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.

Will you fix any previous advisories on the MOT?

We address all critical issues noted during inspection or MOT. If an MOT advisory pointed out something important (like brake pads nearing the limit or a tyre that will need replacement soon), our technicians will assess it. We typically fix safety-related advisories as part of reconditioning. Minor advisories that don’t affect safety might not be immediately fixed, but they will be noted. Rest assured, we won’t let anything that compromises the car’s roadworthiness slip through.

Will the car be serviced before delivery?

Every car goes through our inspection and reconditioning process. If a routine service is due or overdue, we will carry it out before you get the car. So in practice, yes – if the car needed a service, it will be serviced as part of our prep. That said, not every car will get an oil change if it isn’t due, but we ensure it’s up to date on maintenance when delivered.

Can I add my personal number plate to my new car before it's delivered?

We can help with that. Typically, your car will initially be registered with its existing number plate. To add your personal plate, you’d go through the normal DVLA process. We’ll act on your behalf to facilitate the transfer if you’d like – just let us know. You’d need to pay any DVLA fees for the plate transfer. Usually, we’ll deliver the car with the original plate, and then help you swap to your private plate soon after.

Do you allow walk-ins at a Carsa Store?

We do prefer that you book an appointment, because our cars are kept secure and we prepare them for scheduled viewings. You’re welcome to drop in, but if you haven’t booked, we can’t guarantee the specific car you want to see will be readily available or on-site. To avoid any wait or disappointment, it’s best to arrange a viewing/test drive slot beforehand.

Can I book an appointment at a Carsa Store?

Yes – you can schedule an appointment to visit a Carsa Store. In fact, we recommend booking an appointment (especially for test drives) so we can ensure the car you’re interested in is ready and waiting for you. You can book online through our website or simply give us a call, and we’ll set up a convenient time for you.

Can I change or cancel my in-store appointment?

No problem at all. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, just let us know as soon as you can. You can contact the store or our customer support, and we’ll help you reschedule or cancel the booking. We understand that plans change – we’ll work with you to find a new time if needed.

Can you help me choose the right car when I visit a Carsa Store?

Certainly. When you visit a Carsa Store, our team will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right car. You can tell us what you’re looking for (budget, size, features, etc.), and our friendly advisors will help point you towards options that fit your needs. We’re there to make the car-buying process easier for you.

Will I be given any previous service history, MOT certificates or other documents with my car?

Yes, of course. We will hand over any available documents when you get the car. That includes things like the car’s service book or print-out of its service history, the latest MOT certificate (if applicable), and any other papers (like the user manual or spare key info). The V5C logbook will be sent to you by the DVLA after the sale is registered, but everything else we have, we’ll pass to you at collection or delivery.

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.