Cancel Car And Driver: Step-by-Step Guide

How to cancel your Car and Driver subscription from australia

What Car and Driver is and why australian readers subscribe

Car and Driver is a leading automotive publisher delivering expert vehicle reviews, road tests, buyer guides and car culture journalism across print and digital platforms. The magazine publishes bimonthly print editions alongside digital access, and you can choose print, digital, or bundled subscriptions depending on your reading preference. Most subscriptions auto-renew unless you cancel before the renewal date, which catches many Australian readers off guard with unexpected charges.

Your cancellation path depends entirely on where you purchased your subscription. If you bought directly from Car and Driver, through an Australian reseller like isubscribe, or via an aggregator platform like Readly, each channel has different cancellation portals, refund windows and customer service contacts. Tocancel recommends identifying your purchase channel immediately-check your email confirmation or credit card statement-because this single detail determines whether you cancel online, by phone, or by mail.

Subscription formats available to australian readers

Car and Driver offers print subscriptions that arrive bimonthly with complimentary digital access, digital-only subscriptions for immediate online access, and bundled options through aggregator services like Readly that combine Car and Driver with hundreds of other magazines under a single monthly fee. Australian resellers price subscriptions in AUD, removing currency conversion guesswork at the point of purchase.

Common billing and delivery problems australian subscribers face

Australian subscribers frequently report unexpected auto-renewal charges appearing without reminder notifications, delayed or missing print issues despite active billing, and confusing invoice descriptions when third-party payment processors handle transactions. Some complaints centre on slow refund processing for unshipped issues or issues damaged in transit. Understanding these patterns helps you recognise warning signs early and act before frustration builds.

Your consumer rights under australian law

When you subscribe to Car and Driver in Australia, you are protected by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), which is enforced by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). Your rights are not negotiable, regardless of what the subscription terms say.

Under the ACL, you have the right to cancel a subscription if the service has not been delivered as promised. If Car and Driver fails to deliver issues on time, delivers damaged copies, or charges you after you've requested cancellation, you can demand a refund of the unshipped portion of your subscription. This protection applies whether you subscribed directly, through a reseller, or via an aggregator platform.

You also have the right to cancel a subscription within 14 days of purchase if you're unhappy with it, provided the supplier has made clear that cancellation is possible within that window. This is called the cooling-off period, and it protects you from being locked into long-term commitments you didn't fully understand at purchase.

Your legal position: if Car and Driver or its reseller refuses to process your cancellation or refund, you can lodge a complaint with the ACCC, and they will investigate at no cost to you. Therefore, you should not feel pressured to accept a "no refund" response if the company has failed to deliver the service you paid for.

Subscription pricing and where you bought it

Car and Driver pricing varies significantly by purchase channel, so identifying exactly where you bought your subscription protects you from overbilling and ensures you cancel through the correct portal. The table below shows representative Australian pricing and auto-renewal behaviour across major channels.

Check your most recent email receipt or credit card statement to identify which seller processed your subscription. Different channels have different cancellation portals, customer service teams, and refund timelines, so this step saves you significant frustration and time later.

Should you cancel, downgrade or pause?

Before you cancel, consider whether you've genuinely extracted all the value from your subscription or whether a pause, downgrade, or switching to a single-issue model better suits your needs. If you subscribe to Readly, cancelling that entire platform removes your access to all bundled titles, not just Car and Driver. If you purchased a multi-issue pack through isubscribe, you own those issues permanently and cannot refund completed purchases-only unshipped ones qualify for refunds.

However, if auto-renewal charges surprise you repeatedly, or if you've received fewer issues than you paid for, cancellation paired with a refund claim becomes your priority. If delivery has been consistently late or issues have arrived damaged, you have grounds to cancel with a refund under the ACL. Tocancel recommends moving forward with cancellation if the service no longer meets your needs or if the supplier has failed to deliver on its promises.

How to cancel Car and Driver by subscription channel

Your cancellation method depends on where you purchased your subscription. Follow the steps for your specific channel to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and on time.

Cancel a subscription purchased directly from Car and Driver

If you subscribed through caranddriver.com or by phone directly with Car and Driver's subscription department, use these steps to cancel.

1. Go to caranddriver.com and log into your account using your email and password.
   • If you don't remember your password, click "Forgot password" and follow the email reset link.
2. Navigate to your account settings or subscription management section.
   • This is often labelled "My subscriptions," "Manage your subscription," or "Billing" depending on the website layout.
3. Locate your active Car and Driver subscription and select the option to cancel, pause, or manage.
   • You may be offered a discounted renewal rate or a pause option before the cancellation is finalised.
4. Confirm the cancellation and note the date your access will end.
   • Your final issue will be delivered on or near your current renewal date unless you've requested a refund for unshipped issues.
5. Save or screenshot the cancellation confirmation email for your records.
   • This is your proof of cancellation if billing continues after your requested end date.
6. If you cannot locate the cancellation option online, call Car and Driver's subscription team at the number provided on your invoice and request cancellation by phone.
   • Ask for a cancellation confirmation number and the date your access will end.

