Manage Car And Driver

How to cancel car and driver subscription in new zealand: your step-by-step guide

What car and driver is and why you might cancel

Car and Driver is a US-based automotive publisher offering digital magazine subscriptions, vehicle reviews, news features, and merchandise through its website and third-party app platforms. You may have subscribed through their direct website, Apple App Store, Google Play, or purchased merchandise from their tech store. If you've finished your subscription or want to stop paying, understanding your cancellation options and New Zealand consumer rights is essential. At Stopee, we help you navigate cancellations like this every day, and we know the process can feel confusing when the company uses US postal addresses and vague renewal terms. This guide breaks down exactly how to cancel, what happens next, and what refunds you're entitled to under New Zealand law.

Common reasons to cancel car and driver

You may want to cancel because you no longer read the magazine, prefer free automotive content online, or discovered the subscription renewed unexpectedly. Others cancel because they're consolidating subscriptions to save money, or they purchased through the wrong platform and want to switch. Whatever your reason, cancelling quickly prevents further charges and protects your wallet.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

New Zealand law gives you powerful protection when cancelling subscriptions and requesting refunds, regardless of where the company is based.

Consumer guarantees act protections

The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 applies to all goods and services purchased by New Zealand consumers, even from overseas companies like Car and Driver. This means you have the right to cancel within reasonable timeframes, and you can request a refund or credit if the service doesn't meet basic quality standards. If Car and Driver's subscription fails to deliver what was promised, charges you unexpectedly, or auto-renews against your instructions, the Act gives you leverage to dispute the charge or demand your money back.

Fair trading act remedies

The Fair Trading Act 1986 protects you against misleading or deceptive conduct. If Car and Driver's cancellation process is deliberately hidden, uses confusing language, or auto-renews without clear consent, you can escalate your complaint to the Commerce Commission. This is your backup if the company refuses to refund or cancels half-heartedly.

How to use these rights when cancelling

When you cancel, reference these laws in any written communication if the company resists your request. Say something like: "Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, I'm requesting cancellation of my subscription effective immediately and a refund of charges incurred." This signals you know your rights and are serious about enforcement. If Car and Driver ignores you, escalate to the Commerce Commission's free dispute resolution service or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Cancellation methods by platform

Car and Driver subscriptions live on different platforms, each with its own cancellation process; you need to cancel on the platform where you actually subscribed.

Cancel via the publisher website (direct subscription)

If you subscribed directly through caranddrivermag.com (not through an app store), you cancel via their subscriber portal. This is the fastest method and usually takes 2-3 minutes.

1. Visit the Car and Driver subscriber login page on their website.
2. Enter your email and password to sign in to your account.
3. Look for "Account Settings," "Subscriptions," or "Manage Subscription" in the menu.
   • This link might be under a user profile icon or in the top-right corner.
4. Click "Cancel Subscription" or "End Subscription."
5. Follow any on-screen prompts asking why you're cancelling (these are optional but can speed up the process).
6. Confirm cancellation by clicking "Yes, cancel my subscription" or similar.
7. Save or screenshot the confirmation page and any confirmation number shown.
8. Check your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation email from Car and Driver within 24 hours.

Pro tip: If you can't find a "Cancel" button, look for a "Contact Customer Service" link and email them directly. Stopee recommends always getting written confirmation, even if it takes an extra day.

Cancel via apple app store

If you subscribed through the Apple App Store (iPhone, iPad, or Mac), you must cancel through your Apple ID settings, not through the Car and Driver app itself.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
2. Tap or click your name at the top of the screen.
3. Select "Subscriptions."
4. Find "Car and Driver" in the list of active subscriptions.
5. Tap or click "Car and Driver."
6. Tap or click "Cancel Subscription."
7. Confirm by selecting "Confirm Cancellation."
8. You'll see a message confirming your subscription ends on a specific date.

Warning: App Store cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period, not immediately. If you're billed monthly, you'll have access for the rest of this month but won't be charged next month.

Cancel via google play store

Android users who subscribed via Google Play follow a similar process but through the Google Play app or website.

1. Open the Google Play app on your Android device or go to play.google.com in a browser.
2. Tap or click your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions."
4. Find "Car and Driver" in your active subscriptions.
5. Tap or click "Car and Driver."
6. Tap or click "Cancel subscription."
7. Choose a reason (optional) and confirm cancellation.
8. You'll receive confirmation that your subscription ends at the end of your current billing cycle.

Pro tip: Google Play refunds are available only within 48 hours of purchase if the subscription is brand new. After 48 hours, you won't get money back, only cancellation of future charges. Stopee strongly recommends checking your billing date before cancelling to avoid paying again.

