 2,500 km/month (30,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 220

  • 3,000 km/month (36,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 340

Those who choose the MERCEDES-BENZ E 220 d T 4Matic AMG Line 9G-Tronic, should aim for low mileage. Otherwise, with higher mileage, the monthly rate increases considerably.

  • 750 km/month (9,000 km/year) - no surcharge.

  • 1,000 km/month (12,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rate of CHF 40

  • 1,750 km/month (21,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 170

  • 2,500 km/month (30,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 360

  • 3,000 km/month (36,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 550

Small, compact and electric: the FIAT 500 electric Icon is still affordable, still with high driving performance.

  • 750 km/month (9,000 km/year) - no surcharge.

  • 1,000 km/month (12,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 20

  • 1,750 km/month (21,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 90

  • 2,500 km/month (30,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 200

  • 3,000 km/month (36,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 310

As a workhorse, the RENAULT Master T35 2.3dCi 130 L3H2 supports frequent drivers with favorable conditions.

  • 750 km/month (9,000 km/year) - no surcharge.

  • 1,000 km/month (12,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 20.

  • 1,750 km/month (21,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 90

  • 2,500 km/month (30,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 190

  • 3,000 km/month (36,000 km/year) - surcharge on the monthly rent of CHF 280

Conclusion - how can I recognize a good car subscription?

A good car subscription offers you a comprehensive carefree package where you don't have to worry about anything. We at CARIFY think sustainably and promote the local market: thanks to over 200 selected partners and garages throughout Switzerland, we offer the largest selection of attractive vehicles of all types and classes, and you get our car dealer guarantee. In addition, we offer you complete transparency in terms of costs. And, of course, registration with us costs you nothing. With us, you can expect dedicated customer service that takes care of all your car subscription needs. You can choose a subscription period of between 1 and 48 months and choose between the basic and the premium insurance package. In addition, you can choose between a flex and a fixed model. After the minimum term, you have various options. 

You can:

  • Cancel the contract for your subscription car free of charge

  • Renew (for the flex contract)

  • Exchange it for a different car (new contract)

  • Even buy your car

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