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.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Can I get a car on finance?

In most cases, yes — as long as you meet a lender’s criteria. That means being at least 18, living in the UK, and showing proof of income. From there, the amount and type of finance available to you depends on your personal circumstances. 

Our free eligibility checker will give you a view on whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance. This won’t impact your credit score.

Finance
can-i-get-a-car-on-finance
Am I eligible for car finance if I’m self-employed, on a zero-hours contract or not in full-time work?

Yes, you can still apply for finance if you’re self-employed, work irregular hours, or don’t have a full-time contract. Lenders may simply ask for extra proof of income — such as recent payslips, bank statements, or tax returns. If you’re unsure how this might apply to you, our eligibility tool is the fastest way to check without impacting your credit score.

Finance
am-i-eligible-for-car-finance-if-im-self-employed-on-a-zero-hours-contract-or-not-in-full-time-work
Can I get car finance if I’m on benefits or Universal Credit?

Yes, some lenders will consider applications from people who receive benefits or Universal Credit, as long as you can show a steady income and demonstrate you can manage the repayments. A good credit history will make acceptance more likely. 

If you’re not sure, use our free eligibility tool to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance. This is free and won’t impact your credit score.

Finance
can-i-get-car-finance-if-im-on-benefits-or-universal-credit
Can I get car finance?

If you’re over 18, live in the UK, and can prove your income, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible for finance through one of our lending partners. Final approval will depend on your credit history and affordability checks. 

The easiest way to be sure is to run a quick check with our eligibility tool.

Finance
can-i-get-car-finance
Can I get car finance on a provisional licence?

Some lenders will consider applications from customers with a provisional licence, although you’ll have more options once you pass your driving test. With a provisional, lenders may limit the amount they’re willing to lend, or ask for extra steps such as a joint hirer or proof of a booked test date.

Finance
can-i-get-car-finance-on-a-provisional-licence
Can I get car finance with bad credit, CCJs, IVAs or bankruptcy?

Having a poor credit history doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. At Carsa, we work with a wide panel of lenders, some of whom specialise in customers with CCJs, IVAs or even past bankruptcies. Approval can be more challenging, and you may be asked for extra proof of income, or, in the case of an IVA, consent from your insolvency company.

The best way to check is to use our free finance eligibility tool. It shows you your options instantly without leaving a mark on your credit file.

Finance
can-i-get-car-finance-with-bad-credit-ccjs-ivas-or-bankruptcy
How can I get car finance?

At Carsa, we make it easy to apply for finance in the way that suits you best. You can:

  • Apply online by finding a car on site and then selecting Reserve & Collect
  • Speak with a specialist over the phone for tailored advice.
  • Visit a Carsa showroom and apply in person.

Lenders will normally check your income, credit profile, and ID, and may ask for extra documents such as bank statements or payslips. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be accepted, our free eligibility tool is the best place to start. It won’t affect your credit score, and it gives you a clear idea of your options.

Finance
how-can-i-get-car-finance
How much warranty is left on the car I’m looking to buy?

Cars come with a manufacturer warranty when new, usually lasting a set number of years or miles. How much cover is left will depend on the car’s age, mileage and the manufacturer’s terms, so we can’t guarantee this for every vehicle. The best way to confirm the exact cover is to check directly with the manufacturer.

If you’d like extra cover, we have warranty products available at the time of purchase.

Car Purchase
how-much-warranty-is-left-on-the-car-i-m-looking-to-buy
This is some text inside of a div block.
How do I make a claim on my CarsaCover scratch and dent insurance?

For a carsaCover scratch and dent insurance claim, you would contact the carsaCover insurance team (details would be in your policy documents). Usually, you'll need to provide details of the damage (often photos) and then you'll be guided to an approved repair service. They'll fix the scratch or dent and the insurance covers the cost according to the policy (minus any excess). It's important to report the damage as soon as you can to get the claim started.

How can I claim on my CarsaCover extended warranty policy?

If something goes wrong that’s covered by your carsaCover extended warranty, you should contact either the Warranty administrator or Carsa. To contact us please go to http://go.carsa.co.uk/cc. We'll guide you through the process, which usually involves taking the car to an approved garage or our service centre. The repair facility will diagnose the issue and, if it’s covered under the warranty, they’ll fix it and we’ll handle the costs as per the policy (aside from any excess if applicable). Always reach out to us first to get the claim authorised before carrying out any repairs.

Can I transfer my CarsaCover policy to my new car?

No, extended warranties like CarsaCover are usually tied to the vehicle, not the person. If you get a new car, you would need to purchase a new CarsaCover policy for that car. The existing policy on your old car can’t be transferred over to a different vehicle. In some cases, if you sell the covered car, the warranty can stay with the car for the next owner, but you wouldn't move it onto another vehicle you buy.

When does my CarsaCover policy start?

The CarsaCover policy begins when you take ownership of the car (typically from the delivery or collection date). So you're covered from day one of your ownership under the terms of the policy. For example, if you purchase an extended warranty, it will kick in immediately and run for the duration you chose.

My car tax is free, do I need to do anything?

Even if the car is in a zero road tax band, you still need to register it as taxed each year. The process is the same, but you won’t be charged anything. So you’ll need to go online or to the Post Office and 'tax' it (it will show a £0 fee). It’s important to do that so the car is officially recorded as taxed.

How do I get CarsaCover?

You can purchase CarsaCover products when you're buying your car. Our team will offer the extended warranty or insurance options during the sales process. If you decide later, just contact us soon after your purchase and we can still arrange adding it on. It's typically easiest to set up at the time of sale.

What’s included in a Major Service that’s not in a Full Service?

In general, a Major Service is more comprehensive than a Full Service. A Full Service covers the routine maintenance items (oil and filter change, checking important components, etc.). A Major Service typically includes everything in a Full Service plus additional replacements – for example, it might include changing items like spark plugs, air filters, brake fluid, and other filters or wear items that aren’t replaced at every service. Essentially, the Major Service is a bigger check-up that covers more parts and goes deeper (often done every few years), whereas a Full Service is the regular annual service.

How experienced and qualified are Carsa’s technicians?

Our technicians are highly qualified and experienced. They are trained professionals who specialise in inspecting and preparing used cars to a high standard. Every car undergoes a rigorous inspection by our technicians, who have lots of experience in the motor trade. In short, you can trust that knowledgeable, certified mechanics have checked over and serviced your car before sale.

Search for your next car today

Explore our extensive selection of quality used cars and find the perfect match for you.

Talk to a real person, anytime.

Our friendly team is just a message or call away.

Email

Reach us anytime at your convenience.

Phone

Call us for quick support and guidance.

0330 040 1031

Finance eligibility

Takes 30 secs and has no impact on your credit score.

Part exchange

Get a no-obligation valuation on your vehicle.