Alternatively, send a written cancellation request by mail to the address listed at the end of this guide, including your full name, subscription account number, and the date you wish to cancel.

Cancel a subscription purchased through isubscribe

If you bought your Car and Driver subscription through isubscribe (the major Australian reseller), follow these steps.

1. Log into your isubscribe account at isubscribe.com.au using your registered email and password.
   • If you've forgotten your password, click "Forgot password" and check your email for the reset link.
2. Go to "My subscriptions" or "Active subscriptions" in your account dashboard.
   • This section displays all subscriptions linked to your account, including Car and Driver.
3. Find Car and Driver in the list and click on it to view subscription details.
   • You'll see the subscription start date, next renewal date, and price.
4. Select the "Cancel subscription" option or similar button.
   • isubscribe may ask you why you're cancelling-this feedback is optional.
5. Confirm the cancellation and save the confirmation email to your records.
   • Your access will end on the next renewal date unless you've requested a refund for unshipped issues.
6. If the online cancellation option is not visible or you encounter an error, contact isubscribe customer service directly via their website chat or email support.
   • Provide your account email, subscription details, and request written confirmation of cancellation.

If you purchased a single issue or multi-issue pack (not an auto-renewing subscription), that purchase is a one-time transaction and does not auto-renew, so no cancellation step is required.

Cancel a subscription purchased through readly

If you access Car and Driver through Readly's aggregator platform, cancelling your Readly subscription removes access to Car and Driver and all other bundled titles.

1. Open the Readly app on your mobile device or go to readly.com on your web browser.
   • Log in using your Readly account email and password.
2. Go to your account settings, usually found in the profile icon or menu in the top right or left corner.
   • Select "Subscription," "Billing," or "My plan."
3. Look for the "Cancel subscription" or "Manage subscription" option.
   • Readly will often offer you a discounted renewal rate or a pause option to retain your membership.
4. Confirm the cancellation and save your confirmation details.
   • Your access will end at the end of your current billing period (usually the end of the current month).
5. If you cancel mid-month, confirm whether Readly will issue a pro-rata refund for the unused portion of your subscription.
   • This depends on Readly's refund policy and whether you've used the service significantly during the current period.
6. If the cancellation option is not visible or Readly's website is not responding, contact Readly customer support via their in-app chat or email [email protected].
   • Request written confirmation of your cancellation and the date your access will end.

Bear in mind that cancelling Readly removes your access to all magazines on the platform, not just Car and Driver. If you value other titles, consider pausing your Readly subscription instead or switching to a single-issue purchase model for Car and Driver.

Refunds and what you're entitled to claim

Whether you receive a refund depends on when you cancel and how much of your subscription remains undelivered. Under the ACL, you are entitled to a refund for any issues you paid for but have not yet received, provided you cancel before those issues are shipped.

If you cancel before your next renewal date and your final issue has already been delivered, you are not entitled to a refund of your subscription fee-you've received the service you paid for. However, if you cancel and issues remain unshipped, you can request a pro-rata refund for those undelivered portions.

If Car and Driver or its reseller has failed to deliver issues on time, delivered damaged copies, or continued charging you after you requested cancellation, you can claim a refund of the full unshipped portion plus compensation for the service failure. Tocancel recommends submitting your refund request in writing (by email or mail) with copies of your evidence: your receipt, billing statements, and proof of non-delivery or damage.

Refund timelines vary by channel. Direct publisher refunds typically process within 7-10 business days. isubscribe and Readly may take 10-14 business days. If your refund does not appear after 14 business days, contact customer service again and escalate to the ACCC if the supplier refuses to refund you.

Common cancellation mistakes to avoid

It's easy to feel frustrated when cancelling a subscription, especially if you've had billing issues or delivery problems. Many Australian readers make one or two preventable mistakes that delay their cancellation or cost them money.

Do not assume that unsubscribing from a magazine's email newsletter cancels your subscription-these are separate systems, and deleting emails will not stop billing. Do not rely on a verbal cancellation over the phone without requesting written confirmation; always save the confirmation email or ask for a reference number.

Do not cancel and expect an immediate refund without checking the supplier's refund terms first. Most subscriptions refund only unshipped portions, not completed deliveries. If you cancel mid-month, check whether the aggregator (like Readly) offers pro-rata refunds or whether you forfeit the remainder of that month's fee.

Do not ignore continued billing after cancellation. If your credit card is charged after your cancellation date, contact the supplier immediately and escalate to the ACCC if they refuse to reverse the charge. Keep copies of your cancellation confirmation, billing statements, and all correspondence-these are your evidence if you need to lodge a complaint.

After cancellation: what happens next

Once you've cancelled your Car and Driver subscription, your account status will change to "cancelled" or "inactive" within 24 to 48 hours. You will retain access to your digital subscription until the end of your current billing cycle or paid period, depending on the supplier's policy. Tocancel recommends logging into your account a few days after cancellation to confirm the status has changed and your access is scheduled to expire on the correct date.