Cancel by postal mail

If you need to cancel by post (useful if you can't access the online options or want a paper trail), send a letter to Car and Driver's US address. This is slower but creates legal proof of your cancellation request.

1. Write a clear letter stating your name, email, subscription number (if you have it), and the date you want to cancel effective from.
2. Include the statement: "I am cancelling my Car and Driver subscription effective immediately. Please confirm cancellation in writing."
3. Mail the letter to:
   • Customer Service Department
     Car and Driver
     P.O. Box 6000
     Harlan, Iowa 51593
     USA
4. Send via registered mail or with tracking so you can prove delivery.
5. Keep a copy of your letter and the postal receipt.
6. Allow 3-4 weeks for the US mail service and Car and Driver's response.

Warning: Postal cancellations from New Zealand take longer than online methods. Use this only if online cancellation fails or you need undisputed proof. Stopee recommends combining postal cancellation with an email to customer service so you have multiple cancellation requests on file.

Timeline and what happens after you cancel

Timing matters when you cancel; understanding your billing cycle and access rights prevents unwanted charges and ensures you use your remaining paid time.

Immediate access after cancellation (direct web subscription)

Car and Driver's direct web subscriptions are one-year, non-auto-renewing terms. When you cancel via their website, you retain access to the digital magazine and content for the remainder of your paid year. You won't be charged anything more, and your access simply ends when your one-year term expires. If you paid for a year upfront and cancel mid-way through (say, after 6 months), you keep access for the remaining 6 months.

Immediate access after cancellation (App Store/Google play)

Third-party platforms behave differently. Apple App Store and Google Play subscriptions usually allow you to keep access through the end of your current billing period. If you're billed monthly and you cancel on day 15, you'll have access until day 30 or 31, then lose access the next day. You won't be charged for the next month.

Account data and emails after cancellation

After cancellation, Car and Driver retains your name, email, and purchase history for customer service, legal, and tax records. You'll likely continue receiving marketing emails unless you unsubscribe from those separately in your account settings or by clicking "Unsubscribe" in their emails. New Zealand law allows companies to retain this data for up to 7 years for tax and legal purposes, so don't be shocked if you stay on their mailing list.

Refund eligibility and processing

Refunds for digital subscriptions are not automatic, but you have leverage under New Zealand consumer law to request them in specific situations.

When you can request a refund

Car and Driver's standard policy does not offer refunds for unused or partially-used digital subscriptions. However, you can request a refund in these scenarios:

• The subscription auto-renewed without your explicit consent (violates Fair Trading Act).
• You were charged twice for the same period.
• The service failed or became inaccessible (quality breach under Consumer Guarantees Act).
• The subscription was purchased by someone else without your authority.
• You cancelled within 14 days of purchase (cooling-off period for online purchases).

How to request a refund

Email Car and Driver's customer service with your subscription details, the reason for refund, and the Consumer Guarantees Act reference. At Stopee, we've seen companies respond more quickly when you cite New Zealand law. Say something like: "My subscription auto-renewed without my consent, which breaches the Fair Trading Act 1986. I request a full refund of NZD [amount] to my original payment method by [date 14 days ahead]."

Allow 10 business days for a response. If they refuse, escalate to your bank or credit card company and file a chargeback dispute, citing that the company charged you without authorization or failed to deliver the service.

Merchandise refunds (Car and driver tech store)

If you bought physical items (t-shirts, gear, or tech products) from caranddrivertech.com, you have 30 days to return them for a full refund, store credit, or exchange. Return postage is your cost. Once Car and Driver receives the item, they process the refund within 14 days; it appears on your statement within 1-2 billing cycles. Stopee advises taking photos of items before returning and using tracked postage so you have proof of delivery.

Pricing breakdown and plan comparison

Car and Driver doesn't publish New Zealand-specific subscription prices; costs vary by platform, region, and current promotions.

Pro tip: If you must subscribe, choose the direct web subscription because it's non-auto-renewing, meaning you won't wake up to unexpected charges. App Store and Google Play subscriptions auto-renew and are harder to track.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancellation feels straightforward, but small errors can leave you stuck paying or without proof of your request; we've seen thousands of people in your situation make these mistakes.

Mistake 1: deleting the app without cancelling the subscription

Uninstalling the Car and Driver app from your phone does NOT cancel your subscription. Your subscription lives with Apple or Google, not on your device. Deleting the app is like throwing away a magazine but still paying for the subscription. Always cancel through your app store account first, then delete the app.

