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When you're dealing with a car – whether for your business or for yourself – one of the first questions is often: "Should I buy it, take out a loan, or go for operational leasing?" And the answer isn't always black and white. It depends on what you expect from the car, how much you want (or don't want) to deal with, and how much you enjoy paperwork.
Acquiring a car isn't just about the price tag in the showroom. It also involves costs for insurance, tires, service, a highway vignette, or even dealing with accidents and insurance claims. And that's where operational leasing starts to make sense.
Insurance: a difference you'll notice every month
Let's take a Volkswagen Tiguan as an example. Monthly insurance costs:
- When owning: approximately CZK 3,975 per month (e.g., with ČPP).
- Via VWFS: roughly CZK 2,400.
- Via a leasing company: up to CZK 2,200 per month.
These are not tricks. Leasing companies – including us at Birne – have negotiated advantageous fleet contracts, allowing them to offer better prices than you would get as an individual.
Tires: what's hidden in the payment
A set of winter tires (including fitting and storage) can amount to the following over three years:
- When owning a car: around CZK 22,440 including VAT.
- Within operational leasing: an average of CZK 17,300 including VAT – and it's already included in the monthly payment.
Not to mention, with us, you deal with tires stress-free – you just arrive, we change them, you drive away.
Service and repairs: cheaper with operational leasing and no need to handle it yourself
With an average annual mileage of 20,000 km, you will pay for service and repairs over three years:
- When owning: CZK 40,000 to CZK 45,000.
- Within operational leasing: up to 10–15% less.
And most importantly: we arrange everything for you. You just bring the car to the service center, where they already know about you.
What if something happens?
When owning a car, after an accident, you must:
- Report the insurance claim.
- Communicate with the service center and insurance company.
- Handle repairs and paperwork.
- Often wait for insurance settlement.
With operational leasing – for example, with Birne – most things are handled for you. You just hand over the documents, choose a service center, and you're worry-free. Plus, minor damages (scratches, scuffs) are covered by us – up to CZK 10,000.
Comparison: purchase vs. operational leasing
| Cost | Vehicle Purchase | Operational Leasing |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance (monthly) | CZK 3,975 | CZK 2,200 |
| Tires (over 3 years) | CZK 22,440 | CZK 17,300 |
| Service (over 3 years) | CZK 40,000 – 45,000 | 10–15% less |
| Accident | Owner handles | Leasing company handles |
| Acquisition | Higher investment | Lower monthly costs |
| Sale | Owner handles | Leasing company handles |
Summary: what's best for you?
If you want to keep a car permanently, don't mind a higher one-time investment, and enjoy handling things yourself, buying a car is a safe bet. But if you value simplicity, peace of mind, and predictable costs, operational leasing is an increasingly popular choice. And rightly so.
With us at Birne, you also get everything in one package – unlimited mileage, minor damages covered in the price, personal care, and the option to exchange or return the car anytime. Even after just two months.
In short: a car exactly as you need it. Stress-free.
