Subscription-based car rental is a long-term vehicle-use model in which the customer pays a recurring fee for access to one or more cars. It serves as an alternative to owning or leasing a vehicle. Most vehicle subscription plans include insurance and maintenance, and many also cover roadside assistance and provide the option to change cars during the subscription period. With these services bundled into the fee, the customer typically only needs to pay for fuel or charging.
Car subscriptions are particularly convenient for people who need a vehicle for an extended but uncertain period, such as when relocating to another city or country. Many providers offer flexible terms, allowing the subscription to be paused or cancelled with relatively short notice, which makes it more adaptable than traditional leasing.
Most subscription-based car rental providers are car manufacturers, although some independent mobility companies also offer subscription services. Many providers allow users to swap their vehicle a set number of times per month or year. This means that, instead of committing to a single car as in a traditional lease, a vehicle subscription gives customers the flexibility to try several models from the same manufacturer or provider.
Synonym(s):
- Vehicle subscription
- Car-as-a-Service (CaaS)
- Cars-as-a-Service (CaaS)
