VWFS Rent-a-Car

About VWFS Rent-a-Car

As the name suggests, VWFS Rent-a-Car is primarily a rental service rather than a subscription. However, they offer a long-term option as part of the service option that acts in exactly the same way as a subscription.

With the option to sign up to a monthly rolling subscription with 4-weekly vehicle changes and inclusive insurance, breakdown and maintenance, VWFS Rent-a-Car is a way for customers in the UK to enjoy all the perks of a VW-centric subscription.

How it works

On the VWFS Rent-a-Car site, you can choose the long-term rental option and you can then search by budget or brand. The options screen feels like a rental service like Enterprise, but again, the long-term option is there for you to choose if you wish.

Drivers must be over 25 and the list of vehicles available depends on location, with VW using dealerships to source vehicles in local areas.

Customers can change their vehicles on a monthly basis, with the price fluctuating depending on vehicle choice. On this model, it is a 30-day rolling contract so cancellations apply at the end of each 28-day period.

Costs and fees

To access the monthly model with VWFS, you need to contact them directly for details on deposit, payment mechanisms, excesses, upgrades to cover, and mileage allowances.

Brands and models

As VWFS Rent-a-Car is a Volkswagen service, customers can choose from a range of VW, Skoda, and Seat vehicles. Models range from Seat Arona, to VW Golf, Tiguan and the ID.3 electric range is also available.

Notice periods

The long-term model is based on a 28-day recurring contract and no notice period if you want to return the vehicle at the end of the 28 days.

What’s Special about VWFS Rent-a-Car?

The fact that the company is chiefly a rental service rather than a subscription service means that the long-term option comes with some crossover benefits, such as being able to switch cars regularly, but there are also some drawbacks as the prices are coming from a rental standpoint.

This likely places VWFS Rent-a-Car near the top of the price bracket within the subscription market. However, VW are undoubtedly a reliable brand with plenty of choice, and for fans of VW, Skoda, or Seat, this represents a great chance to access their vehicles.

Social media

VWFS post vlogs, information on offers, engagement posts and quizzes, and more on their Facebook page.

FAQs

How old do I have to be to use VWFS Rent-a-Car?
You must be over 25 and have held your driving licence for a year, or 2 years if you wish to hire an ID model. The upper age limit is typically 75, but over 75s can also use the service with some restrictions.

Can I use my own insurance?
No, you must use the policy that VWFS provides with the vehicle. The policy is fully comprehensive with an excess of £1000, although customers over the age of 24 can opt to pay the enhanced damage waiver and reduce the excess fee to £250.

Do I have to pay a deposit?
Yes, the security deposit is taken on the day you collect the vehicle. It is taken as a pre-authorisation if you are paying by credit card, and is refundable on return of the vehicle, following inspection.

What happens if I exceed the stated mileage limit?
If you go over the mileage limit, you will be charged as per the amount on your contract. The amount charged is calculated in pence per mile.

Can I take my car abroad?
Yes, you can take your car out of mainland UK, though the specific restrictions are determined by the vehicle you have chosen, and the country you are planning to travel to. Before travelling, you should always speak to a VWFS representative to check if there are any restrictions.

Conclusion

VWFS Rent-a-Car doesn’t entirely belong in the car subscription category, but by offering a comprehensive package for people who want access to a vehicle for 28 days or more, including insurance, maintenance, breakdown and the option to switch once a month, they have almost inadvertently entered the market.

While a lot of the information requires a phone call or an email, it is clear that this a subscription experience in all but name, and it will appeal to customers who are familiar with and fans of the VW brand and its sister vehicles. With a range of cars available at different price points, as well as electric vehicles, VWFS Rent-a-Car has broad appeal.