Car Subscription Insights and Plan Introduction

Comprehensive Guide to Car Subscription Services: A Convenient and Flexible New Choice

Have you ever wanted to own a car but worried about the long-term financial burden? Or perhaps you want to frequently switch between different types of vehicles to experience various driving pleasures?
A car subscription service might be your best answer! This emerging way of using cars is changing people's habits, bringing unprecedented convenience and flexibility to consumers.

Introduction to Car Subscription Services

A car subscription service is an innovative mode of car usage, allowing you to subscribe to a car just like you would subscribe to Netflix. You don't need to pay a large amount upfront to buy a vehicle, nor do you have to worry about the hassle of maintenance, insurance, and other chores. By paying a fixed monthly fee, you can enjoy an exclusive car experience.

1. Why Choose a Car Subscription?

There are many benefits to choosing a car subscription. Firstly, you can flexibly choose different models to meet various needs. Secondly, you do not bear the risk of vehicle depreciation nor the hassle of selling a car. Most importantly, car subscription services usually include maintenance, insurance, and other costs, making your car usage expenses more transparent and controllable.
Whether you are new to driving or a car enthusiast wanting to try different models, a car subscription service offers a convenient and economical choice. As this service becomes more popular, more people are discovering that owning a car doesn't necessarily mean buying one; subscribing is also a smart choice.

2. Flexible Contracts: Choose the Best Plan for You

A key feature of car subscription services is the flexible contract options. You can choose different subscription plans based on your needs. For example, some people may only need a car for a short period and can choose a monthly rental plan; others may need long-term stable use and can opt for an annual plan to get a better price.

3. Transparent Costs: Say Goodbye to Hidden Fees

Another major advantage of car subscription services is cost transparency. Traditional car buying may encounter various hidden costs such as insurance, maintenance, and taxes, which increase your actual car usage expenses. However, car subscription services typically include these costs in the monthly fee, making it clear how much you need to pay each month.
For example, if you subscribe to a mid-sized sedan with a monthly fee of NT$15,000, this fee already includes the right to use the car, insurance, regular maintenance, taxes, and all other expenses. You don't have to worry about unexpected costs, allowing you to better plan your budget. This advantage of no hidden fees makes many consumers feel more assured and at ease.

4. Diverse Vehicle Choices: Meet Various Car Needs

Car subscription services usually offer a variety of vehicle models for you to choose from, ranging from economical small cars to luxury SUVs. This diverse selection allows you to choose the most suitable vehicle for different scenarios. For instance, you might prefer an eco-friendly electric car for your daily commute but a spacious SUV for weekend trips.
The specific advantage of diverse choices is that you can easily handle various situations in life.
Got a new family member? Switch to a larger vehicle.
Need to impress a client for work? Subscribe to a premium sedan.
Want to travel eco-friendly? Choose an electric car.
Car subscription services make your vehicle choices more flexible than ever.

5. No Long-Term Commitment: Enjoy the Freedom of Car Usage

Traditional car ownership often means a long-term financial burden, not only paying a high purchase price but also bearing the risks of vehicle depreciation and maintenance. But car subscription services are completely different; you can adjust or cancel your subscription at any time based on your needs, without long-term commitment.
Many users report that this flexibility makes them feel relieved.
For example, one user shared, "I used to worry about a potential job transfer, so I didn't dare to buy a car. But with car subscription services, I can use a car with peace of mind. If I really need to move, I can easily unsubscribe without any worries."
This feature of no long-term commitment makes car subscription services an ideal choice for many people.

Main Advantages of Car Subscription Services

1. Convenience: A One-Stop Solution

One of the greatest advantages of car subscription services is convenience. It provides users with a true one-stop solution. You don't need to go to the bank to handle car loans, compare insurance plans everywhere, or remember when to do maintenance. All these cumbersome tasks are handled by the service provider.

