10 Things You Need to Know About the Ford Canvas Car Subscription Program

Ford Canvas Vehicle Delivery hero ・ Photo by Ford

Many people who can’t afford to buy a car or like to change their cars frequently choose to lease their vehicles, but automakers are now offering another choice: subscription programs. These programs offer you the chance to "subscribe" to a car for shorter periods of time than a traditional lease, and also bundle in extra services you usually pay for separately.

Subscription services vary, but the fees generally get you into a car and include expenses like insurance, warranties, and even roadside assistance plans. Exactly how each subscription works depends on which one you choose. Here are 10 things you need to know about the Ford Canvas car subscription program.

1. There are a few application requirements.

In order to sign up for Canvas, you must be over the age of 21 with a valid U.S. driver’s license, good credit, and a good driving record. If you’re worried about your credit, know that it’s only a “soft” credit check that considers a wide number of factors.

As for your driving record, don’t panic if you have a parking ticket or two, or even a basic moving violation. Those things won’t generally keep you from being approved to participate in Canvas. Ford doesn't expect your driving record to be perfect.

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2. You can say goodbye to down payments.

Buying or leasing a car doesn’t just mean figuring out how to manage a monthly payment. It also means coming up with a down payment that’s big enough to bring your monthly payment down to something you can actually afford. The more expensive the car, the bigger the down payment you have to save up for.

The challenge of saving up for a down payment disappears with the Canvas subscription car program, as Ford doesn't require one. This takes away a big financial burden and makes getting a car a more affordable proposition. With Canvas, you simply sign up for the subscription and pay the monthly fee.

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3. There are three ways the monthly costs are determined.

The monthly fee is broken down into three components. First, there’s the subscription fee, which is paid every month and runs from $50 to $375. This gives you access to vehicles in the fleet and doesn’t change based on what you drive. Next is a vehicle fee, which is based on the car you select. Finally, there’s the mileage package fee.

While the subscription fee is set when you sign up and doesn’t change, the vehicle and mileage package fees vary depending on what you pick each month. If you choose not to take a car at all, for example, then you only pay the subscription fee. If you pick a larger car or need more mileage, then those fees increase.

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4. The subscription terms are flexible.

There’s lots of flexibility here, with subscription terms as low as a single month and as high as 12 months, but you get the best value by signing up for a full year. This is because the monthly subscription fee goes down as the number of months you commit to goes up.

Those who simply want to try Canvas for a month before making a long-term decision can take advantage of a first-month rebate should they choose to extend the subscription period. Simply notify Canvas anytime during the first month that you want to extend your subscription term, and Ford will credit your account for the difference between the original one-month rate and the new lower rate.

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5. There's a "Three-Day, Get-It-Right" Guarantee.

The idea of a car subscription program is new, so Ford is making it easier to try with a three-day Get-It-Right Guarantee. If after three days you decide the car you picked isn’t working out, then simply let Canvas know you aren’t satisfied, and it will come swap that car for a new one. You can even cancel your subscription altogether and be done without any penalty, as long as it’s within that three-day window.

Ford only asks that you return the car in the same condition as when it was received with at least three-quarters of a tank of gas. However, if you drive over 100 miles in those three days, you may face an overage fee.

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6. You can cancel your subscription anytime, but there are things to keep in mind.

You can cancel your subscription anytime, but once the three-day Get-It-Right Guarantee window passes, you’ll pay a cancellation fee if you cancel mid-term. How much depends on the subscription you originally signed up for and the amount of time left before the subscription expires.

This makes it essential that you don’t sign up for a longer term than you think you’ll need. If you’re unsure, it might make more sense to sign up for a shorter term and then extend your subscription rather than canceling. Don’t forget there’s the option to turn in the car and stop paying the vehicle and mileage package fees without canceling your subscription. If you need to cancel, make sure you consider all the possibilities.

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7. You can swap cars.

One of the unique features of a subscription plan is the ability to swap cars. This is ideal for anyone who might want only a small car most of the time, but occasionally needs a larger vehicle for a family vacation or special event.

All you need to do is select your next car and a mileage plan, and Canvas will make the swap. There is a $99 new vehicle fee, so you do have to pay extra for this service. It doesn’t make sense to swap your car every month, but it does provide great flexibility. You could even have some fun and pick something sporty for the summer and something completely different for the winter.

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8. Routine maintenance is covered.

You don’t have to worry about the costs of routine maintenance with Canvas. Those services are covered as a part of your subscription agreement. It’s your responsibility, however, to schedule maintenance appointments and take your car in for service.

This coverage includes normal wear and tear on your tires. If you notice the tread is low or it looks like there’s a problem, bring the car in and the tires will be replaced if the tread isn’t safe. Note this is only normal wear and tear. A puncture or other tire damage isn’t covered. All it takes to get maintenance scheduled is a call to Liberty Mutual or your nearest Ford or Lincoln dealership, depending on your specific vehicle.

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9. Insurance is included.

Auto insurance can add significantly to the costs of buying or leasing a car, but there’s no need to worry about that expense with a Canvas subscription. Every vehicle in the fleet comes with an insurance policy that includes commercial auto liability, renter’s limit endorsement, state financial responsibility, personal injury protection, and medical payments with a $5,000 limit. There’s also uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage within state statutory limits.

Physical damage comprehensive and collision are included with $500 deductibles, and audio, visual, and data electronic equipment are covered with a $5,000 limit. There’s even $200 in towing coverage and rental reimbursement of $20 per day for up to 14 days.

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10. Roadside Assistance is part of your subscription.

Every vehicle in the Canvas car subscription program is covered by either Ford or Lincoln’s Roadside Assistance program. This includes towing to the nearest Ford or Lincoln dealership within 35 miles, battery jump starts, and flat tire changes.

This roadside assistance doesn’t cost anything extra and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will even deliver up to two gallons of emergency gas to help get you back on the road. You simply call the roadside assistance number with your vehicle information and location and Canvas will send the help you need.

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