Car Subscription Explained - Without Marketing Jargon

A compact guide that shows you what car subscription really is - so you can decide whether the model fits your lifestyle.

Simple access to a car - digital, transparent, and modern

On this page, you’ll learn how our car subscription works, which steps to expect, what’s included, who it’s suitable for, and how it differs from other models.

What is a car subscription?

A car subscription reduces complexity and offers simple, digital, and transparent access to vehicles. We explain everything you need to know about this modern form of mobility.

Definition

A monthly plan that gives you access to a vehicle for a set period.

Core Principles

The subscription is all-inclusive, flexible, and comes without the hassles of ownership.

Skip Ownership

No depreciation, no maintenance hassles, and no high upfront costs or financing.

The process

How does a car subscription work?

The process in 5 steps.

Choose your vehicle

Compare models, mileage packages, terms, and monthly rates.

Book online

Digital, straightforward, and completed in just a few minutes.

Receive approval

Fair and fast assessment, usually within 48 hours.

Collect your vehicle

Joint vehicle inspection with transparent documentation. You receive digital copies of all reports.

Drive & return

Return under the same standards as the initial handover - with transparent damage assessment.

What’s included in the car subscription?

Predictable monthly costs - no surprises thanks to clear pricing at Carrivo.

Insurance

Your Carrivo subscription offers protection based on comprehensive insurance principles.
Damage to the vehicle beyond the agreed excess is covered by us.
Statutory third-party liability insurance is included.

Taxes & Registration

Bei Carrivo sind all taxes and registration included in the subscription.

Servicing

Maintenance and inspections are included. While normal wear and tear is covered, any additional damage is handled based on your agreed deductible.

Roadside Assistance

Roadside assistance is included via the manufacturer’s assistance or roadside cover. Self-caused incidents (e.g. misfuelling) are excluded.

Who is a car subscription suitable for?

For anyone who values simplicity and predictability.

Professionals who want to stay flexible

For anyone who values mobility without long-term commitments. A car subscription can be easily adapted to changing life situations thanks to relatively short terms - transparent, clearly calculated, and without complex contractual obligations.

Drivers who often struggle with traditional financing

Whether you’re a young driver, self-employed, or have a limited credit history, Carrivo lets you hit the road without high upfront costs or complex financing. Your monthly fees are fully predictable, with no hidden charges.

Small businesses and self-employed professionals

For anyone who values mobility without long-term commitments. Carrivo adapts to your changing life situations. Our flexible terms mean you can drive without being tied down by long-term contracts.

Comparison

Car subscription compared: subscription, leasing, or purchase

Understanding the different paths to vehicle mobility

Mobility options
Car subscription
Leasing
Purchase
One-time payment
No classic down payment*
Yes
Yes
Runtime
Fixed terms (12-24 months); contract ends automatically
Usually 3-5 years
Long term
Maintenance/insurance/taxes
Inclusive
Typically extra
Self-organised
Administrative expenses
One invoice/month
Several documents
Complex
Flexibility
High (change/ adjustment to the end of the term)
Very low
Very low
Monthly rate
Medium (but already includes maintenance, tax, and liability coverage)
Low (but largely without included services)
Depends on the financing agreement
Tied capital
None
Medium
Very high
Possibility to drive a new car every 12-24 months
Yes
Rarely possible
No
Try out models or technologies without making a commitment for more than 1-2 years
Yes
Rarely possible
No
Residual value risk
No
Depending on the leasing model
Full
Mobility options
Car subscription
Leasing
One-time payment
No classic down payment*
Yes
Runtime
Fixed terms (12-24 months); contract ends automatically
3-5 years
Maintenance/
insurance/
taxes
Inclusive
Typically extra
Administrative expenses
One invoice/month
Several documents
Flexibility
High (change/ adjustment to the end of the term)
Very low
Tied Capital
None
Medium
Monthly rate
Medium (but already includes maintenance, tax, and liability coverage)
Low (but largely without included services)
Possibility to drive a new car every 12-24 months
Yes
Rarely possible
Try out models or technologies without making a commitment for more than 1-2 years
Yes
Rarely possible
Residual value risk
No
No
Mobility options
Car subscription
Purchase
One-time payment
No classic down payment*
Yes
Runtime
Fixed terms (12-24 months); contract ends automatically
Long term
Maintenance/
insurance/
taxes
Inclusive
Self-organised
Administrative expenses
One invoice/month
Complex
Flexibility
High (change/ adjustment to the end of the term)
Very Low
Monthly rate
Medium (but already includes maintenance, tax, and liability coverage)
Depends on the financing agreement
Tied capital
None
Very high
Possibility to drive a new car every 12-24 months
Yes
No
Try out models or technologies without making a commitment for more than 1-2 years
Yes
No
Residual value risk
No
Full

*We charge a one-time setup fee to cover the initial costs of registration, logistics, vehicle preparation, and, if applicable, tyre changes. This generally allows us to waive an additional deposit and keeps the monthly rate lower.

Flexibility

How flexible is a car subscription really?

Transparent terms that offer maximum mobility with minimal restrictions.

Term

For example, 12 or 24 months - Carrivo offers several options depending on the vehicle.

No long term committment

Your contract ends automatically at the end of your term, with no cancellation required.

Vehicle changes

No vehicle changes during the term. A seamless transition to the next subscription is possible after the contract ends.

Flexible collection

Collect your vehicle at a partner location within our expanding network. Or have your vehicle conveniently delivered to your home.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions about car subscriptions - answered directly and transparently.

Do I need a high credit rating for the Carrivo car subscription?

Carrivo uses a digital financial check via Open Banking to assess your overall financial situation. This allows us to review applications without relying on a SCHUFA credit enquiry.

If standard criteria are not fully met in individual cases, we review whether an alternative solution may be possible – for example through an appropriate advance payment, a deposit or a different vehicle model.

What happens in the event of an accident in a Carrivo car subscription?

With the Carrivo car subscription, you drive with comprehensive cover.

In the event of damage to the vehicle, your cost risk is limited to the contractually agreed excess.

The damage is documented and assessed by a vehicle assessor; we use this assessment to manage the claims quickly and transparently. The process remains transparent and straightforward.

Can I cancel my Carrivo car subscription early?

Your Carrivo contract has fixed terms and ends automatically.

How quickly is the Carrivo car subscription approved?

The digital review at Carrivo usually takes 24-48 hours.

Which vehicles does Carrivo offer as a car subscription?

The range of vehicles at Carrivo is constantly evolving - from small cars to compact and medium-sized vehicles to SUVs or small vans of various brands.

You can see the currently available models directly during the booking process. If you don't want to miss out, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.

Werde als einer der Ersten informiert

Trag dich auf die Warteliste ein und erfahre als Erster, wenn Carrivo startet und die ersten Fahrzeuge verfügbar sind. Einfach eintragen, zurücklehnen - wir melden uns, sobald du losfahren kannst.

Join the waiting list

Join the Waitlist Now. You're not making any commitment — we'll only get back to you as soon as vehicles are available. If you'd also like to become part of the Carrivo community and receive exclusive information, Tick the box.

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