2. Cost-Effectiveness: Easier Planning with Fixed Monthly Fees

Car subscription services usually adopt a fixed monthly fee system, allowing users to better plan their expenses.
Take a mid-sized SUV as an example, assuming the monthly rental fee is NT$20,000, this fee already includes all car-related expenses. In contrast, if you choose to buy the same model, in addition to the monthly car loan, you also need to pay extra for insurance, maintenance, taxes, etc., bringing the total cost to over NT$25,000.
From a financial perspective, car subscription services help you avoid large one-time expenditures, making your cash flow more flexible. Additionally, since you don't bear the risk of vehicle depreciation, it may be more economical in the long term.

3. Diverse Choices: Meeting Different Needs

Car subscription services usually offer a variety of brands and models to choose from. Whether you prefer the reliability of Japanese cars or the performance of European cars, you can find a suitable choice.

4. Service Guarantee: Worry-Free Car Experience

Most car subscription services offer comprehensive after-sales service, including regular maintenance and car insurance. This means you can enjoy the same level of service as luxury brand car owners.

Car Rental Information

Required Documents for Car Rental

When renting a car, you need to provide the following documents:

• For local residents: National ID card and driver's license. (Cash rentals available)
• For foreign nationals: Valid IDP (International Driving Permit), passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, visa or residence permit (valid for more than 6 months) or entry-exit proof.
• For residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau: Valid Hong Kong driver's license or IDP, Mainland passport, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card or UnionPay card, Taiwan entry permit.
• For Japanese citizens: Japanese driver's license and its translation, AE/VISA/MASTER/JCB credit card, entry-exit proof.

Security Deposit

• For foreign nationals: TWD 10,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.
• For local residents: TWD 1,000 credit card authorization. The deposit will be refunded after the vehicle is returned successfully, which takes about 28-45 working days.

Authorized Credit Cards

Only VISA and Mastercard (excluding debit cards) are accepted.

Mileage Limit for Passenger Cars

The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers, and the hourly rental limit is 40 kilometers per hour. An additional charge of TWD 2 per kilometer will apply for any excess mileage.

Usage Duration

One day is defined as 24 hours. An overtime fee of 10% of the daily rate will be charged for each additional hour.

Car Rental Insurance

• Vehicle Damage Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle damage, the renter is responsible for the repair costs up to a maximum of TWD 50,000, except in cases of drunk driving, unknown vehicle damage, breach of contract, and other non-compensable actions.
  Note: For upgraded insurance, please contact the branch representative.
  (Excludes business loss and 20% depreciation)
  (If the vehicle is a total loss, the renter is responsible for 25% of the vehicle's current value and 20 days of business loss)
  (Applicable only to accidents involving collisions with other vehicles)
• Theft Insurance:
  In the event of vehicle theft, the renter is responsible for 10% of the vehicle's current value as a deductible.
• Passenger Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000 per person within the allowed number of passengers.
• Compulsory Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 2,000,000 per traffic accident victim.
• Driver Injury Insurance:
  Maximum compensation of TWD 1,000,000.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance:
  Voluntary third-party accident liability insurance (requires TWD 10,000 deductible for insurance compensation)
  Maximum coverage of TWD 1,000,000 per person for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 2,000,000 per accident for injury or death
  Maximum coverage of TWD 500,000 per accident for property damage.

*Detailed coverage is based on the policy of each vehicle. The above insurance types do not include motorcycles and trucks (Revised on 2020.3.1).

Car Pickup Process

When picking up the car, you need to bring the aforementioned documents to the car rental company's branch.

• Complete the rental process: Present your ID, driver's license, and credit card, and fill out the rental contract.
• Pay the rental fee and deposit: Pay the rental fee and deposit by credit card.
• Inspect the car: Check the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, inform the rental company immediately.
• Pick up the car: Receive the car keys and related documents.

Car Pickup Notes

• Review the contract: Confirm the terms to protect your rights.
• Fuel: Return the car with a full tank of fuel/electric charge. If the car is picked up with a full tank/charge, please return it the same way. If not returned with a full tank/charge, a fuel charge and service fee will be applied.
• Take photos of the car exterior: Verify the condition of the vehicle. If there is any damage, take photos as well.

