What Is a Car Subscription, and How Does It Differ from Leasing?
A car subscription is a mobility model sitting between a rental car and classic leasing. You choose a vehicle, set a term, at CARIFY between 1 and 48 months, and pay a fixed monthly amount that already covers the most important ancillary costs.
The key difference from leasing: with leasing, you typically sign a multi-year contract and bear many follow-on costs yourself. With a car subscription, you get a genuine all-inclusive package. Insurance, maintenance, and vehicle registration are already included. The only thing you pay yourself is fuel.
Once people understand what a car subscription really costs compared to buying or leasing, they often wonder why they didn't switch sooner.
What Is Included in the CARIFY Car Subscription?
The CARIFY car subscription works on a clear principle: you pay a monthly price, and know from the start exactly what's included.
Included in the subscription:
Insurance (with or without excess, depending on the chosen package; partial cover, parking damage, and 24/7 breakdown assistance depending on the service level)
General maintenance and certain repairs
Vehicle registration in your canton of residence
First motorway vignette
No sign-up fee, registration with CARIFY is free of charge
What you pay yourself: fuel.
For those wondering whether it's worth it: cost transparency is a core feature of the model. Every month you know exactly what your vehicle costs, no surprises.
How Does a CARIFY Car Subscription Work in Practice?
The process is explained in a few simple steps:
Choose a vehicle: Select a vehicle on the CARIFY platform by subscription term and monthly kilometre package. There are over 2500 vehicles to choose from, from city cars to sports cars, from electric vehicles to vans. New models are added daily because CARIFY works with over 450 partner garages across Switzerland.
Set the term and kilometre package: You choose a minimum term of between 1 and 48 months. Shorter terms offer maximum flexibility; longer terms have a positive effect on the monthly price. The kilometre package can be adjusted afterwards, upwards during the minimum term, downwards at the end of the contract.
Complete the booking: After the booking confirmation, it usually takes 7 to 8 days for the vehicle to be ready. You can pick it up yourself from the partner garage, or have it delivered to your home for an additional charge of CHF 189.
Take delivery of the vehicle: At handover, a handover report is drawn up documenting the condition of the vehicle. From this moment, your subscription begins.
Cancel and return: You can cancel the subscription directly via your CARIFY account. Once the minimum term has expired, you either return the vehicle to the garage yourself or book the collection service. CARIFY will notify you 30 days before the end of the term.
Who Can Take Out a Car Subscription with CARIFY?
CARIFY sets three basic requirements for private individuals:
Residence in Switzerland
A recognised Category B driving licence
A positive credit check (for high-value vehicles, a deposit or a specific insurance package may be required)
Anyone wishing to subscribe to a vehicle with more than 350 hp must also be at least 30 years old. Business customers can also book vehicles through CARIFY, company details are entered directly during the booking process.
New to Switzerland? Foreign driving licences are recognised for up to one year after your official move-in date. However, a residence permit is required for vehicle registration in your name.
Flex or Fix, Which Model Suits You?
CARIFY offers three basic models:
Flex model: Maximum flexibility. You can return or swap the vehicle at any time once the minimum term has expired. If you don't know how long you'll need a car, this is the right option.
Fix model: For a planned, longer period of use. The monthly price is lower for longer terms, an advantage for those who want to use their vehicle for a defined period.
Try&Buy: This option allows you to drive a subscribed car for 1, 3, or 6 months. If you decide to purchase it, 100% of the base subscription fees you’ve paid are deducted from the car's final purchase price.
All models are available to private and business customers alike.
Why Do People Choose a Car Subscription Instead of Leasing?
This isn't a simple yes-or-no question, it depends on your personal situation.
A car subscription makes particular sense when you need flexibility and don't want to commit to a multi-year contract. A classic example: instead of booking a rental car for a longer family holiday, you can take out a subscription for exactly that period, with a much wider choice of vehicles and a more comfortable experience.
The subscription model is also attractive for people who want to try out electric mobility without taking on the risk of a purchase. CARIFY offers a wide range of electric vehicles and provides an evpass charging card including an Explorer subscription for the relevant models, giving you access to Switzerland's largest public charging network at reduced rates.
How Does the Kilometre Billing Work?
When booking, you choose a kilometre package: 500, 750, 1,000, 1,750, 2,500, or 3,000 kilometres per month.
For subscriptions lasting more than one month, you can offset excess kilometres from one month against fewer kilometres driven in another, as long as you don't exceed your booked package by more than 2,000 km. If you notice the package doesn't match your actual usage, you can increase it during the minimum term. A reduction is only possible at the end of the term.
What Happens When You Return the Vehicle?
Returning your CARIFY car subscription involves a straightforward process managed via your account. After your minimum contract term concludes, cancel with the required notice period and schedule a return date through the CARIFY Portal.
To ensure a smooth and penalty-free return, follow this checklist:
Condition: The vehicle must be clean (interior and exterior) and returned with a full tank of fuel.
Wear & Tear vs. Damage: Minor scratches or light stone chips generally fall under normal wear and tear. However, larger dents, deep scratches, or damaged upholstery are considered damage and should ideally be repaired beforehand to avoid exorbitant repair fees.
Accessories: Return the vehicle with all initially provided items, including all sets of keys, the registration document, the manuals, and any charging cables or emergency equipment.
Final Service: If your vehicle is due for a scheduled service or technical inspection, ensure this is completed before the handover to avoid extra penalty charges.
CARIFY at a Glance, What Sets the Platform Apart?
CARIFY was founded in 2019 and has since grown into Switzerland's largest car subscription platform. The company was a finalist for the Swiss Economic Award 2021.
What sets the model apart from others:
More than 450 partner garages across Switzerland
Over 1,000 vehicles from all classes and segments
Vehicles are typically ready within 7 to 8 days
No sign-up fee
Cancellation possible directly via the platform
Dedicated customer service
The vehicles come directly from local garages, CARIFY does not purchase its own fleet, but instead connects existing vehicles from dealers with people who need a car. This reduces the need for new production and makes the model a contribution to the sharing economy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Subscriptions
Can I cancel the car subscription before the vehicle is handed over?
Yes, but CARIFY charges a cancellation fee of CHF 1,500, as the garage, insurer, and team will have already prepared the vehicle. For business customers with fleet vehicles, cancellation before handover is not possible.
Can I buy the vehicle if I like the subscription model?
CARIFY works with hundreds of dealers, it is possible to discuss with the relevant garage partner whether a purchase is an option.
What happens if the garage wants the vehicle back?
In this case, CARIFY will notify you 30 days in advance. Your subscription then runs out as normal.
Can I use the vehicle in Liechtenstein?
Yes. Delivery and use are possible in Switzerland and in the Principality of Liechtenstein.
