Frequently asked questions about Roam car subscriptions

Roam Auto (roam.auto) is a Canadian long-term car rental and car subscription service built for drivers who need a vehicle but don't want to buy or lease.

Getting started is straightforward: choose a vehicle from our fleet, pick a Short-Term (7–29 days) or Long-Term (30+ days) plan, select your mileage tier, protection plan, and any add-ons, then schedule pickup or delivery. Once approved, you get the car and start driving.

There are no long-term contracts — you have the car for as long as you need it and return it when you're done. Browse vehicles and pricing at roam.auto/cars, and see how Roam car subscriptions work for the full walkthrough.

Short-Term plans are designed for rentals between 7 and 29 days. They work like a traditional rental, with a simpler, more modern experience. You choose a fixed rental period at booking and pay the full amount upfront. A protection plan is optional — you can use your own qualifying insurance instead. Each plan includes a set mileage allowance scaled to the rental length.

Short-Term is best for temporary needs, a few weeks between vehicles, or testing a car before committing to a longer plan. See Roam vs daily car rentals for the full comparison with traditional agencies.

Long-Term plans are designed for 30+ days and function as a flexible monthly car subscription. There's a 30-day minimum commitment, after which the plan auto-renews every 30 days. You can be billed weekly or monthly, and a Roam protection plan is required (you choose from multiple tiers). After the first 30 days, you can cancel anytime with 7 days' notice.

Long-Term is best for ongoing driving when you want flexibility without a long-term lease. See Roam vs car leasing for the full comparison.

You can pick up from either of Roam's service locations — 863 Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke (Toronto) or 2496 Bank Street in Ottawa — at no charge. Or use Roam's optional valet delivery to have your vehicle brought to your home or office. Delivery fees vary by distance and are quoted during booking.

A Roam subscription is month-to-month with a 30-day minimum, no hard credit check, and no impact on your credit. Everything you need to drive is in one payment, and you can cancel anytime after 30 days with 7 days' notice.

A traditional lease is a 3–5 year commitment with a hard credit check and a fixed financial obligation reported to credit bureaus. You handle insurance and maintenance separately, and at the end of the term you decide whether to buy out, return, or trade in based on residual value.

A daily rental is best for a few days to a week. Prices fluctuate, add-on charges stack up, and vehicles are often older and higher-mileage. Costs add up quickly over longer periods.

For full breakdowns, see Roam vs car leasing, Roam vs daily car rentals, and Roam vs buying a car.

Roam is worth it for drivers who need a car for one to twelve months. Long-Term plans start around $650–$700/month with standard protection, depending on the vehicle — roughly $150–$160/week.

You get a well-maintained vehicle, scheduled maintenance and non-accident mechanical repairs are covered, and you can cancel after the 30-day minimum with 7 days' notice. No down payment, no hard credit check, no resale risk. Browse current vehicles and pricing to see what fits your budget.

For anything under six months, subscribing almost always wins. Buying used in Ontario means paying for safety certification, HST on the purchase price, setting up your own insurance, and absorbing depreciation when you sell. According to OMVIC's 2023 advisory, transaction costs alone can run $1,500 to $2,000 before you've driven the car.

With Roam, you pay your plan rate and return the car when you're done — no resale, no capital tied up. See the full comparison at Roam vs buying a car.

Roam offers newer vehicles, flexible terms, and more predictable monthly costs than most traditional rental agencies. See Roam vs daily car rentals for a breakdown comparing Roam with agencies like Budget and Avis, and Roam vs Turo for a comparison with peer-to-peer listings.

Roam and car-sharing services like Communauto solve different problems. Car-sharing is built for short hops — by the hour or day — and you share a vehicle pool with other members, picking up and returning to designated spots. Roam gives you exclusive use of one vehicle for the length of your plan (7+ days), with the keys staying with you the whole time, and pickup or delivery to your chosen location. For a quick errand, car-sharing is cheaper. For week-long trips, project-based work, or anything ongoing, Roam works out cheaper and more convenient. See Roam vs car sharing for the full comparison.

Roam Auto (roam.auto) is a Canadian long-term car rental and car subscription company, privately held and headquartered in Toronto. It launched in 2020 as Curbo and rebranded to Roam in 2022. The fleet spans thousands of vehicles across 15+ brands, serviced out of Toronto (Etobicoke) and Ottawa — the Ottawa location also serves parts of western Quebec.

Roam was ranked #18 in Canada on the 2025 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 and #52 in North America on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500. Business clients include Netflix, Amazon, Deloitte, Sony, and Paramount. More background is on the About Roam page.

