(BPT) - Key Takeaways

• The cost of car ownership in 2026 continues to rise, driven by higher vehicle prices, financing and ongoing expenses like insurance, maintenance and fuel
• Traditional options like buying or leasing a car typically require multi-year commitments that may not reflect changing lifestyles
• New alternatives, including flexible and more affordable leasing models like Flexcar, are emerging to provide a simpler, month-to-month alternative to traditional car ownership

The cost of getting a car in 2026 continues to rise, leading more Americans to rethink the traditional path of buying or leasing. Higher vehicle prices, long-term financing and ongoing expenses are driving up the total cost, with insurance alone averaging nearly $2,700 per year, not including maintenance, repairs or fluctuating fuel costs. At the same time, both buying and leasing typically require multi-year commitments, locking drivers into financial obligations that may not reflect how people live and move today.

"Life changes. We move cities or switch jobs. Families grow and plans shift. But one thing hasn't changed: how we buy cars," said Jake Marston, VP of Marketing. "For decades, buying a car has meant large down payments, unexpected repair bills, long-term debt and fixed contracts that are out of step with modern life."

That's where newer car ownership alternatives are gaining traction. Flexcar offers an innovative and more affordable leasing model that bundles the major costs of having a car into a single monthly payment, including insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. Designed for flexibility, it allows members to switch vehicles or adjust mileage plans as their needs change, whether that means upgrading to a larger SUV, choosing a more efficient option for a new commute or driving something different for the season. Members can also return their car at any time without early termination penalties.

"Since 2021, members have driven over 300 million miles across our markets, a clear sign that drivers are ready for a different model," said Jake Marston, VP of Marketing at Flexcar. "Flexcar gives people a simpler, more flexible way to get a car, without the multi-year loan commitments and unpredictable costs of traditional ownership."

How Flexcar differs from traditional car buying or leasing

Buying a car is a long-term responsibility, involving purchasing a vehicle outright or financing that purchase with a loan lasting several years and fixed monthly payments. In addition to upfront costs and dealer fees, owners are fully responsible for insurance, maintenance, repairs, depreciation and resale value.

While leasing is often seen as a lower-commitment alternative to buying, it still comes with a multi-year contract, typically 2-4 years, and fixed monthly payments for the duration of the lease. Drivers may also face upfront fees, strict mileage limits and potential end-of-term charges. In many cases, lease agreements require higher insurance coverage, which can drive up monthly costs beyond the base payment.

Unlike traditional buying or leasing, Flexcar provides a flexible, all-inclusive alternative with no multi-year commitment. One monthly payment covers the vehicle, insurance, routine maintenance and roadside assistance. Members can switch cars or mileage plans as their needs change, or return the vehicle at any time without early termination penalties. This gives drivers more flexibility and more predictable monthly costs, without multi-year contract obligations.

Flexcar aims to make having a car more flexible and more predictable, reducing the financial uncertainty often associated with traditional ownership.

Flexcar's model is designed to simplify costs while reducing upfront and ongoing expenses.

Built-in savings

• No large down payment
• No long-term financing commitments
• Fuel savings starting at $0.20 per gallon

All-in-one coverage

• Insurance included
• Maintenance included
• 24/7 roadside assistance included

Members can save up to $0.60 per gallon at participating gas stations, with savings applied as a credit to their monthly invoice.

Flexcar is available in Atlanta, Charlotte, Nashville, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with recently announced expansions into New York, San Francisco and San Jose.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What's included with my Flexcar? Flexcar includes the major costs of having a car in one simple monthly payment. This covers your vehicle, insurance, routine maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance, helping make costs more predictable. Members also get access to fuel savings of up to $0.60 per gallon and loyalty perks that can help lower monthly payments over time.
• How do I sign up? Signing up for Flexcar is quick and fully online. Start by entering your location, age and estimated credit score to see available cars in your area. Then choose a vehicle, select a monthly plan with your preferred mileage and insurance options, and complete a short application with a soft credit check. Once approved, you can schedule delivery or pickup and start driving.
• Can I swap cars any time? With Flexcar, you can drive what you want, when you want. Cruise through summer with the top down in a Jeep Wrangler or conquer winter terrain in a rugged Toyota Tacoma. For a small swap fee, you can switch to the perfect car for every season and every adventure.

Learn how you can save money and get the flexibility you need at Flexcar.com.