Q: What’s a car subscription?

It’s like Netflix — but for cars. You pay one monthly fee, and that covers everything: the car, 1st class insurance, road tax, servicing, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside support. No down payment, no loan, no long-term contract. You drive it, we handle the boring stuff. The best part? You choose the exact car you want — whether that’s a brand-new car or a nearly new one.

Question 1

What’s a car subscription?

Accepted Answer

It’s like Netflix — but for cars. You pay one monthly fee, and that covers everything: the car, 1st class insurance, road tax, servicing, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside support. No down payment, no loan, no long-term contract. You drive it, we handle the boring stuff. The best part? You choose the exact car you want — whether that’s a brand-new car or a nearly new one.

Question 2

Why subscribe instead of buying a car?

Accepted Answer

Because car ownership in Thailand comes with headaches. Subscribing keeps it simple. With Carasti, you get:

No down payment
No loan or financing paperwork
No hidden costs
No resale risk or hassle
No depreciation
1st class insurance and servicing included
One fixed monthly fee for everything

You still get the car you want — just without the stress that usually comes with it.

Question 3

What's included in my car subscription?

Accepted Answer

Everything you need to drive — without the headaches. Your monthly fee covers:

The car (brand new or nearly new — your call)
1st class insurance
Road tax
Servicing and maintenance
24/7 roadside assistance
Doorstep delivery
And of course, English-speaking customer service

Question 4

What is not included in my car subscription?

Accepted Answer

Your subscription covers almost everything — but there are a few things you'll need to handle yourself:

Fuel
Tolls and expressway fees
Parking charges and fines
Traffic violations
Damage not covered by insurance (like driving through flood zones or unauthorised drivers)
Cleaning or repair costs if the car is returned with stains, smoke smells, or missing/broken parts

Treat the car like it's yours — because while you don't own it, you're still responsible for giving it back in good shape. If it's a fine, fee, or avoidable damage — that one's on you.

Question 5

What is the minimum subscription period?

Accepted Answer

Just one month — if that's all you need. We offer flexible plans depending on the type of car you choose:

Brand-new cars: 12, 24, or 36-month subscriptions
Used cars: 1, 3, 6, or 12-month subscriptions

No lock-in beyond what you sign up for. Choose what fits now — and change it later if life does.

Question 6

What are the main differences between Buying vs Subscribing?

Accepted Answer

Here's how it stacks up:

Included with Carasti	Buying	Subscribing
Upfront cost	High — down payment, tax, fees	Low — one monthly fee
Ownership	Yes — with long-term responsibility	No — just drive and return
Depreciation	You take the hit	We take the hit
Flexibility	Locked in until you sell	Choose your term, return when done
Maintenance	Your problem (and your bill)	We cover it
Insurance	Separate, often a headache	Included — 1st class & 3rd Party coverage
Resale hassle	100% yours to deal with	None — just hand back the keys
Time & admin	Lots of paperwork and waiting	Fully digital, minimal effort

Subscribing gives you the freedom of having a car — without the baggage of owning one.

Question 7

Do you offer a subscribe-to-own package?

Accepted Answer

We do — for certain brand-new cars.

Even if it's not listed on the site, some models are available with a subscribe-to-own option. Just reach out to our friendly customer service team and let them know the car you're interested in. They'll walk you through availability, pricing, and the full details.

No pressure, no guessing — we'll let you know what's possible.

Question 8

What makes Carasti the go-to option for expats in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Carasti offers a smarter, more seamless way to drive in Thailand — without the complications of car ownership. Designed with expats in mind, here's what sets us apart:

Brand-new cars – Drive the latest models, fresh from the showroom.
Everything included – Insurance, tax, and maintenance — all in one transparent monthly payment. No hidden costs.
Flexible lease terms – Pick a plan that fits your stay, from one month to three years.
No Thai license required – Valid International Driving Permits (IDP) are accepted.
Zero ownership hassle – No registration queues, no resale stress, no long-term lock-ins.

Carasti gives you the freedom of driving — minus the friction. It's convenience, elevated.

Question 9

How do I subscribe to a Car on Carasti?