Roam holds a 4.8-out-of-5 average across more than 900 Google reviews, with 98% of customers saying they'd recommend the service. Reviews come primarily from Roam's Google Business Profile, with additional discussion on Reddit threads in r/askTO and r/ontario. Common praise includes the speed of signup, the condition of the vehicles, and the convenience of valet pickup and delivery.

Your total cost depends on your plan type and what you add. On a Short-Term plan, the base rate is priced per day, a protection plan is optional (you can bring your own qualifying coverage), and the full amount is charged upfront before pickup. On a Long-Term plan, the base rate is priced per week or month, a Roam protection plan is required, payments repeat on a weekly or monthly basis, and you can optionally pay an upfront enrollment fee to lower your recurring rate.

Both plans support add-ons like extra mileage, winter tires, additional drivers, and a 407 transponder. A refundable security deposit is collected upfront and returned after the vehicle is returned. You'll see every line item broken out in your booking summary during checkout before you confirm.

Short-Term plans are paid upfront in full. Long-Term plans are billed weekly or monthly, starting at booking, and recurring charges continue until you cancel and return your vehicle.

Most major credit cards are accepted. Your payment method must support recurring billing, especially for Long-Term plans where charges repeat on your billing cycle.

Yes. A refundable deposit is collected upfront and returned when you return your vehicle in good condition. Deposit amounts vary by vehicle — typically $300 to $1,000 — and you'll see the exact figure in your booking summary in checkout. It's not a fee. It's held against any damage to the vehicle, and if the car comes back in normal condition, you get the full amount back.

The enrollment fee is an optional upfront payment available on Long-Term plans that reduces your recurring weekly or monthly rate — think of it like a down payment. It's never required.

Enrollment fee options range from $0 to $2,500. The higher the upfront fee, the lower your recurring payment. The exact savings and breakeven point are shown in your booking summary at roam.auto/cars before you decide whether to add it.

Yes. Every Roam vehicle has to be covered by a protection plan — there's no option to drive without it. What varies is whose coverage you use. On a Short-Term plan (7–29 days), you can use your own qualifying coverage (a personal Ontario auto policy or credit-card rental insurance) or choose a Roam protection plan at checkout. On a Long-Term plan (30+ days), a Roam protection plan is required, because most personal and credit-card policies only cover rentals for 30 to 45 days. Business customers on Roam For Business can use their own commercial coverage on any plan length. See the insurance and maintenance page for the full breakdown.

On a Short-Term plan (7–29 days), yes — consumer customers can bring their own personal Ontario auto policy or credit-card rental insurance, both of which usually cover rental vehicles within that window. On a Long-Term plan (30+ days), Roam's protection is required because most personal and credit-card policies cap rental coverage at 30 to 45 days. Business customers on Roam For Business can use their own commercial auto policy on any plan length. The full details are on the insurance and maintenance page.

Roam offers multiple protection tiers. Standard Protection covers third-party liability, collision damage, and comprehensive (theft and vandalism). Ultimate Protection includes everything in Standard, plus tire and glass protection, roadside assistance, a complimentary additional driver, and a lower deductible.

You select the tier that's right for you during booking. Full details for each tier are shown during checkout — see the insurance and maintenance page for the broader policy framework.

Yes. The deductible — the amount you'd pay toward a claim — depends on the protection tier you choose. Higher-tier plans have lower deductibles. The exact amounts are shown in your booking summary during checkoutso you can compare the monthly cost against the at-fault deductible before you pick a tier.

Coverage does not apply to unapproved drivers, misuse of the vehicle, or certain prohibited uses (for example, unauthorised commercial use or rideshare driving). Full exclusions are detailed in your rental agreement.

Yes, as long as each additional driver is registered on your plan, at least 23 years old, and has been approved through Roam's standard process (identity, driving record, soft credit check). Drivers who aren't registered on the plan are not covered.

Long-Term plans include a customisable monthly mileage allowance from 2,000 to 3,000 km per month, depending on the tier you choose — that works out to roughly 67–100 km per day or 24,000–36,000 km per year. Short-Term plans include 100 km per day, scaled to your contract length. You pick your mileage tier during booking and can adjust it any time. Live pricing for each vehicle and tier is shown at roam.auto.

A per-kilometre overage rate is charged at the end of your rental. The exact rate depends on your plan and vehicle and is shown in contract. You can also add more mileage at any point during your contract — just contact the Roam team if your driving patterns change partway through.

Yes. Long-distance driving is allowed, but your mileage limits still apply. If you know a trip will push you over your allowance, add extra mileage beforehand or contact Roam to adjust your tier. For out-of-province trips, let the team know in advance so we can confirm coverage details.

