British automotive servicing and repair company Kwik Fit today announced the launch of its motoring maintenance subscription service. It's not unlike paying for your Netflix fix every month.
Kwik Fit is trialing the format this week in the North West and Yorkshire regions, with a national roll out to follow this summer.
A new research study for the company found that some 17.7 million UK drivers say they would be interested in a pay monthly scheme for their motoring maintenance, a figure which has grown by 15% since 2018. The concept is especially appealing to drivers aged 18-34 (67% of this group would be interested), mirroring their greater take up of subscriptions in other sectors.
The company’s research showed that drivers opting for subscription services would alleviate a significant motoring worry. Facing an unexpected repair bill is the third biggest motoring concern for drivers, only behind being in an accident or breaking down. With the new Kwik Fit Club subscription service, maintenance costs are spread evenly throughout the year, avoiding big single bills.
More importantly for other drivers, Kwik Fit’s research indicates that maintenance subscriptions could also improve safety on the roads.
Two in five drivers (40%) say they have put off car repairs or maintenance, rising to 55% of drivers aged 18-34.
The most common reason for motorists doing this is that they could not afford it at the time, stated by some 5.8 million drivers. Worryingly, the average length of time these drivers used their car before getting the work done was 58.7 days or nearly two months. Based on current average mileage, in that time their car could have travelled 1,900km while needing repairs or maintenance.
With Kwik Fit Club membership, drivers pay a monthly subscription which covers all their tyre wear, including repairs and premium tyre replacement, wheel alignment and six monthly health checks.
They also have the option to include their MOT and servicing costs. Drivers can join the programme and keep track of their subscription through an app, and although they can nominate a "home garage", their membership can be used at any of Kwik Fit’s 600-plus centres across the country.
The monthly subscription cost is tailored to a driver’s personal circumstances, based on the car they drive, the mileage they cover and the condition of their tyres when they start their membership. Reflecting the fact that many households have more than one car, members can opt for a multi-car membership to cover all their vehicles.
A driver can get an estimated cost based on the information they provide on the app and following a visit to a Kwik Fit centre, a confirmed quote will be offered and their membership can be activated.
Subscriptions have clear appeal to younger drivers (18-34) who have regular income but don’t always have the financial reserves to cover larger one-off costs.