Online Booking and Rental Calculation

You can make an online reservation and calculate the rental fee through the car rental company's website.

• Choose a car model: Select the appropriate car model based on your needs.
• Choose the rental period: Enter your rental dates and times.
• Check the price: The system will automatically calculate the rental fee and deposit.
• Book online: If you decide to rent a car, you can book and pay the deposit online.

Car Return Notes

• Late fee calculation: 24 hours constitutes one day. The late fee is 10% of the daily rental fee per hour.
• ETC: Taiwan highways use the ETC electronic toll collection system. Fees will be settled when the car is returned.
• Mileage fee: The daily mileage limit for passenger cars is 400 kilometers. The hourly rental mileage limit is 40 kilometers per hour. For excess mileage, an additional fee of TWD 2 per kilometer will be charged.

General Road Traffic Regulations

Left-hand Driving

Taiwan follows left-hand driving. If you are from Japan or Hong Kong, make sure to get familiar with the steering wheel and driving direction again.

Right of Way

Speed Limits

The speed limit on highways is 80 to 110 KM/H, and on expressways, it is 60 to 90 KM/H. Follow the speed limit signs. If there are no speed limit signs on regular roads, the default limits are 50 KM/H for general roads, 40 KM/H for slow lanes, and 30 KM/H for urban alleys.

Speeding Fines

According to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act,

• General roads: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 1,200 to 2,400 and 1 demerit point.
• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed will result in a fine of NTD 3,000 to 6,000 and 2 demerit points.
• Severe speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h will result in a fine of NTD 6,000 to 36,000, immediate driving ban, and 3 demerit points.

Drunk Driving Fines

• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.03% is considered drunk driving and will result in a fine of NTD 30,000 to 120,000.
• A breath alcohol concentration of 0.25 mg/L or blood alcohol concentration of 0.05% violates criminal law and will result in a fine of over NTD 300,000 and up to 3 years of imprisonment.

Mobile Phone Usage Ban

Using a mobile phone, computer, or other device to make calls, data communication, etc., while driving will result in a fine of NTD 3,000.
Note that you cannot use your phone while waiting at a red light either!

Lane Markings

Yellow lane lines: Used to separate traffic directions.

• Broken lines: You can cross to the opposite lane when it does not affect the traffic.
• Double solid yellow lines: No crossing or U-turns allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No overtaking, crossing, or U-turns on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

White lane lines: Used to separate same-direction lanes and identify safe driving distances.

• Broken lines: Lane changes or crossing is allowed.
• Double solid white lines: No lane changes or crossing allowed.
• Solid and broken lines together: No lane changes on the solid line side, allowed on the broken line side.

Street Parking Rules

• Red line: No parking at any time. Parking is also prohibited within 10 meters of intersections and bus stops, and within 5 meters of fire truck entrances.
• Yellow line: Temporary parking (no more than 3 minutes) is allowed during the day, and parking is allowed at night (usually from 8 PM to 7 AM). Yellow lines are often accompanied by signs.
• White line: 10 cm white line means no parking. 15 cm white line allows parking. If the roadside has a 10 cm white line, parking will occupy the slow lane and is considered a violation.

Horn Regulations

Horn usage is regulated as "single beep, no more than 3 consecutive times," and each beep should not exceed 0.5 seconds. Violating horn usage or exceeding the volume limit will result in a fine of NTD 300 to 600.

Speed Cameras

Taiwan's average speed cameras calculate the "average speed over a section" unlike traditional fixed-point speed cameras. You need to maintain the speed limit within the section to avoid fines.

Highway Traffic Regulations

ETC

Most highways are toll roads. It is recommended to choose vehicles equipped with the electronic toll collection system eTag for convenient toll payment. Fees will be settled when returning the vehicle.

