Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivotal service is among a slew of subscription services being offered by car manufacturers aiming to entice drivers who want something more flexible than PCP or leasing.
Pivotal carves itself a niche by offering four bands. The more you pay, the more expensive a car you get access to. Pivotal subscribers have the option to change every six months too, meaning in a two-year period they can run four cars.
Like other subscription services, everything associated with running a car, such as insurance, road tax and roadside assistance is included. Where Pivotal differs from other services is that the cars on offer won’t always be new and ordering something to specification isn’t currently on the menu. But the cars available are all under 12 months old.
Speaking about subscription models, Pivotal’s managing director, John Murphy, said: ‘Pivotal appeals to a certain type of driver; one who values flexibility and convenience over vehicle ownership. And we are primed and excited to help more of these drivers discover the service with ambitious plans for the next year and beyond.’
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How does Jaguar Land Rover’s subscription service work?
Pay a joining fee of £550, select the model and subscription tier that you want. Someone will phone you to check that you are eligible for insurance (over 28s only) and assuming you meet those requirements, all you need to do is place your order and wait for your car to be delivered.
Pivotal serves customers in all UK postcodes and accepts international licences. If you don’t meet the insurance eligibility criteria you can self-insure.
The business model sees customers changing cars every six months. However, you can change, upgrade, or downgrade outside of this cycle. But there will be a £250 fee.
The monthly membership fee gives you access to a range of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles. Insurance, tax, and servicing is also thrown in.
What cars are available on Jaguar Land Rover’s subscription service?
How much does Jaguar Land Rover’s subscription service cost?
There are four subscription levels. Each level comes with different cars and factors.
Blue – £850 per month
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Jaguar F-Pace
Range Rover Evoque
1,500 miles per month driving allowance
Main driver and one additional named driver included
A new car every six months (sometimes sooner)
Three-month minimum initial commitment, after that you can pause your subscription at any time with 14 days notice
Driving in the EU is permitted, however giving Pivotal notice in writing is required
Indigo – £1,000 – £1,250 per month
Jaguar I-Pace
Range Rover Velar
Land Rover Discovery
1,500 miles per month driving allowance
Main driver + one additional named driver included
A new car every six months (sometimes sooner)
Three-month minimum initial commitment, after that you can pause your subscription at any time with 14 days notice
Driving in the EU is permitted, however giving Pivotal notice in writing is required
Violet – £1,550 per month
Range Rover Sport
Land Rover Defender 110
1,500 miles per month driving allowance
Main driver + one additional named driver included
A new car every six months (sometimes sooner)
Three-month minimum initial commitment, after that you can pause your subscription at any time with 14 days notice
Driving in the EU is permitted, however giving Pivotal notice in writing is required
Ultraviolet – £1,800 per month
(old model) Range Rover
1,500 miles per month driving allowance
Main driver + one additional named driver included
A fresh car every six months (sometimes sooner)
Three-month minimum initial commitment, after that you can pause your subscription at any time with 14 days notice
Driving in the EU is permitted, however giving Pivotal notice in writing is required
Additional charges
One time joining fee: £550
Paid for vehicle switch: £250
Paid for next vehicle delivery after pausing membership: £250
Delivery or collection cancellation less than two working days’ notice: £250
Excess mileage fee: First 2,000 miles: £0.20 / mile, beyond 2000 miles: £0.40/mile
Extra fuel required: £1.90 / litre / £0.75 per kWh
Excess cleaning fee: £50
Late return fee: Pro rata calculated on Subscription Tier
Admin fee for fines, congestion charges and traffic offences: £25
Repossession costs: Costs incurred by Pivotal + 15%
Insurance related charges: Item Fee Loss of, or damage to vehicle £1,000
Excess Windscreen replacement: £250 Excess
What is the approval process?
Pivotal needs to perform the relevant checks on you before you’re approved. An identity check, a DVLA check (on each driver) and a credit check using Experian on the main account holder will be performed.
The identity check requires a picture and proof of address that matches the vehicle delivery address. Once approved, a car will be available (usually) in 2-14 days. It depends mostly on vehicle availability.
What are the insurance eligibility requirements?
Unlike with a lot of subscription services, insurance is bundled in. It is worth noting that the requirements are quite stiff.
Drivers must be:
> 28 years old minimum
> Have proof of no insurance claims for a minimum of two years
> No previous motor insurance cancelled or declined
> Have held a full UK or EU Driving Licence for at least two years
> Have no more than six points arising out of minor convictions on your driving licence
> Have no major convictions endorsed on your driving licence
> Not have any unspent motoring convictions
> No active County Court Judgements (CCJs)
Pivotal v leasing
Jaguar Land Rover Pivotal
Car: Jaguar F-Pace (R-Dynamic 0-12 months old)
Mileage: 18,000 per year
Contract length: rolling
Initial payment: £0
One off fee: £550
Monthly cost: £850
Cost for 24 months (24 payments): £20,400
Typical leasing deal (including breakdown cover and maintenance)
Car: Jaguar F-Pace P250 R-Dynamic
Mileage: 20,000 per year
Contract length: 24 months
Initial payment: £5,348.10
Total monthly cost: £891.35
Cost for 24 months (23 payments): £25,849.15
Total cost difference here is close to £6,000 in favour of the Pivotal scheme. Pivotal includes insurance and the ability to change cars every six months too, plus members can pause and restart subscriptions.
However, you need to remember that the typical leasing deal will be for a brand-new car. Whereas the Pivotal might be used.
Prices can vary wildly depending on the leasing company and what cars they have in stock too. For instance, new BMW X3 deals can be snapped up for a total cost of around £17,000 under the same parameters. And remember, you have less choice in terms of models with Pivotal than you do with a traditional lease.
Is it good value? These kinds of subscription-based leasing agreements lump a load of services into one monthly payment (including insurance), making your life easier.
If you’re wedded to the idea of a Jaguar/Land Rover, cover a lot of miles (say 18,000 miles per year) and love the idea of changing cars regularly (every six months) it could be worth it. People with less need for driving a lot and changing cars will find cheaper offers out there.
Further reading
>> 0% APR car finance: all of the latest deals
>> How to buy a new car online
* These deals are indicative examples of some packages available as of 17 March 2022, but are subject to change without prior notice