No. Roam vehicles cannot be used for rideshare, delivery services, or any commercial driving not pre-approved by Roam. Unauthorised commercial use is a coverage exclusion under every protection plan.

The Roam fleet spans 50+ models across 15+ brands, including sedans, SUVs, hybrids, EVs, pickup trucks, and cargo vans for business use. Popular picks include the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Jetta, Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2, and Ford F-150. Available vehicles change as cars come and go, so the live inventory at roam.auto/cars is always the best place to check what's currently available.

Every car in the fleet is one of the latest vehicle models from top brands. Each one is professionally maintained, cleaned before each rental, and safety-inspected before it goes out for delivery or pickup. The current fleet is primarily 2025 and 2026 model-year vehicles in new or near-new condition with low mileage — one of the main differences between Roam and a traditional daily rental agency.

Yes. Roam's hybrid and EV lineup is growing and currently includes models like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, Toyota Corolla Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Tesla Model 3, and Polestar 2. Availability shifts with demand — check the live inventory at roam.auto/cars for what's available on your dates. EV plans include the same maintenance coverage as gas vehicles, and all EVs and hybrids come with home charging kits. Charging costs are on you.

Winter tires are available as an add-on — they aren't installed by default. You can add them at booking or mid-rental. If you're on a Long-Term plan through the winter, we'd recommend adding them early in the season — the Roam support team can help you time the install.

Roam covers scheduled maintenance and non-accident mechanical repairs on every plan — oil changes, tire rotations, brake replacements, inspections, and more. You cover fuel, tolls, parking, and damage from misuse or at-fault accidents.

Contact Roam immediately. We'll coordinate repairs and provide a replacement vehicle when appropriate, so you're not stuck without a car.

Vehicle swaps are available case by case on Long-Term plans — for example, if your needs shift and you'd rather have a bigger or smaller car mid-rental. Reach out to the Roam team and we'll walk you through what's possible, what it costs, and how quickly we can make it happen. Swaps generally aren't available on Short-Term plans, since those are fixed-term bookings.

Roam currently operates in the Greater Toronto Area (serviced from 863 Kipling Avenue in Etobicoke) and the Greater Ottawa Area (serviced from 2496 Bank Street in Ottawa). The Ottawa location also serves parts of western Quebec. Roam is expanding to additional Canadian cities — check our locations page for the latest service area before booking.

Not yet. Roam currently operates only in the Greater Toronto Area and the Greater Ottawa Area, with the Ottawa location also serving parts of western Quebec. Roam is not yet available in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Halifax, or Winnipeg. Roam plans to expand to additional Canadian cities — check our locations page for the latest service area before booking.

Yes. Roam offers valet pickup and drop-off across both service areas. Delivery fees vary by distance from the Roam location and are quoted in your booking summary before you confirm. Pickup from a Roam location is always free.

Yes. Roam's valet delivery covers the Greater Toronto Area from our 863 Kipling Avenue location in Etobicoke — including Oakville, Mississauga, Scarborough, Brampton, Hamilton, Markham, Vaughan, Pickering, Whitby, Milton, and Newmarket. Delivery fees vary by distance and are quoted during booking. You can also pick up directly from the Kipling location at no charge, or visit our Ottawa location at 2496 Bank Street if you're closer to the Greater Ottawa Area or western Quebec.

Booking a few days in advance is recommended for best availability, but you can book up to 12 months ahead of your start date at roam.auto/cars.

Yes, within Canada. Contact the Roam team before your trip so we can confirm coverage details and flag any mileage considerations. Cross-border travel into the United States requires advance authorisation. Don't take a Roam vehicle across the border without clearing it with us first — it affects insurance coverage and the customer could be personally liable for issues that arise abroad.

You must be at least 23 years old, hold a valid driver's licence, and pass Roam's approval checks (identity verification, driving record review, and soft credit check). The minimum age applies to every driver on a plan, including additional drivers. Unlike some daily rental agencies, Roam doesn't charge a young-driver surcharge because drivers under 23 aren't approved at all.

Driver requirements vary slightly by jurisdiction — see Ontario licence holders, Canadian licence holders outside Ontario, or USA and international licence holders for the specifics.

For most drivers, a valid driver's licence is all you need. Roam reviews your driving record through the provincial licensing authority (the MVR, or motor vehicle record) and runs a soft credit check — both happen in the background during approval. Everything is digital; no paper documents need to be mailed in. See getting your documentation ready for a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction breakdown of what you'll need.

Yes — a soft credit check only. It does not impact your credit score and does not appear on your credit report. Roam is not a loan or a lease — there's no hard inquiry, no debt obligation, and nothing reported to credit bureaus. A Roam rental will not affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage, auto loan, or other borrowing.