Speeding Fines

• Expressways: Exceeding the speed limit by over 10 km/h or driving below the minimum speed limit will result in a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$6,000 and 2 penalty points.
• Severe Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit by over 40 km/h will result in a fine of NT$6,000 to NT$36,000 and immediate suspension of driving, with 3 penalty points recorded.

Overtaking Lane Regulations

The far left lane is the overtaking lane, primarily used for passing vehicles at the highest speed limit. After overtaking, return to the original lane. Do not occupy the overtaking lane for an extended period to avoid traffic congestion.

Shoulder Regulations

The far right lane is the shoulder. During traffic jams, it may be opened to relieve traffic flow at certain times and under certain conditions. A green circle marking indicates the shoulder is open, while a red cross indicates it is closed. When drivers see the sign "No lane change ahead shoulder driving prohibited," they should return to the main lane unless exiting at the next interchange, to avoid penalties. Violating the shoulder regulations results in a fine of NT$4,000 to NT$6,000.

High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Regulations

Some highway sections implement high occupancy vehicle (HOV) control during peak periods, requiring at least 3 people in the vehicle, including the driver and children, to use the lane.

Traffic Signals

Traffic Lights

In addition to the basic red, yellow, and green lights, there are sometimes arrow signals.
Pay attention to situations where the red light is accompanied by a left/right arrow, allowing only left or right turns.
In other scenarios with a green light, you can go straight or turn left/right.

Flashing Red and Yellow Lights: Indicating Main and Secondary Roads

Flashing Red Light: Indicates a secondary road. You must stop at the intersection and yield to traffic from both sides before proceeding.
Flashing Yellow Light: Indicates a main road. You have the right of way but should be cautious of oncoming traffic.

Common Road Signs

Common Violations

• Right Turn on Red: Right turns are not allowed on a red light unless there is a right turn arrow.
• Speeding: As mentioned previously, speeding violations result in fines and penalty points.
• No Left Turn: No left turns or U-turns are allowed as a U-turn involves two left turns.
• No U-Turn: Left turns are allowed, but U-turns are not, as making a left turn once is not equivalent to a U-turn.

Recommended Navigation System

Google Map

Rental Car FAQs

Q: Where to pay for parking tickets?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life.

Q: What to do in case of an accident?

• Call 110 to report to the police: Preserve the scene or take photos, and do not settle privately.
• Notify the rental car company: Contact their representative or customer service.
• Submit the required claim documents.
• Complete the accident handling process.

Q: How to pay fines?

You can pay at convenience stores such as 7-11, OK Mart, FamilyMart, and Hi-Life. The rental car company will contact you later and charge your credit card remotely.

Q: How to use gas stations?

Taiwan's fuel options include 92, 95, and 98 unleaded gasoline and diesel. Make sure to confirm before you start.

Q: Steps for self-service refueling

• Turn off the engine, engage the parking brake for cars, and set the center stand for motorcycles.
• Choose your payment method.
• Confirm the receipt option.
• After touching the static discharge zone with both hands, open the fuel cap, then follow the machine instructions to lift the nozzle and refuel.
• Refuel to the desired amount or until the nozzle automatically stops, then return the nozzle to the machine.
• After closing the fuel cap, retrieve your credit card, receipt, and invoice from the machine.

Conclusion

Car subscription services offer a new way of car usage for modern people. Its convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are attracting more and more consumers. While traditional car purchasing still has its advantages, for those seeking freedom and diverse experiences, car subscription is undoubtedly an attractive option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I choose the right subscription plan?

A: When choosing a subscription plan, consider your frequency of car usage, budget, and needs. If you need a car every day, a long-term subscription plan is ideal; if you only need a car occasionally, a short-term plan may be more suitable.

Q: How extensive is the insurance coverage for car subscription services?

A: Most car subscription services provide comprehensive insurance, including third-party liability insurance, collision insurance, etc. The specific coverage may vary by provider, so it is recommended to read the contract terms carefully before subscribing.