> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.flexwash.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Prorated Charges

> Fair, transparent billing that charges members only for time used.

When a member adds a vehicle or upgrades mid-cycle, FlexWash automatically calculates a prorated charge for the remaining days until their next billing date. Members pay only for actual service time.

## How Proration Works

The prorated amount uses actual day counts for accuracy:

```
Prorated Charge = Package Price × (Days Remaining ÷ Days in Billing Cycle)
```

**Example:**

* Package: \$30/month
* Billing date: 20th
* Vehicle added: March 5th (15 days remaining)
* Billing cycle: 28 days (Feb 20 to Mar 20)

```
$30 × (15 ÷ 28) = $16.07
```

## When Proration Applies

### Adding a Vehicle to an Existing Membership

A member with an active membership adds a second vehicle. They pay a prorated amount for the new vehicle covering the remaining days in the current cycle.

| Event                                        | Charge                        |
| -------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------- |
| Signup March 1st with one vehicle            | Full price                    |
| Add second vehicle March 15th (\$25 package) | \~\$12.50 (16 days remaining) |
| April 1st renewal                            | Full price for both vehicles  |

### Upgrading to a Higher Package

When upgrading mid-cycle, the member pays a prorated amount for the price difference.

| Current Package | New Package  | Days Remaining | Prorated Upgrade      |
| --------------- | ------------ | -------------- | --------------------- |
| \$20 Basic      | \$35 Premium | 10 days        | $15 × (10/28) = $5.36 |

### Reactivating After Validity Expires

If a frozen or cancelled membership is reactivated **after** the paid period expires, a prorated charge covers the days until the next billing date.

## When Proration Does NOT Apply

### New Customer Signup

New customers start fresh. The billing date is set to today, they pay the full monthly price, and receive a full month of service.

### Downgrading to a Lower Package

No charge. The member keeps their current package through the billing date, then the lower rate takes effect.

| Action                    | Immediate Charge | At Next Billing |
| ------------------------- | ---------------- | --------------- |
| Downgrade from $35 to $20 | \$0              | \$20            |

### Reactivating Within Paid Period

If a member reactivates before their paid validity expires, there's no charge. They already paid for this period.

### House and Fleet Accounts

Special account types have different billing arrangements and typically bypass standard proration.

## FAQ

### Are taxes prorated too?

Yes. Taxes are calculated on the prorated base amount, so they scale proportionally.