Your final print issue (if you subscribed to print) will arrive on or near your last renewal date, unless you've requested expedited cancellation. If your final issue does not arrive within 14 days of your cancellation date, contact the supplier and request compensation or a refund for that missing issue.

Check your credit card statement or bank app one month after cancellation to confirm no further charges appear. If you see a charge labelled "Car and Driver," "caranddriver," or the reseller's name (isubscribe, Readly) after your cancellation date, contact your bank immediately and dispute the charge as unauthorised. Your bank can reverse it while you escalate the matter to the supplier and the ACCC.

If you received a refund, verify the amount matches what the supplier promised. If the refund is less than expected, contact customer service with your original receipt and request the difference.

Pricing comparison and alternative options

Before you cancel entirely, consider whether a lower-cost alternative suits your reading habits better. The table below compares the cost and commitment of major options available to Australian readers.

If cost is your main concern, switching from a direct subscription to a single-issue purchase model or a lower-cost aggregator platform can halve your monthly spending. If you've only subscribed recently, check whether you're within the 14-day cooling-off period-if so, you can cancel and receive a full refund regardless of auto-renewal terms.

Mistakes to avoid and your safeguards

When handling subscription cancellations, clarity and documentation protect you far more than verbal agreements or assumptions. Many Australian readers discover billing issues weeks or months after they thought they'd cancelled because they didn't document the process properly.

Always request written cancellation confirmation, including the cancellation date, the date your access will end, and any refund amount. Do not rely on a customer service representative's verbal promise. If the supplier offers you a discount to keep your subscription, ask for that offer in writing before you decide-verbal discounts often vanish when billing arrives.

If you're cancelling because of service failures (late delivery, damaged issues, continued billing after cancellation), document everything: take screenshots of your account, save invoice copies, and note dates and times of any phone conversations. This evidence is invaluable if you need to lodge a complaint with the ACCC or dispute a charge with your bank.

Do not cancel your subscription through your bank's payment method alone (for example, by asking your bank to block the payment). This does not cancel your subscription-it only blocks payment and will trigger late-payment fees or suspension of your account. Always cancel directly with the supplier.

Car and Driver subscription cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure your cancellation is processed correctly and your account is fully closed.

• Identify where you bought your subscription (direct, isubscribe, Readly, or newsagent).
• Log into your account on the correct platform (caranddriver.com, isubscribe.com.au, or readly.com).
• Locate the "Cancel subscription" option and follow the on-screen steps.
• Note the cancellation date and the date your access will end.
• Save or screenshot the cancellation confirmation email.
• Request a refund if unshipped issues remain on your account.
• Check your email for a confirmation email within 24 hours.
• Log back into your account 48 hours later to confirm the cancellation status has changed.
• Monitor your credit card statement for 30 days after cancellation to ensure no charges appear.
• If a charge appears after your cancellation date, contact the supplier immediately and dispute it with your bank if necessary.
• If you don't receive a refund within 14 business days, contact customer service with your receipt and request an update.
• If the supplier refuses to process your cancellation or refund, lodge a complaint with the ACCC at accc.gov.au.

How tocancel helps you cancel with confidence

Cancelling a subscription should not feel like a battle, yet many Australian readers struggle with confusing portals, unclear refund policies, and unanswered customer service emails. Your rights are clear under the ACL, but enforcing them requires knowing exactly what to ask for and where to escalate if the supplier refuses.

Tocancel exists to close this gap. We guide you through every cancellation step-identifying where you bought your subscription, navigating the correct cancellation portal, requesting refunds you're entitled to, and escalating to the ACCC if the supplier refuses. Our guides are written by consumer-rights experts who understand Australian consumer law and the practical barriers you face. Tocancel has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions and claim refunds they thought were lost, and we're here to help you do the same with confidence and clarity.

Where to send cancellation requests by mail

If you prefer to cancel by mail or if online cancellation is not available, send a written cancellation request to:

Customer Service Department
Car and Driver
P.O. Box 6000
Harlan, IA 51593
United States of America

Include your full name, subscription account number (found on your invoice), email address, phone number, and the date you wish to cancel. Request a cancellation confirmation in writing. Post your letter via registered or trackable mail so you have proof of delivery. Allow 3-4 weeks for a response, as mail from Australia to the United States takes time.

If you do not receive a response within 4 weeks, follow up by phone or email if a contact number or address is listed on your invoice. If the supplier still refuses to process your cancellation, lodge a complaint with the ACCC at accc.gov.au or call 1300 302 502.

Cancelling your Car and Driver subscription is your right under Australian consumer law. You do not need permission or justification-if the service no longer meets your needs or if the supplier has failed to deliver it as promised, you can cancel and claim a refund of unshipped portions. Document every step, request written confirmation, and know that Tocancel is here to guide you through the process and back you up if the supplier refuses to cooperate.