Roam does not affect your credit either way. Approval uses a soft credit check, which doesn't impact your credit score and doesn't appear on your credit report. Roam is not a lease or a loan, so there's no hard inquiry, no debt obligation, and no payment history reported to credit bureaus. That also means a Roam rental does not build credit history. If credit-building matters to you, that's typically done through a secured credit card, a traditional auto loan, or a car lease where payments are reported to bureaus.

Most customers are approved within a few minutes to an hour of submitting their information online. In some cases — if the team needs to verify something on your driving record or ID — approval can take longer. Business accounts may have slightly different onboarding — contact business@roam.auto for details.

Common reasons include being under 23, an invalid or expired licence, a poor driving record, or failed identity verification. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact the Roam team before you apply.

Yes. Each additional driver must be at least 23 and complete the same approval process as the primary renter. Once approved, they're covered under your plan's protection. Adding one is simple: log into your Roam account, add them to the plan, and they'll get approval confirmation before they drive. Unregistered drivers are not covered, so everyone who plans to drive needs to be added before they get behind the wheel. See additional drivers for the full process and requirements.

Roam can approve drivers with a foreign licence in most cases, depending on the country of issue and how long you plan to drive. Contact Roam before booking so the team can confirm eligibility and advise on any supplementary documentation, such as an International Driving Permit, that may be required. See USA and international licence holders for the full requirements.

On a Short-Term plan, your plan ends at the scheduled return date — no cancellation needed, simply return the car. On a Long-Term plan, you can cancel anytime after the first 30 days with 7 days' notice. There are no penalties as long as you provide the required notice.

Short-Term plans are prepaid for a fixed term and are not eligible for refunds — the full amount is charged at the start of the rental. On a Long-Term plan, no refund is issued within the first 30 days (the minimum commitment). After 30 days, unused days are refunded pro-rata based on your return date and the 7-day notice period.

Yes. We will automatically extend your plan for you, so you can just keep driving. You will be charged on your regular billing cycle until you cancel and return the car. Contact the Roam team if you have questions about extending your plan.

Late fees may apply on Short-Term plans if you miss your scheduled return date. If you think you'll need the car longer, contact the Roam team as early as possible to discuss options — switching to a Long-Term plan is often the cleanest solution and you can return the car at any time with no penalties as long as you give 7 days notice.

Yes. Roam For Business is designed for professionals, owner-operators, contractors, and employers who want vehicles without owning a fleet. It includes HST-compliant invoicing, preferred rates, multi-vehicle discounts, replacement vehicles during maintenance, and a dedicated business support team. Business customers can use their own commercial auto coverage on any plan length, or choose Roam's protection.

Contact business@roam.auto or call (647) 956-4649 to get started.

Roam For Business is for professionals, owner-operators, and small teams who need one or a few vehicles for work. It's essentially Roam's consumer product with HST-compliant invoicing, preferred rates, and a dedicated business support team on top.

Roam Fleet is a separate product built for organisations managing five or more vehicles with true fleet-management needs — long-term rentals, micro-leases, rent-to-own, lease funding, fuel-card programs, and full lifecycle management.

If you're running a few vehicles, Roam For Business is the right fit. If you're managing a real fleet, Roam Fleet is built for that.

Yes. Roam For Business offers company car programs for employers who want to provide team vehicles without the complexity of owning and maintaining a fleet. Programs include centralised billing, fast employee onboarding, preferred rates, multi-vehicle discounts, replacement vehicles during maintenance, and HST-compliant invoicing. Contact business@roam.auto or call (647) 956-4649 to design a program for your team.

Yes. Every Roam For Business rental is invoiced with HST broken out as its own line, making it straightforward to expense and claim GST/HST input tax credits. Invoices are issued weekly or monthly depending on your billing cadence and are always available in your business account dashboard. If your accounting team needs a specific invoice format, contact business@roam.auto.

Roam For Business rentals are typically deductible as a business expense when the vehicle is used for work, and the 13% HST is recoverable as a GST/HST input tax credit if your business is registered. Every invoice breaks HST out as its own line, so the rental is straightforward to expense. Specific deductibility depends on how the vehicle is used and your tax situation — confirm with your accountant. Contact business@roam.auto if you need invoices in a specific format.

Yes. If you're using Roam's insurance, each driver must be approved and added to the plan and each driver must meet the same eligibility requirements — age 23+, valid licence, and completing Roam's approval process (identity, driving record, soft credit check). If you're using your own insurance, you decide who can drive the vehicle.