There's a new way to get a car and it doesn't involve a dealership

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.