What extras do you pay on top of a car subscription?
A car subscription is a flexible alternative to traditional car ownership or leasing. As a result, it's been growing in popularity, and so have the questions we get asked. This article will help you to get a clear breakdown of additional payments and charges beyond your standard car subscription fee.
While car subscriptions typically include the cost of insurance, maintenance, MOT and roadside assistance, you may encounter a few additional fees.
What's included in your standard car subscription payment?
A comprehensive car subscription typically covers:
- Vehicle insurance and maintenance
- Road tax and registration
- MOT and standard servicing
- Breakdown coverage
- Vehicle delivery and collection
Additional car subscription feeds to consider
Here are some examples of additional car subscription feeds to be aware of before you choose a provider.
Mileage allowance charges
One extra cost you may pay on top of a car subscription is a mileage allowance fee.
Many car subscription services have a maximum mileage limit included in the monthly fee (usually 800 miles per month, but some offer up to 1,250 miles). You will be charged an additional fee per mile if you exceed that limit.
This fee can vary depending on the service and the specific car you are driving, and it's usually between 4p to 25p per mile. There are optional mileage packages available in case you are a high-usage driver
Insurance coverage and driver fees
Another extra cost you may encounter with a car subscription is the fee for adding another driver to your subscription. Most subscription companies allow adding multiple drivers on the same car, so you may need to pay an additional fee for them to be added to the insurance policy. This fee can vary depending on the service and the specific car you are driving, as well as the age and driving history of the additional driver.
With EZOO, you can add up to three additional drivers – with every driver added costing £10 on top of your monthly subscription fee. Drive Fuze also charge the same price for additional drivers - £10.
Here are the key points to remember:
- Additional driver registration: £10-30 per month,
- Insurance excess adjustments,
- Age-related surcharges for drivers under 25,
- Provider-specific coverage terms may vary.
Vehicle Condition and Wear Charges
Another cost not included in the basic subscription is a charge for damage or excessive wear and tear on the car.
While many car subscription services include insurance coverage and fair wear and tear, you may still be responsible for paying for damage to the car that exceeds the agreed limits outlined in your contract.
Additionally, suppose you return the car at the end of your subscription with excessive wear and tear. In that case, you may be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of repairs or maintenance. This cost varies depending on provider contract terms.
Remember, "Fair wear and tear" refers to the normal deterioration in a vehicle over time. You may also have to pay cleaning charges if you return the car below the standard condition, just as a fyi!
Optional Upgrades and Services
- EV charging network subscriptions (e.g., BP Pulse),
- Home charging equipment installation,
- Vehicle specification upgrades,
- Premium insurance coverage options.
Administrative and Penalty Fees
As the driver, you are responsible for any tickets, fines, or other penalties you incur while driving the vehicle. This includes parking tickets, speeding tickets, tolls, and any other traffic violations or infractions you may incur.
If you receive a ticket or fine while driving a car that you have subscribed to, you will be responsible for paying the total amount of the ticket or fine.
If you ignore the fine and it ends up in the hands of the subscription provider, they will either try to transfer it back to you or pay it themselves and chase you to cover the cost. Usually, that includes an admin fee to cover their time.
Be sure to understand your car subscription service's specific policies to avoid any additional costs or fees. Here’s the key information you need to know:
- Traffic violation handling: £20-50 admin fee,
- Toll payment processing,
- Late payment charges,
- Contract modification fees.
Hidden costs to watch out for:
As well as the above, if you choose to subscribe to a car you should also watch out for:
- Early termination penalties,
- Vehicle delivery and collection fees,
- Subscription adjustment charges,
- Registration transfer costs.
Our top tips to minimise extra charges
- Accurately calculate your monthly mileage needs
- Understand the provider's wear and tear policy
- Compare comprehensive coverage options
- Review all contract terms before agreeing
- Monitor recurring charges and optional fees
In summary, while car subscriptions may include many costs associated with traditional car ownership or leasing, you may still encounter extra charges like mileage allowance fees, additional drivers, damage or excess wear and tear, penalty notices and additional services.
Want to learn more about subscriptions? Read our expert guides:
Browse all cars available on subscription
There are hundreds of cars available via UK subscription companies.
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