This picture shows the competition between Flatdrive and Carvolution, symbolised by the companies' logos on a laptop screen.
This picture shows the competition between Flatdrive and Carvolution, symbolised by the companies' logos on a laptop screen.

As a popular alternative to buying and leasing, car subscriptions offer many advantages. So it's no surprise that there are more and more providers on the Swiss market, including Carvolution and Flatdrive. To shed some light on the situation, in this article we will highlight the most important differences between the Swiss subscription providers.

The comparison table shows the different types of data available from two car subscription providers and their properties in a clear overview.
The comparison table shows the different types of data available from two car subscription providers and their properties in a clear overview.

What is the main difference between Carvolution and FlatDrive?

Carvolution offers a more flexible car subscription with customizable mileage packages, individually configurable insurance, and a price guarantee compared to leasing. FlatDrive, on the other hand, offers motorcycles and e-bikes in addition to cars.

FlatDrive and Carvolution - Vehicle Comparison

A major difference between the subscription providers is immediately noticeable. While Carvolution specializes in cars, FlatDrive also offers motorcycles and e-bikes. Both providers offer rates for private and business customers.

In terms of cars, FlatDrive and Carvolution offer similarly large portfolios, with over 50 new models each. However, there's an important difference in the type of vehicles offered.

What car models are offered, and how far in advance can I book?

Carvolution offers vehicles from stock, which can be delivered within 2-3 weeks, as well as models that will be available in several months.

This allows customers to secure highly sought-after, newly released models or facelifts in advance. At Carvolution, whether from stock or pre-order, you can book well in advance, so you can, for example, order your car with an all-inclusive subscription months in advance.

FlatDrive and Carvolution - Offer Comparison

Both providers essentially offer an all-inclusive package, which covers the vehicle itself, insurance, taxes, service & maintenance, registration, and tires at a fixed monthly price.

However, as always, the devil is in the details, and we'll explore the differences between the providers below.

How do the car subscription providers differ in terms of insurance and deductible?

Both providers include comprehensive insurance. Carvolution partners with Mobiliar Insurance, while FlatDrive partners with Zurich Insurance.

The offerings differ significantly in detail. FlatDrive doesn’t allow for customized insurance, with the deductible for comprehensive insurance set at CHF 1,000, and CHF 500 for park damage insurance, which is also included.

Carvolution, however, allows customers to tailor the insurance to their needs. The deductible for comprehensive insurance (per claim) can be selected between CHF 250, CHF 500, and CHF 1,000. Additionally, customers can opt for park damage, gross negligence, and traffic legal protection insurance as needed.

The deductible for Carvolution’s park damage insurance is CHF 0 for 2 damages per insurance year (12 months), with unlimited damage coverage.

Is the car registered in the canton of residence at Carvolution and FlatDrive?

At Carvolution, the vehicle is always registered in the customer’s canton of residence at no extra cost, making it easy to obtain a resident parking permit. International travel is also not an issue.

At FlatDrive, canton registration is also possible but only as an option for a fee of CHF 130. If you do not choose this option, the vehicle will be registered with Bernese plates. This may make obtaining a resident parking permit difficult. Additionally, out-of-canton registration can become problematic, as a car should generally be registered in the canton where it spends most nights.

How do Carvolution and FlatDrive differ in terms of contract duration and kilometre packages?

Both providers offer contract durations ranging from 3 to 48 months.

The kilometre packages differ significantly in detail. FlatDrive customers can choose between 500, 900, 1,600, 2,100 and 3300 kilometers per month.

Carvolution, on the other hand, offers a wider range of kilometre packages, starting with a 350 km package for light drivers. Customers can choose between 350, 850, 1,200, 1,850, 2,500, and 3,250 km. This way, both light and heavy drivers can find suitable options.

Can I adjust my kilometre usage flexibly at Carvolution and FlatDrive?

At FlatDrive, it’s only possible to carry over unused kilometers to the next month (e.g., if you drive 600 km on a 500 km package, you’ll have 400 km left the next month without extra charges). Carvolution offers much more flexibility.

Not only can you compensate for extra kilometres in the following month, but you can also carry over the remaining kilometres into the next month and then drive more. In addition, you can also generally increase or decrease your KM package each month. So if you drive less one month, you can simply adjust your KM package downwards (example: from 1,200 km to 850 km) and save directly. This is not possible with FlatDrive.

Do Carvolution and FlatDrive offer fuel/charging cards with discounts?

As of now, only Carvolution offers these services. Carvolution includes an AVIA fuel card with a 5 Rappen/liter discount. For electric vehicles, a free one-year Explorer membership with evpass is included, offering a 5 Rappen/kWh discount.

Carvolution is particularly committed to sustainability and climate-friendly mobility. Through a partnership with myclimate, Carvolution customers can choose to compensate for direct and indirect CO₂ emissions instead of receiving the fuel discount.

Do FlatDrive and Carvolution offer apps, and how does customer support differ?

Carvolution is the only Swiss car subscription provider offering an app. With the Carvolution app, you can easily handle tasks like reporting damages, adjusting your mileage package, viewing terms and invoices, or accessing tire service information.

With FlatDrive, however, you must first contact the FlatDrive team for tyre changes and service work, according to the FAQs.

Are Carvolution and FlatDrive Swiss companies?

Yes, both Carvolution and FlatDrive are Swiss companies, and both are based in the canton of Bern. FlatDrive’s headquarters are in Langenthal, while Carvolution is based in Bannwil, a charming Bernese village.

Conclusion: Does FlatDrive or Carvolution better suit your needs?

Ultimately, the decision depends on various factors. If you're interested in leasing a motorcycle or e-bike, FlatDrive might be a good option for you. If you're focused on car subscriptions, consider these questions:

  • Which model selection appeals to me more?

  • Do I want to book a car far in advance?

  • How flexible do I want my mileage package to be?

  • Is canton registration important to me?

  • What kind of insurance do I need?

If you’re looking for a provider with a flexible kilometre package, low deductible, and best-price guarantee compared to leasing, Carvolution might be the right choice for you. Feel free to explore our large vehicle selection or get a no-obligation consultationfrom our team.

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