By the Car Subscriptions Editorial Team ยท Updated 8 October 2026
The market in Singapore
Owning a car in Singapore means paying for a Certificate of Entitlement, Additional Registration Fee, excise duty and road tax before you have driven a kilometre, then absorbing steep depreciation over the COE's ten-year life. Car subscriptions offer a way around that: you pay one monthly fee for a car that the provider owns, with insurance, road tax and maintenance bundled in, and hand it back when you no longer need it.
The main players are linked to the island's larger motoring groups and car-sharing platforms. Carro offers LEAP subscriptions from one month, GetGo runs the ZipZap subscription brand from six months, and peer-to-peer platform Drive lah has Flex+, which lowers costs by sharing your car with other renters on a set number of days. Specialist leasing firms also serve private-hire drivers. Monthly prices are high by international standards, reflecting COE values, so compare like for like.
How it works
You apply online with your NRIC or passport and a valid Singapore driving licence, or an accepted foreign licence with an International Driving Permit within the permitted period. Providers usually set a minimum age and driving experience for insurance. Pricing is a fixed monthly fee, sometimes with a refundable deposit, and covers road tax, insurance, servicing and maintenance; petrol or charging, ERP charges and parking are extra. Mileage allowances vary, with Drive lah Flex+ quoting 1,000 km a month. Minimum terms range from one month to six months, with notice periods of around 30 days.
Why drivers choose a subscription
No COE outlay
The provider bears the cost of the Certificate of Entitlement, so you avoid bidding for or financing a COE that can cost more than the car itself.
No ARF or downpayment
You avoid the Additional Registration Fee and the large downpayment required under MAS vehicle loan rules, freeing up capital.
No impact on TDSR
Because a subscription is not a loan, it does not count towards your Total Debt Servicing Ratio, which can matter if you are applying for a mortgage.
Road tax and insurance included
Annual road tax and comprehensive insurance are normally bundled into the monthly fee, simplifying budgeting.
No depreciation risk
COE-driven depreciation is the provider's problem, not yours, which is useful if you may leave Singapore or only need a car temporarily.
Malaysia driving on selected plans
Some providers, including Carro LEAP and Drive lah Flex+ on selected cars, allow you to drive into Malaysia.
Using a subscription for business
Companies in Singapore use subscriptions to provide cars to staff without buying COE-bearing vehicles or tying up capital. Subscription fees for business use may be deductible, but private passenger cars (S-plated) are generally subject to restrictions on deducting motoring expenses and claiming GST input tax, while commercial vehicles are treated differently. Check the position with your tax adviser or IRAS guidance before relying on any deduction.
Before you sign: what to check
- Compare the monthly fee against the total cost of ownership including COE depreciation, not just loan instalments.
- Check the monthly mileage cap and excess mileage charges.
- Confirm the insurance excess, named-driver rules and whether driving to Malaysia is covered.
- Understand any sharing obligations, such as Drive lah Flex+'s requirement to rent out the car four days a month.
- Note the minimum term, notice period and early termination charges.
Frequently asked questions
Is a car subscription cheaper than buying a car in Singapore?
It depends on COE prices and how long you need the car. Subscriptions avoid the COE, ARF and downpayment and remove depreciation risk, which can make them competitive for terms of a few years or less.
Do I need to pay for COE with a subscription?
No. The provider owns the car and its COE, and the cost is built into your monthly fee.
Can foreigners subscribe to a car in Singapore?
Generally yes, if you hold a valid licence accepted in Singapore. Foreign licence holders can usually drive for up to 12 months with an International Driving Permit before converting.
Can I drive a subscription car to Malaysia?
Some providers allow it on selected cars, including Carro LEAP and Drive lah Flex+. Check that insurance covers Malaysia before crossing.
Are ERP charges and parking included?
No. ERP, parking, fuel or charging and fines are normally paid by the subscriber.
What is the shortest subscription available?
Carro LEAP starts from one month and Drive lah Flex+ from two months, while ZipZap plans start from six months.