Car Subscriptions Explained: Car Subscription Services vs Leasing
Why are drivers looking for more flexible car options?
With changing urban lifestyles, work patterns and increased environmental awareness, travel patterns have majorly shifted in recent years. Once considered the quickest and easiest mode of transport, driving your own car has become more burdensome for urban civilians than ever. City life is busy at the best of times, but coupled with roadworks, congestion zones and parking worries, the added stress is enough for drivers to start exploring other options.
Alongside public transport, flexible car hire is one of the easiest ways to cut costs and enjoy easier journeys, particularly in London. As an alternative to ownership and leasing, car subscriptions are quickly becoming a staple among urban residents, allowing drivers to utilise short round trips or flexible drop-offs.
Car subscription vs leasing: What’s the difference?
Leasing
Car leasing is an option for new drivers who want to try out a few different models before purchasing, or if ownership is simply too expensive. Leasing can either be short- or long-term, with options such as PCH or PCP. Generally, car leasing in the UK requires a fixed-term contract. However, sometimes flexible options are offered, including shorter leases.
Upfront costs typically include an initial rental payment as part of the total lease cost, as well as administrative fees. A notable upside to leasing is that drivers can avoid the depreciation costs associated with ownership. As explained in our article, car leasing is also an excellent option for small businesses.
Finance/Ownership
Car financing or ownership is a long-term financial commitment. While you can travel at your own leisure, car maintenance can be cumbersome and often involves a lot of paperwork and unexpected costs. Plus, once you purchase a car, the asset value depreciates exponentially. All things to consider if you are deciding to leap into car ownership, particularly when living in a central metropolitan area.
If you’re interested in finding out how much you can save by switching to flexible car hire and car subscription options, we discuss the costs associated with car ownership here.
Subscription
Car subscriptions offer the flexibility of short-term rentals, the freedom to explore vehicle options and the ability to cancel anytime. The added bonus of having insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance included within the costs is a budget-friendly incentive for those who value convenience and simplicity.
How does Zipcar make car subscriptions simple?
Flexibility
With the option to rent by the hour and day, our car subscription services are fully flexible and can be tailored to your schedule with no long-term tie-ins. With round-trip reservations, you can rent for up to 48 hours, while with Zipcar Flex, you can enjoy your vehicle for up to 7 days. Explore our options.
All-Inclusive
One of the primary benefits of our car subscription service is its comprehensive, all-inclusive offering, which includes 60 miles daily, comprehensive insurance, fuel and 24/7 roadside assistance. Fuel is included, and the fuel card is on the dashboard.
Convenience
With convenience at our core, car subscriptions offer the flexibility to pick up and drop off a vehicle at locations across cities globally. Choose from thousands of vehicles and find the right fit for your next trip.
Sustainability
We believe moving around shouldn't cost the earth. Zipcar promotes a greener globe by offering shared access to cars, which means fewer cars on the road.
Electric car subscription with Zipcar
Zipcar is a sustainable mobility partner dedicated to reducing emissions by offering electric and low-emission cars. With a range of electric car subscription options, you can incorporate more sustainable modes of transport into your travel plans. At the same time, we strive to provide a seamless, flexible and convenient service that meets our members’ needs without compromising on quality.
View our range of Electric cars
Case study: A day in the life with a car subscription
“It is literally the perfect way to get around London. Private, efficient, no parking problems. All the luxury of owning a car without the massive monthly costs and without any hassle.” Matthew
“Having flex has made it a breeze for my family to give up our car. Good for our wallets and the environment!” Simon
““Flex service has been brilliant since moving to London. Living centrally, I use flex over owning a car.” Thomas
Zipcar car subscriptions in London
As our flagship city, we have Zipcars available in every borough across London. From Hackney to Westminster to Croydon, we’ve got you covered! We offer a range of car subscriptions in London, with vehicles available for both Flex, A-to-A, A-to-B, or on-demand trips.
FAQs
How does a car subscription work?
A car subscription with Zipcar is a car-sharing service that offers on-demand, 24/7 access to a fleet of vehicles, which you can book by the minute, hour, or day, for a monthly membership fee.
Is a car subscription worth it?
Yes, car subscriptions and memberships are totally worth it if you’re looking for a convenient way to travel around major cities without the burdensome costs of car ownership. Unlike traditional car ownership or long-term leasing, car subscription services offer flexibility and bundle costs into a single payment. Discover how our memberships work with our comprehensive guide.
How does Zipcar's car subscription pricing work?
Zipcar’s car subscription pricing is designed to be simple and all-inclusive, including fuel, insurance and 24/7 breakdown cover. We have three different membership plans to explore: Basic: A one‑off application fee (currently £15) and no monthly fee. Ideal for occasional users, providing full access at standard rates. Smart: Monthly fee of £6, which includes driving credit and lower hire rates compared with Basic. Plus: A monthly fee of £15, designed for frequent users, includes a larger driving credit and the lowest hire rates.
