The demand for car subscription services has risen on the back of a behavioural shift towards flexible and affordable car ownership models and current market conditions that have made it difficult to access a vehicle. Given the newness and novelty of car subscription, comparison portals and calculators have become increasingly popular for customers wanting to find out the best car subscription service. In this guide, Loopit highlights some of things to look out for when choosing a car subscription that is best suited for your individual needs.
What car companies offer subscriptions?
The car subscription market has grown faster than anticipated and as a result, new providers are entering with their unique offerings. While the likes of OEM automakers such as Jaguar, Porsche and Volvo have made the headlines, many other business archetypes have joined the subscription race. In addition to OEM companies the following companies have also started offering their own subscription service:
- Rental and leasing companies - Hertz, Sixt and Enterprise
- Car dealership groups - Phil Gilbert Motor Group
- Pure subscription and mobility startups - Autonomy, Onto, HelloCars
Which is the best car subscription service for me?
When choosing the best car subscription service, the subscription price, location of the provider and vehicle availability are the main factors for customers. However, there are a few other aspects to keep an eye out to help with your decision. If you are looking for the best car subscription service, there are five main things to look out for:
- Car subscription reviews
- Vehicle and subscription plans
- Fees and charges
- Delivery options
- Booking experience
Car subscription reviews
Customer reviews are a great starting point for customers wanting to learn more about the experience of subscribing with a particular provider. Many reviews from comparison websites and on Google will give an insight into what to expect regarding the overall experience of the subscription, such as:
- the ease of booking a subscription, including identity verification and credit assessment processes
- the ease of vehicle collection and return
- level of customer assistance during contract agreements and payments and other enquiries such as toll usages or vehicle maintenance
Remember, a car subscription service is an ongoing relationship and these insights into the end-to-end experience will help reveal any particular point of concerns that you can seek clarity on and help compare providers to decide which is the best car subscription service for you.
Vehicle and subscription plans
While all subscription providers offer a range of different vehicle types, there may be a particular vehicle make or model you are after which may determine your budget and ultimately the provider which you will subscribe with. Almost all car subscription providers offer a range of plans that vary on usage and pricing based on the vehicle. Before settling on the most popular plan promoted by the provider, it is important to understand your own needs first. Some questions worth asking yourself include:
- How often will I be driving per week/month?
- How long do I intend to subscribe to the vehicle?
- How likely will I need to swap my vehicle? If so, when will this swap occur?
By figuring out your budget and your usage, you can get a clearer understanding of which plans to look for across different subscription providers and compare them accordingly to figure out which offers the best deal for your lifestyle needs.
Fees and charges
Don’t simply go for the cheapest option when it comes to a car subscription service. It’s possible to disguise lower ongoing charges with high establishment fees or long commitment periods. A reputable car subscription service provider will always advertise their minimum committed cost so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Delivery options
Given the fact that convenience is one of the main value propositions for car subscription, many businesses offer delivery services for their customers. Should you need vehicle delivery services, it may be worth enquiring whether your delivery address is offered as well as the delivery cost. Some providers may also offer free delivery as part of their ongoing promotional campaigns which may be influential in your final decision.
Booking experience
Customers appreciate the ability to browse through cars on both desktop and mobile, as well as a quick booking experience that can be completed through self-service or over the phone. Being able to view photos and/or of vehicles that accurately represent their condition, as well as, book a subscription and sign the subscription agreement without any paperwork or manual ID upload can go a long way in creating a seamless experience. New omnichannel experiences set by other industries such as e-commerce has meant many customers are now prioritising the digital experience in their subscription process.
Find the best car subscription provider near you
Interested in subscribing to a car so you can drive with no long-term commitment and all on-road costs included.? Find a car subscription service near you with Loopit's network of car subscription providers here.