Accepted Answer

It's quick and easy — no showroom visits, no paperwork marathons. Just book through our website or download the Carasti app. The whole process takes about 3 minutes:

Pick your preferred car
Choose your contract length
Select your delivery date and address
Verify your identity by uploading your ID

Once you've booked, our friendly customer service team will get in touch to collect a few documents — like your visa, work permit, and bank statements — to finalise approval. That's it. You book it, we deliver it.

Question 10

What condition are the cars in? Are they new?

Accepted Answer

We offer both brand-new and used cars — and you'll always know which is which before you book.

Brand-new cars come straight from the factory with no previous drivers.
Used cars are well-maintained, fully serviced, and in great condition — regardless of mileage.

Want to know exactly what you're getting? You can always request the current mileage and photos of the actual car before booking. No surprises, no guesswork — just a car you'll feel good driving.

Question 11

Can I choose the exact make and model I want?

Accepted Answer

Yes — especially if you're going for a brand-new car.

Many of our new cars are ordered directly from the factory, which means you can choose the exact make, model, and even specs, depending on availability. No "car categories". No guesswork.

For used cars, availability depends on what's in stock — and while some listings might show stock images, you can always ask us for full details and photos of the exact unit before booking. We're happy to send them over.

Question 12

What Should I Know About Red Plate Cars?

Accepted Answer

If your brand-new car is delivered with red plates, don't worry — it's completely normal in Thailand while we wait for the permanent white plates. This usually takes around 15-30 days, depending on processing times at the Department of Land Transport. Key things to know:

Daytime driving only - usually between 6am and 6pm.
No cross-province travel unless pre-approved.
Always keep the red plate logbook in the car.

If you need to drive across provinces, let us know in advance so we can prepare the required documents. Once your white plates are ready, we'll handle the swap for you.

Question 13

I'm an expat — what do I need to subscribe?

Accepted Answer

To get started, you'll need to share a few key documents so we can verify your eligibility and match you with the right plan. We ask for these documents for three main reasons:

To confirm your identity
To verify your legal eligibility to stay in Thailand
And to ensure you're financially able to maintain the subscription throughout the contract period

Here's what we ask for:

Copy of Passport
Driver's license (Local Thai License or International Driving Permit)
Valid visa and work permit
Proof of residence – like a utility bill or rental agreement
Proof of income – 1 month of payslips
Bank statements – from the last 3 months

If you're here on a retirement visa or have a different situation, no problem — we understand everyone's circumstances are different. Just reach out and our team will be happy to guide you through what's needed.

Question 14

I'm Thai — what do I need to subscribe?

Accepted Answer

If you're a Thai national, here's what we'll need to get you started:

Copy of Thai National ID card
Copy of Driver's license
Proof of residence – such as a utility bill or rental agreement
Proof of income – 1 month of payslips
Bank statements – from the last 3 months

If you're not sure about any of the details, our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions.

Question 15

My company wants to subscribe — what's needed to sign up?

Accepted Answer

To subscribe as a corporate client, we'll need documents from both the company and the individual(s) who will be driving the vehicle. Here's what we typically ask for: Company Documents:

Copy of Phor Phor 20 (VAT Registration Certificate)
Copy of Company Registration
Copy of Bank statement
Copy of ID card of the authorised signatory

Driver Documents:

ID card of the person using the vehicle
Valid driver's license
Proof of residence – utility bill or rental agreement

It all starts with the Company Registration basically — once we have that, our team will guide you through the rest based on your company's structure and who'll be driving. We'll make sure everything's in order so the process is smooth and straightforward.

Question 16

What is the minimum age to use your service?

Accepted Answer

You need to be at least 21 years old to subscribe to a car with Carasti.

That's the minimum age for insurance eligibility — so if you're under 21, you'll need to wait a bit before hitting the road with us.

Question 17

Can other people drive my subscribed car?

Accepted Answer

Yes — but only if they're registered.

Every Carasti subscription includes two named drivers as standard, free of charge. That means you and one other person (like your partner, friend, or colleague) can legally and safely drive the car. To register someone, we just need a copy of their passport and a valid Thai or international driver's license.

Need to add more? It might be possible, depending on the car and your plan — just reach out to our customer service team and they'll walk you through the options. Additional drivers may come with a small extra cost.

