Car subscription: what it is and how it differs from renting

A car subscription (in Switzerland often called Auto-Abo) is a contract for a car with a fixed monthly fee, usually signed for several months. 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.

DRAIV does not offer a car subscription. We rent cars by the hour or by the day, with no subscription contract and no fixed monthly fee. If you need a car for weeks or months, you simply rent it for longer: long-term rental by the month (page in German). For a few hours or days you can rent a car in Zurich directly.

Car Subscription or Renting?

The difference is how long you commit and what you pay for:

• Term: A subscription runs for months, a rental for hours, days or weeks.
• Price: With a subscription you pay the same fee every month. With a rental you pay only for the time you need the car.
• Effort: With a subscription, maintenance is often part of the fee, depending on the provider. With a rental, servicing, tyres and tax are not your concern.

Car Subscription or Car Sharing?

Car sharing sells access to a network of cars, usually with a membership and a rate per hour and kilometre. A car subscription gives you one specific car for the term, which you use like your own.

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 a Car Subscription 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.

Related Terms

• Car Rental Security Deposit
• Deductible in Damage Protection
• Keyless Handover