Mistake 2: not saving your confirmation

After you click "Cancel," take a screenshot of the confirmation page immediately. If Car and Driver's system glitches or you later dispute the charge, that screenshot is your proof you cancelled. Similarly, save any confirmation emails you receive. Stopee recommends forwarding cancellation confirmations to yourself with the subject line "Car and Driver Cancellation Proof" so they're easy to find later.

Mistake 3: cancelling just before billing, then being charged anyway

If you cancel one day before your renewal date, you might still be charged because the system processes billing before reading cancellations. Always cancel at least 5 business days before your renewal date. Check your renewal date in your account settings first, then count backward.

Mistake 4: thinking postal mail is instant

Sending a letter to Iowa takes 2-3 weeks minimum for delivery. By the time they receive and process it, you've been charged again. Only use postal cancellation as a backup or if you want a legal paper trail, not as your primary method.

Mistake 5: not checking all platforms

Some people accidentally subscribed on multiple platforms (web and App Store, for example) and forget to cancel both. You'll still be charged on the platform you didn't cancel. Before assuming you're done, log into every account (web, Apple, Google) and verify no active Car and Driver subscriptions remain.

Checklist before and after cancellation

Use this list to ensure you've covered every step and won't face surprise charges or lost access.

When to keep your subscription and when to cancel

Before you cancel, consider whether keeping it makes sense for your situation.

Keep your subscription if:

• You actively read the magazine weekly and enjoy detailed car reviews not found elsewhere.
• You're a car enthusiast who values in-depth feature articles and buying guides.
• You subscribed recently (within 14 days) and want to trial it before deciding.
• You're using a year-long, non-renewing subscription you already paid for in full.

Cancel your subscription if:

• You prefer free automotive content from YouTube, Reddit, or manufacturer websites.
• You're being auto-renewed monthly and no longer reading.
• You're paying more than you intended or don't recall subscribing.
• You consolidate subscriptions to reduce spending.
• You find better value elsewhere (other car magazines or automotive apps).

Pro tip: If you're on the fence, pause or downgrade your subscription first if that option is available. Check your account settings for a "Pause Subscription" option before cancelling outright.

Getting help if cancellation stalls

If Car and Driver ignores your cancellation request or keeps charging you after you've cancelled, escalation is your next step.

Direct escalation within car and driver

Email their customer service again, this time copying a complaint reference number and setting a 14-day deadline. Reference the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act: "I cancelled my subscription on [date] and have attached proof. You continue to charge me illegally. I expect a refund within 14 days or I will file a dispute with my bank and report this to the Commerce Commission."

Commerce commission (New zealand)

If Car and Driver refuses to respond or refund, file a complaint with the Commerce Commission at comcom.govt.nz. It's free, and the Commission investigates misleading or deceptive conduct by companies. They can force refunds and penalties if Car and Driver broke the Fair Trading Act.

Bank or credit card chargeback

Contact your bank or credit card company and request a chargeback dispute for "unauthorized charges" or "service not cancelled as requested." Provide your cancellation proof (screenshots, confirmation emails) and the dates of unwanted charges. Most banks side with consumers in these cases and reverse the charges within 10 business days.

Citizens advice bureau

The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free advice on consumer rights and disputes. Visit cab.org.nz or call 0800 352 352 for guidance on escalating your complaint or submitting a formal dispute.

Comparison: car and driver versus alternative automotive publications

If you're cancelling because you're not getting value, here's how Car and Driver stacks up against other options.

Final steps and contact information

Cancelling Car and Driver is straightforward once you know which platform holds your subscription and follow the correct steps. The key is moving fast, saving proof, and knowing your rights under New Zealand law. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions without getting stuck on hold or facing disputed charges, and we want to ensure you exit cleanly too.

If you need to contact Car and Driver or escalate a dispute, use these addresses and contacts:

• Postal address for cancellation requests: Customer Service Department, Car and Driver, P.O. Box 6000, Harlan, Iowa 51593, USA
• Website subscriber login: caranddrivermag.com (look for Account or Subscriptions menu)
• General customer service: Visit caranddrivermag.com/contact or reply to any subscription email
• New Zealand escalation: Commerce Commission (comcom.govt.nz) or Citizens Advice Bureau (0800 352 352)

Start with the online cancellation option on your subscription platform (web, Apple, or Google) because it's instant and generates immediate confirmation. Save your cancellation confirmation, check your bank statement 7 days later to confirm no further charges, and you're done. If Car and Driver continues charging you, Stopee recommends contacting your bank immediately and filing a chargeback dispute with the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act as your legal backing. Thousands of New Zealand consumers have cancelled difficult subscriptions successfully, and so will you.