Important: If someone's not a registered driver, they're not allowed to drive the car — and insurance won't cover them if they do. So keep it official, and keep it covered.

Question 18

How soon can I get my car with Carasti?

Accepted Answer

Many cars can be delivered as soon as the next working day. It all depends on the car you choose — here's how it breaks down:

Brand-new cars: Delivery usually takes around 2 weeks. For some models, especially factory-ordered ones, it can take up to 1–2 months. But we can provide a replacement car in the meantime so you're never stuck waiting.
Used cars: If your preferred car is in stock, delivery can often be arranged for the next working day.

Once your booking is approved, we'll keep you posted every step of the way — from confirmation to delivery.

Question 19

Do you deliver the car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer doorstep delivery — and it's free within Bangkok. We can deliver to almost anywhere in Thailand. For locations outside Bangkok, a delivery fee may apply depending on your address and where the car is currently stored. Our team will walk you through the details before confirming your booking.

Question 20

Can I switch my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you can switch to a different car at the end of your subscription term. If you need to end your subscription early, just note that early termination fees will apply. We understand that circumstances can change — whether it's a visa, work permit, or something else — and if that happens, our friendly customer service team will do their best to support you and find a solution that works.

Question 21

How many keys do I get with my car subscription?

Accepted Answer

You'll receive one key with your car. The second key is securely kept with us for emergency situations only — whether it's helping you during an unexpected event, assisting if you need to leave the country suddenly, or, in rare cases, retrieving the car if needed. It's strictly a backup, not for everyday use.

Question 22

Is a deposit required?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all bookings require a refundable deposit — minimum one month. Our standard policy is:

1–12 month bookings: 1 month deposit
24 month bookings: 2 months deposit
36 month bookings: 3 months deposit

These terms apply when the required documents (like visa status, payslips, or bank statements) are provided and meet our approval criteria. Not sure what's needed? Our friendly customer service team is happy to guide you through the process and explain what's required based on your situation.

Question 23

Why is a deposit required?

Accepted Answer

The deposit acts as security for the vehicle during your subscription. It helps cover things like unpaid fees, traffic fines, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or early termination charges, if applicable. As long as everything's in good shape and there are no outstanding charges, your deposit is fully refundable within 30 days after the car is returned. It's a standard part of the process — and if you have any questions, our team is always happy to walk you through the details.

Question 24

Can I use the car for ride-hailing or delivery apps?

Accepted Answer

No, our cars are for personal use only and can't be used for commercial purposes like ride-hailing or delivery services.

If you're unsure whether your intended use qualifies, feel free to check with our team — we're happy to clarify.

Question 25

How can I pay my subscription fee?

Accepted Answer

You can pay your subscription fee by:

Bank transfer – free of charge
Credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard only) – 4% surcharge applies

Please note: We do not accept American Express, Diners Club, or other card types at this time. If you have a preferred method or need help setting up your payment, our team is always happy to assist.

Question 26

When will I be charged my subscription fee?

Accepted Answer

To confirm your booking, we require:

1-month deposit
First month's subscription fee

Both need to be paid before delivery to reserve and secure your car. For the following months, your subscription fee is due 7 days in advance. So, for example, if your car is delivered on the 15th, your next payment will be due on the 8th of the following month. Our team will always send you a reminder — no surprises, just smooth driving.

Question 27

What's your early termination policy?

Accepted Answer

We understand that circumstances can change — whether it's a move, a change in visa status, or something unexpected. If you need to end your subscription early, we charge 50% of the remaining balance on your contract. If you're unsure about your situation, just reach out — our team's here to help and talk you through your options.

Question 28

When will my deposit be refunded after I return the car?

Accepted Answer

Your deposit will be refunded in full within 30 days of returning the car — as long as there are no damages, unpaid fines, toll charges, or other outstanding fees. Once everything's been checked and cleared, we'll process your refund promptly. If there's anything that needs follow-up, our team will let you know.

Question 29

What kind of insurance is included in my subscription?

Accepted Answer

Your subscription includes both 1st Class Insurance and 3rd Party Coverage, giving you well-rounded protection on the road:

1st Class Insurance covers damage to the Carasti vehicle in case of an accident, fire, vandalism, or theft by a proven third party.
3rd Party Coverage covers injury or damage caused to other people, vehicles, or property.

