Media post: A guide to your first car subscription
Ever wanted to drive the car you want, without the long-term commitments? A car subscription might be just what you’re looking for… But how do they work? And how do you actually go about getting one setup? Well, we’re going to tell you, so you can take advantage of one of the most flexible, all-inclusive ways to get yourself out on the road!
What is a car subscription?
Many drivers have dreamed of driving specific models of cars, or even trying out multiple different models in a short space of time. But with traditional methods of getting yourself in a vehicle, this isn’t always easy, particularly when it comes to owning or leasing a car. Sure, you can sometimes test drive vehicles for a few days before deciding to buy one, or you can rent a car for a set period of time, but test driving is generally extremely short-term (and not always available for more than a few hours in most cases), and rental can get extremely expensive. Plus, if you do decide to go down the ownership route, or even the long-term leasing option, you can end up stuck in contracts or landed with the hassle of trying to sell the car you own when you decide it’s no longer right or you simply want something new.
This is where car subscription services come into play. With a car subscription, the process of getting a car is streamlined, and you’re not tied down with long-term commitments. A subscription typically includes of all your costs and driving needs, apart from fuel. So that latest car model you’ve been eyeing up? That could be on your driveway in a matter of days, and you wouldn’t even have to worry about sorting out tax or insurance. Subscriptions usually include things like maintenance and warranties too, so you’re always covered when it comes to keeping the car in good mechanical condition.
The popularity of car subscriptions is only increasing year on year, and it’s easy to see why. They’re becoming increasingly popular with younger motorists who don’t want the hassle and frustration that usually comes with ownership – it’s the convenience and the all-inclusive nature of a subscription that has become so appealing, particularly in the world we live in today.
Car subscriptions vs car leasing
Subscriptions differ from leasing in a couple of ways. Leases tend to have longer contracts which you are tied to, which could mean you’re stuck with the same car for quite some time, usually several years. That’s not the case with a subscription. A car subscription service will usually give you the option to swap and change as you desire. With a Flexed car subscription for example, you can change your car as often as you like after just 28 days, giving you the option to drive a different car every single month without the need to pay off any outstanding contract fees or finance.
If you’re an infrequent driver, such as someone who may only need a vehicle for a certain period of time throughout the year, you could end up paying much more for a lease as you’d still be paying when you’re not actually using the vehicle. This is another benefit of the subscription model. The nature of subscriptions means you could pause or cancel your subscription when you don’t need your vehicle, and simply start it back up again or setup a new one when you do.
Another downside to leases is that a lease can be very costly if you come out of a contract early, unlike a subscription which you can pick up and put down as you please. Another thing to keep in mind is that leasing doesn’t usually come with insurance, which is yet another thing to sort out and pay out for.
Who is a subscription for?
Subscriptions are for anyone who wants to take the hassle out of driving. If you only need a car in bursts at a time, or you’re simply looking for a more flexible, commitment-free way to get out on the road reliably, then a subscription model may be for you. Being able to use a car for only as long as you need to can save you money and hassle in the long run. Subscriptions also have the benefit of no large down payments or unexpected fees. They also cover servicing of your car, as well as maintenance and repairs if it unexpectedly needs work. Plus, manufacturer warranties, road tax, and often insurance (depending on the service) are all included with most subscriptions. A great benefit of a subscription is that the cars are usually new too, so you can always be sure that you’re driving the latest and greatest the auto industry has to offer.
How to get a car subscription
Getting a car subscription is remarkably easy. The process can differ slightly between providers, but generally it will be quite similar:
- Pick the car you want from the models the provider has to offer
- Complete an application – this can usually be done online and doesn’t take long
- Once your application is accepted, you’ll usually have to simply provide and confirm your payment method
- Next, you’ll typically have to sign your agreement and paperwork to finalise the subscription
- You’re all set – all that’s left is to get your vehicle, with most providers typically offering either a collection or a delivery service (sometimes both)
It’s that simple! This is one of the great benefits of a subscription. It’s so much easier than a lease, and because there’s zero long-term commitments, it’s a fantastic option if you’re not sure how long you’re going to need your car for.
So, there you have it, an introduction to car subscriptions and how to get yourself setup with one. Go and enjoy the future of driving, and for get about being tied down with long contracts and huge deposits – subscriptions give you the freedom to drive the way you want, when you want.
