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How to find the best car subscription service in the UK

With the UK government setting a target to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, the popularity of EVs is only set to rise. According to recent data, the number of EVs on the road in the UK has increased by more than three times over the past three years, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

Alongside the growing interest in EVs, we’re also seeing an increase in the popularity of car subscriptions. The fact that car ownership can be flexible and convenient without the hassle of long-term contracts is clearly making vehicle subscriptions an enticing prospect for UK drivers.

With this in mind, it’s essential to choose the best car subscription service that caters to your budget and lifestyle, especially if you’re considering an EV subscription.

What are car subscriptions exactly?

Car subscriptions are the newest way to hit the road in style, offering a flexible and convenient alternative to traditional vehicle ownership. Put simply, car subscriptions give you the opportunity to drive a brand-new vehicle for a monthly fee without having to worry about the costs associated with ownership, such as insurance, maintenance and road tax.

Vehicle subscription services allow you to choose from a range of vehicles, from small city cars to luxurious SUVs, and switch between them as often as every month with certain subscription providers!

There are probably more than 10 subscription providers in the UK who offer this new type of flexible car ownership. These include Onto, elmo, Wagonex, Care by Volvo, Mocean, Karzoom, My Car Direct, and Sixt… you get the idea – there are many!

Instead of browsing through each website, you can visit CarSloth.com, where you can compare car subscription providers and their vehicle inventory (including electric cars) all in one place.

Think of it as a car subscription comparison website, which saves you time and money by showing you all options.

The pros

  • Convenience – Car subscriptions offer a convenient and hassle-free way to drive a brand-new vehicle without worrying about ownership costs such as insurance, maintenance, and road tax.
  • Flexibility – You can switch between vehicles as often as you like, allowing you to change your car based on your preferences. No questions asked!
  • Cost-effectiveness – Car subscriptions can often be more cost effective than traditional vehicle ownership, as the monthly fee usually covers all the costs associated with the vehicle.
  • No long-term commitment – Unlike traditional vehicle ownership, car subscriptions offer the option to cancel at any time, making them a great option for people who are not looking for a long-term commitment.

The cons

  • Limited choice – The range of vehicles available with a car subscription may be limited compared to what you have access to if you go to your local dealership.
  • Restrictions – Some car subscription services have restrictions on monthly mileage or age restrictions. This is similar to what you’d expect from rental companies too.
  • No equity – Unlike traditional car ownership, with a car subscription, you will not own the vehicle, which means you will not build up any equity. But at least you don’t need to haggle!

Choosing the best car subscription service

When choosing an all-inclusive vehicle subscription provider, there are several essential considerations that you’ll need to take into account to ensure you get the best deal.

Your budget

Your budget will be a key factor in deciding which service to choose. Be sure to compare the monthly fees, as well as any additional costs such as delivery/collection fees, excess mileage and upfront deposits (which are normally fully refundable but can be hefty).

Location

Not all car subscription services operate nationwide, so it’s important to check if the service is available in your area before you sign up. Having said that, providers are constantly growing, securing more stock and expanding partnerships, so chances are that there will be a car for you.

Cars available

The most popular subscription cars at the moment are EVs, partly because drivers don’t have to pay extortionate amounts upfront and can also return the car if they don’t like it. Subscriptions allow for this. However, you can still find more traditional non-EVs from popular brands like Mazda, Volkswagen, BMW etc.  Consider what car you need based on your lifestyle and driving needs. Check out this guide for more information about choosing a specific EV.

Length of subscription

Different services offer different lengths of subscriptions, from monthly to annual. Decide on the length of time you want to drive the car for and look for a service that offers this. The usual minimum commitment is 30 days, but some companies would like drivers to commit for a little longer. Usually, the monthly cost goes down the longer the period you commit to.

Inclusions and exclusions

Make sure you understand what is included in the monthly fee and what is not. For example, does the service include insurance and delivery, or are these additional costs that you’ll need to factor in?

Subscription flexibility

Some services offer more flexibility than others, such as the option to swap vehicles or cancel at any time. Consider what level of flexibility you need and look for a service that provides this.

Could a subscription car be for you?

As you can see, although this way of running a vehicle is simple, it still requires a bit of research. If you want to learn more about subscription car ownership, be sure to check out Car Sloth’s electric car subscription expert advice.