Long-term car rental in Switzerland: Here is how it works!

If you only need a car for a few weeks, it's not an easy task at first. Renting a car for just a few days, like on holiday, would be too short. Leasing is also out of the question, as these usually have a minimum term of one year.

To remedy this situation, classic car rental providers now offer so-called long-term car rentals. In this blog article, you can find out what this is all about, what you should look out for in a long-term rental and why a car subscription could be an exciting alternative.

What is a long-term car rental in Switzerland?

A long-term car rental is basically the same rental situation as a daily rental, which many people are familiar with from holidays or business trips. A rental contract is concluded with a car hire provider.

However, a long-term rental is only referred to from a rental period of a few weeks to less than 3 months. Classic providers in Switzerland include car rental companies such as Hertz, Sixt and Avis.

Depending on the contract, costs such as basic insurance, maintenance and servicing are usually included in the rental price, as with a classic car rental. However, there are often additional costs, for example for international travel, access to the navigation system or additional drivers. It is therefore advisable to find out the exact cost before booking, and to check any charges for additional services.

How does a long term car rental work?

Similar to a classic car rental, you first choose a suitable car or rather a car category, as it is unfortunately not possible to choose a specific car model with many car rental companies.

Then you have to choose the rental period and discuss other contract details. A fixed amount for the rental car will then be blocked on your debit or credit card, depending on the car category.

In addition to the rental price, this includes asecurity deposit that is released when the vehicle is returned. This is to protect the rental company against possible damage to the car or failure to fill up the tank. Once the amount has been reserved and the contract is signed, you can pick up the car at the provider's location and drive off.

What are the requirements for a long-term rental in Switzerland?

The requirements for a long-term rental in Switzerland vary slightly depending on the provider. In any case, as with leasing, you will need a valid category B driving licence or one that is recognised as equivalent in Switzerland. You will also need a valid debit or credit card, often issued in your own name.

There is also a minimum age for renting a car. This varies from company to company, but is usually 21 years of age, and can be as high as 25 for more expensive cars. In addition, there is often a surcharge for young drivers (< 25 years old), which makes the rental car significantly more expensive.

Some car hire companies also set a maximum age - for example, 69. If you are over the maximum age, a car subscription without an age limit could be a great alternative.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a long term car rental?

If you meet the requirements for renting a car, the question arises as to what advantages and disadvantages a long-term car rental has and for whom it is suitable. You can find an overview of the most important aspects here:

Advantages of long-term car hires:

• Short-term use: A long term car hire is recommended for a period of a few weeks to 3 months. As a customer, you will benefit from lower prices than with a daily rental, while a car subscription is much more worthwhile from three months onwards.

• Immediate availability: As with a daily rental, you can usually pick up your long-term rental directly from one of the many Swiss car rental locations and drive off immediately.

• Flexible rental period: You can rent your car for as long as you need and pay in advance. This means you don't have to worry about a cancellation period.

Disadvantages of long-term rentals:

• Redemption on the provider: A long-term rental car does not belong to you. It is therefore not registered in your name, you have an AI number plate in Switzerland and cannot apply for a parking permit.

• Hidden costs: Extra charges often apply for additional features, such as a navigation system. You may also have to pay for the possibility to travel abroad, which is often only possible with the permission of the rental company.

• Mileage: Long-term rentals often have a fixed mileage limit that must not be exceeded.

Who is a long term car rental in Switzerland suitable for?

It is evident that a long-term car rental is only worthwhile for a certain type of person. In fact, a rental is only recommended for up to 3 months, whereas a car subscription is worthwhile for longer periods. Typical groups of people who use long-term rentals are both private and business customers.

For private individuals, a long-term rental is recommended for a bridging period. For example, if you have just sold your old car and are expecting your new model in 2 months, it is an ideal in-between solution.

Maybe you don't own a car yet and want to find out if and how often you would really use a car? Even then, short-term rentals can make sense.

Is long-term car rental in Switzerland also worthwhile for business customers?

Business customers can also benefit from long-term car hire in Switzerland in a number of ways. These include business travellers who are in the country for a few months on business, such as seasonal employees in the tourism sector, or employees who regularly commute long distances. As a Swiss company, the costs can be claimed as a business expense and there is no residual value to pay.

However, if you need a car for more than 3 months, whether for private or business use, the car subscription is a much more attractive option.

The better alternative to long-term rental - the Carvolution car subscription

Firstly, with Carvolution, a Swiss car subscription provider, you can enjoy an all-inclusive package that includes insurance, taxes, service, cantonal redemption and tyre change. As with a long-term rental, you don't have to worry about anything except parking and refuelling.

Once you have chosen a vehicle in mint condition, you have the flexibility to choose a minimum rental period of between 3 and 48 months and a flexible kilometre package (350-3,250 km/month), which you can increase or decrease each month via your own Carvolution app. This gives you much more flexibility when you travel than with a long-term rental.

The biggest advantage is that the car subscription is an affordable alternative to a car rental. Since Carvolution buys cars in bulk and has streamlined processes, the cars can be offered at attractive conditions, even for just a few months.

Unlike renting, with a subscription you own the car. It is registered in your name (on the vehicle registration document) and you get your own number plate. You can also drive abroad and apply for a parking permit, as it will be redeemed in your canton.

Does the car subscription sound interesting to you, or are you still not sure if it's right for you? Our team will be happy to provide you with non-binding consultation on the car subscription and our wide range of vehicles, also directly and easily via WhatsApp.