This means you're covered in most situations, whether it's a fender bender or something more serious. If you'd like to know exactly what's included — and what's not — just reach out. Our team will gladly walk you through the details.

Question 30

What isn't covered by the insurance?

Accepted Answer

While your subscription includes 1st Class Insurance and 3rd Party Coverage, there are certain exclusions you should be aware of. These include:

Lost keys or license plates
Tyres, windshield, and tow service
Damage caused by misuse or neglect that goes beyond what's considered fair wear and tear
Damage or cleaning fees caused by smoking (including tobacco or other substances)
Damage or cleaning fees caused by pets, durians, or other strong-smelling foods
Any incident that occurs while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

If you're ever unsure about what's covered or not, our team is happy to clarify before you hit the road.

Question 31

How much is Carasti's insurance excess?

Accepted Answer

Our standard insurance excess is 5,000 THB per incident.

The exact amount will be clearly stated in your rental agreement and may vary slightly depending on the car. If you'd like to confirm the exact excess for a specific vehicle before booking, our team will be happy to assist.

Question 32

When do I have to pay the insurance excess?

Accepted Answer

The insurance excess is charged per incident when you are at fault or the accident involves no other party.

You'll only need to pay the excess if a claim is made, and our team will guide you through the process if that ever happens.

Question 33

How does Carasti handle replacement cars if something goes wrong?

Accepted Answer

No stress — a replacement car is included in your subscription at no extra charge (unless your rental agreement says otherwise — and if it does, we'll make sure you know upfront). Here's how it works:

In Bangkok: Replacement car arranged within 24 hours.
Outside Bangkok: Replacement car arranged within 48 hours.

Question 34

What should I do if my car needs servicing?

Accepted Answer

If your car is due for servicing, Carasti will schedule the appointment and share the service center details with you.

You're responsible for taking the car in on the scheduled date — but don't worry, there's nothing to pay. Servicing costs are fully covered as part of your subscription.

We also really appreciate your help in keeping an eye on the mileage. If you notice you're approaching the next service interval, just ping us on WhatsApp or Line and we'll take it from there.

Question 35

What if the car breaks down or I get into an accident?

Accepted Answer

First, make sure that everyone is safe. If there are any injuries or immediate danger, call emergency services right away. Then, contact the emergency number provided by our customer service team or on the sticker inside the windshield or glove compartment — they'll assist you with towing, roadside help, or next steps.

During office hours: Our team is here to help. Feel free to contact us directly and we'll assist with coordination and support.
Outside of office hours: After calling the emergency number, please send us a message. Our team will follow up and coordinate with all parties involved as soon as possible.

Question 36

What should I do if I get a flat tire?

Accepted Answer

If you get a flat while driving, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible.

Then, call the emergency number provided by our customer service team or on the sticker on the windshield / inside the glove compartment — roadside assistance will be sent to help you out.

If it's during office hours, you can also contact our team directly and we'll guide you through the next steps. Either way, you're covered — no need to handle it on your own.

Question 37

I found damage on the car — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Please report any damage to us within 24 hours of noticing it. This is a must for insurance coverage and documentation.

You can send us a message on WhatsApp or Line, along with a few photos of the damage — our team will guide you from there.

Question 38

Am I responsible for the car's maintenance?

Accepted Answer

No, maintenance costs are fully covered as part of your subscription — there's nothing extra for you to pay.

However, you'll need to bring the car to the service center when it's time for scheduled maintenance. Our team will coordinate the appointment and send you the details in advance to make it easy.

Question 39

Can I take the car outside of Thailand?

Accepted Answer

No, taking the car outside of Thailand is not allowed.

Our vehicles are registered for use within Thailand only and are not permitted to cross international borders under any circumstances.

Question 40

What should I do if I notice damage after handover or my inspection protocol is incomplete?

Accepted Answer

If you notice any existing damage after the handover — or if your inspection protocol wasn't completed — please let us know within 24 hours by emailing concierge_th@carasti.com. Make sure to include the following in your message:

Your license plate number
Your contract number
Clear photos of the damage

Our team will review the details and get back to you as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions