Car Subscription (Auto Abo)
What a car subscription (Auto Abo) is: a car for a fixed monthly fee. Which costs the fee covers depending on the provider, how it differs from leasing and who it suits.
An Auto Abo, or car subscription, is a mobility model where you pay a fixed monthly fee to use a car. Depending on the provider, the fee covers costs such as damage protection, taxes, registration, maintenance and tyre changes, while fuel or charging is usually paid separately. It sits between short-term rental and multi-year leasing.
Using Instead of Owning
Owning a car means carrying its depreciation and handling registration, servicing and tyres yourself. A car subscription bundles these tasks into one predictable monthly payment.
How Auto Abo Differs from Leasing
Leasing usually means a commitment of several years, often a down payment and a mileage cap. A car subscription is generally more flexible:
- Term: Many subscriptions have shorter terms and notice periods than a lease. The exact conditions vary widely between providers.
- One fee: With leasing, damage protection, servicing and tyres are usually separate costs. With a subscription they are often part of the fee.
- Upfront cost: Many subscriptions need no large down payment, although some charge a setup fee.
Who It Suits
Individuals get predictable costs without a commitment of many years. Businesses can add or return cars as needed without tying capital up in a fleet of their own.
DRAIV is not a subscription company. We offer a long-term rental (page in German) that can be cancelled monthly, includes damage protection and comes with unlimited kilometres on most cars.
Related Terms
Not keen on a multi-year contract?
DRAIV is not a subscription company. Our long-term rental can be cancelled monthly, damage protection is included and most cars come with unlimited kilometres. The page is in German.
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