FAQs

Got Questions? We’ve got answers. Whether you’re buying your first car or trading in your old car, we’re here to make it simple. Explore our FAQs for quick, honest answers about Carsa’s process, prep, finance, handover, and more.

How do I tax my car when I collect it?

You'll need to tax the car before you can legally drive it away. Don't worry – we make this easy. We record the 12-digit document reference number from the V5C in our system, and when you collect your car, our team will help you tax it on-site using the DVLA website. It only takes a couple of minutes. You won't usually receive the green new keeper slip (V5C/2) at handover, but you don't need it – we have the reference number ready for you.

What’s the difference between PCP & HP finance?

PCP usually offers lower monthly payments and greater flexibility if you like to change cars every few years. However, you’ll need to pay a balloon payment if you want to own the car outright. HP has higher monthly payments, but once the final payment is made, the car is automatically yours.

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance?

PCP is a more flexible type of finance where part of the cost is deferred into a final “balloon payment” (known as the Guaranteed Future Value). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to:

Pay the balloon payment to own the car.
Hand the car back, as long as it’s in good condition and within mileage limits.
Trade it in for another car, using any value left over as your deposit.

To see how this looks in practice, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator — you can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage to see how payments change.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for PCP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?

HP is a simple and straightforward type of finance. You pay a deposit, then fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Once all payments (and any small option-to-purchase fee) have been made, the car is yours. HP is a good option if you know you want to own the car outright at the end of the agreement.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for HP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

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Can I get two cars on finance?

Yes, some customers are able to take finance on more than one vehicle, as long as their credit profile and affordability are strong enough. Lenders may ask for extra documents or a clear reason for needing a second car.

Can I get finance with no UK credit history?

Yes, some specialist lenders will consider customers with no UK credit history, although they may ask for additional documents. These can include proof of your right to remain in the UK, two proofs of address, and an international driving licence.

If you’re unsure, check your eligibility with our finance tool — it’s a simple way to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance

Can I get finance if I have negative equity or an existing car on finance?

It can be possible. Some lenders will work with customers who have existing finance or a small amount of negative equity (where the car is worth less than the outstanding balance). For example, if you part-exchange your car, the existing finance can sometimes be settled as part of the new deal.

To understand how much negative equity you have, you can get a part exchange quote on our website by following this link or by calling us up and speaking to an agent.

Can I get car finance without a balloon payment?

Yes. If you’d prefer not to have a balloon (final) payment, a Hire Purchase (HP) agreement might be more suitable. With HP, you make fixed monthly payments until the balance is cleared, and once the final payment is made (plus any small option-to-purchase fee), the car is yours outright.

How do I claim the Pod Point home charger offer?

Use the unique referral link from Carsa and click 'Start your enquiry' to share your details with Pod Point. You'll get an email to activate your offer, then choose whether to buy outright or join Pod Drive — the £50 discount is applied automatically at checkout. After a quick remote survey, installation is typically completed within 2 weeks. Installation is subject to feasibility and the offer is only available through your Carsa referral link.

Can I get a discount on a home EV charger with Carsa?

Yes — Carsa EV customers get an exclusive £50 off a Pod Point home charger. You can subscribe with Pod Drive from £40/month (with a £99 one-off fee waived to £0 on this offer, on a 36-month contract) or buy the Pod Point Solo 3S outright from £949. Standard installation is included on both, and you control charging through the Pod Point app. The £50 discount is applied automatically when you order through the unique referral link from Carsa.

How do I get drive-away insurance to take my car home?

Download the Cuvva app on iOS or Android and set up a policy in minutes — you can have fully comprehensive cover in place before you leave the forecourt. You pick the length you need, from 1 hour up to 28 days, with no annual commitment. It's a quick way to stay covered while you arrange a longer-term policy. Cuvva is the insurance provider and is regulated by the FCA.

What is drive-away car insurance?

It's fully comprehensive temporary car insurance from Cuvva, available to Carsa customers so you can insure your new car in minutes and drive it home the same day. You choose how long you need — anything from 1 hour up to 28 days — so you only pay for the cover you want while you sort out an annual policy. It's set up on your phone through the Cuvva app (iOS and Android). Cuvva is authorised and regulated by the FCA (no. 690273).

Can I cancel my cosmetic or alloy maintenance plan?

Both the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan and the Alloy Wheel Protection plan come with a 30-day refund period from the start date, as long as no repair work has been carried out. After 30 days you can still cancel at any time, but you won't be entitled to a refund. Both plans also require the vehicle to be under 7 years old when the plan starts.

Are the cosmetic and alloy plans insurance?

The Cosmetic Maintenance Plan and Alloy Wheel Protection plan are both maintenance plans, not insurance products, and aren't regulated by the FCA. They're designed for minor cosmetic damage from everyday driving — small chips, scuffs, dents and kerbed alloys. Bigger damage from accidents, fire, theft or vandalism is a matter for your motor insurance, not these plans. All repairs need to be authorised before any work begins.

How do I book an alloy wheel repair?

Submit a request through the Shine! Protect app (iOS or Android) with a couple of photos of the damage, or call 01279 456 500. AutoProtect reviews and authorises it before any work begins, then you book a time and location in mainland UK and a mobile technician comes to you. You can submit one authorised request every 3 months, with up to 4 areas of damage per visit and a cap of 5 per year. The plan covers mainland UK only (England, Wales and Scotland excluding the Scottish Islands) and isn't transferable if you sell the car.

Does the Alloy Wheel Protection plan cover tyres?

No — the Alloy Wheel Protection plan covers alloy wheels only and there's no tyre cover. It's worth being clear on this if you've bought from Carsa before, as it's a change from the older Tyre & Alloy plan. It treats cosmetic kerb scuffs, chips and scratches on the wheel face, including diamond-cut and aerodynamic wheels, but not cracked or buckled wheels, tyres, or full lathe-cut refurbishment.