Imagine having all the advantages of driving in Czechia without the headache of buying a car or worrying about restrictions when leasing. A revolutionary “Operative Leasing” model by Czech company Birne by Direct aims to achieve this, doing away with the complications of typical car leasing and saving drivers money compared to car ownership.
By enabling unlimited mileage and flexibility to cancel or change your lease after just two months, Birne has created a model that’s particularly well suited to expat drivers. After all, foreigners tend to face greater uncertainty when planning for the future, making the freedom of leasing through Birne a tempting prospect.
The company’s disruptive approach is a response to problems typically faced by individual customers and small businesses in a car leasing market geared towards large companies. Keen to learn more about how the company helps foreigners, Expats.cz found out everything you need to know about leasing a car through Birne.
What are the advantages of Birne’s flexible returns policy?
Flexibility in how long you keep your car is one of the core pillars of Birne’s Operative Leasing model. Commitment to a long-term lease can be an off-putting factor for expats unsure about how long they will need a car, or how long they will be in the country.
Birne’s Daniel Gorol explains the options with Birne. “If you choose our Flexible plan, there is no fee for canceling after two months. For fixed plans, there may be a charge depending on the length of the plan and how early you return the car,” he says.
After two months with the Flexible plan, customers can return their car anytime, with Birne requiring two-weeks’ notice. Other restrictive elements such as mileage limitations are also abolished, so drivers don’t have to worry about being penalized for using their car too much.
Can I switch cars during my lease period?
Changing circumstances can lead to new vehicle requirements. A growing family might make it necessary to lease a bigger vehicle, while changing financial circumstances could lead to a reevaluation of what’s right for you.
Birne provides the possibility to switch cars free of charge - like the free returns policy, this comes into effect after just two months of leasing. “With the Flexible plan, you can switch cars every two months at no extra cost. For fixed plans, there's a fee of roughly two installments to switch cars or change plans,” Gorol explains.
When returning or switching cars, Birne customers don’t have to worry about getting hit with an unexpected bill for damages; small damages cover of up to CZK 10,000 is included in the leasing price.
Will I get a better deal if I lease the car for longer?
“This depends on your needs,” says Gorol. “If you have a clear idea of the duration needed and your yearly mileage, a fixed plan is likely more economical. However, if you need flexibility in mileage and the option to return the car anytime, the Flexible plan is ideal.”
Generally speaking, Birne calculates that its leasing model comes out around ten percent cheaper than buying a car over a five-year period due to the costs of repairs and servicing faced by vehicle owners. Foreigners leasing a car through Birne pay no additional charges or fees.
Expats certain of their future requirements, meanwhile, can request a custom-made contract to more specifically suit their needs. “A custom contract allows us to tailor the mileage and leasing period to you,” Gorol says. “There's no additional fee for this service, but it may take a few more days to process.”
What are the advantages of short-term car rentals through Birne?
Birne’s short-term car rentals are also defined by flexibility. Cars can be driven as much as you like, with no mileage restrictions, while your hire period can be lengthened or shortened to suit changing circumstances.
Short-term rental is perfect for those traveling or on short assignments. It offers great flexibility, with Birne allowing you to rent a car for as little as one day,” Gorol states.
What do I need to provide in order to lease a car with Birne?
Leasing through Birne is light on bureaucracy and strong on flexibility for expat drivers. “For mid to long-term leasing, you'll need to provide proof of residency and have a Czech bank account,” Gorol explains.
“For short-term rentals, only a basic ID and driver's license are required,” he adds.
What does the leasing process look like?
“For operational leasing, we can deliver your car anywhere in the Czech Republic, meaning you can do everything online from the comfort of your home,” says Gorol. “For short-term rentals, you’ll need to pick up your car at our Prague branch.”
Customers can test drive their selected car (or multiple cars, if in stock) to make sure they select the vehicle that’s right for them. Models available to lease through Birne come from brands including Fiat, Hyundai, KIA, Mazda, SEAT, Škoda, Toyota, Volvo, VW and more.
Can I go through the entire process in English?
“Yes!” says Gorol. “We provide support in English, and offer bilingual contracts in Czech and English. Our support team is always available to assist you in English via phone or email.”
A flexible leasing model is the foundation for a new, customer-friendly approach to car leasing that’s uniquely suited to the needs of expat drivers. Whether you need a car to make the most of long-term living in Czechia, or just need to drive for a day or two, Birne by Direct provides a hassle-free way to hit the road in Czechia.
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