Step 1: What Mileage Limits Mean in Car Subscriptions
Every car subscription includes a monthly or annual mileage cap — typically between 800 and 1,500 miles per month. This helps providers plan maintenance and residual values.
Unlike leases, subscription allowances can often be adjusted mid-term. For example, you can start on an 800-mile plan, then upgrade if your driving pattern changes.
Step 2: Typical UK Mileage Ranges
| Usage Type | Monthly Mileage | Recommended Plan |
|---|---|---|
| City-based professionals | 600–800 miles | Standard plan |
| Field sales or regional reps | 1,000–1,500 miles | High mileage plan |
| Nationwide or delivery drivers | 1,800–2,500 miles | Extended or custom plan |
Always check how each provider calculates mileage — some base it on a rolling average, others on total distance at the end of the contract.
Step 3: What Happens If You Go Over
If you exceed your allowance, most providers simply charge a per-mile excess fee, usually between 10p–30p per mile.
For example:
- 200 miles over × £0.20 = £40 extra on your final invoice.
Unlike lease penalties, excess mileage fees are transparent and relatively low — but they can add up if ignored. Keeping monthly mileage logs or using in-car apps helps avoid surprises.
Step 4: Which UK Providers Offer the Most Flexibility
Here’s how major UK subscription services handle mileage and excess:
| Provider | Standard Mileage | Mileage Flexibility | Excess Mileage Cost | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocoon Vehicles | 1,000 to 6,000 miles/month | Can adjust mid-term | 25p-£4.75 per mile | Bring your own insurance; business-friendly |
| Flexed | 1,250 miles/month | Adjustable in advance | from 50p per mile | Great for high-mileage corporate users |
| Flexigo | 1,000 to 2,000 miles/month | Flexible tiers | from 45p per mile | Startup-friendly, easy upgrades |
| Drive Car Flex | 1,000 to 2,000 miles/month | Upgrade any time | from 55p per mile | Ideal for SMEs and new firms |
| Wagonex | 800–1,200 miles/month | Customisable | ~25p per mile | Includes insurance; strong EV selection |
| Sixt+ | 750–1,250 miles/month | Fixed tiers | ~25p per mile | Insurance included, corporate focus |
| Ezoo | 1,000 miles/month | Flexible upgrades | Please Check | EV-only provider, includes charging support |
Step 5: Unlimited or High-Mileage Plans
Some providers (like Flexed or Cocoon) can arrange custom mileage agreements for clients who drive more than 2,000 miles per month. These aren’t advertised online but can be negotiated case-by-case — ideal for field engineers, delivery teams, or regional managers.
While “unlimited mileage” subscriptions are rare in the UK, Flexed and Drive Car Flex occasionally offer temporary unlimited plans for specific vehicles or promotional terms.
Step 6: Tips to Stay Within Your Limit
- Track mileage monthly using apps or vehicle dashboards.
- Book long trips strategically — one-off journeys can be cheaper by train or short-term hire.
- Upgrade before you exceed — most providers let you change your allowance mid-term.
- Plan business travel routes efficiently to reduce distance.
- Ask for rollover miles — some flexible providers allow unused miles to carry forward.
Step 7: The Role of Maintenance and Depreciation
Mileage caps aren’t arbitrary; they protect both vehicle condition and cost predictability. Higher mileage increases servicing needs and depreciation, which is why providers incentivise moderate use. Staying within your limit often keeps you eligible for loyalty discounts or renewal bonuses on future subscriptions.
Step 8: External Reference
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), average UK private car mileage fell below 7,500 miles annually in recent years — meaning most users easily fit within standard subscription plans. Businesses, however, average 15,000–20,000 miles, which makes flexible or high-mileage packages more attractive.
