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.

Is EV battery degradation covered?

No. Gradual range loss as your battery ages is normal EV behaviour and isn't covered. The EV extended warranty contributes up to £1,000 towards a replacement only if the battery suddenly fails — it's the single most important distinction to understand on EV cover.

Do I have to use a specific garage for warranty repairs?

You'll need pre-approval from AutoProtect before any repair starts, but once approved the work can be done at a VAT-registered garage of your choice. Labour is contributed up to £100 inc VAT per hour. Repairs arranged without approval won't be covered.

My car still has manufacturer warranty — can I start my extended warranty later?

Yes. You can set it to begin on a future date so it kicks in when your manufacturer cover runs out. That way you're not paying for overlap and you get the full term out of it.

Do I have to keep servicing the car to keep my warranty valid?

Yes. The car must be serviced in line with the manufacturer's schedule (or every 12 months / 12,000 miles if there's no service history), and you should keep your invoices as proof. On EV cover there's a 21-day / 750-mile grace period if you can't service exactly on time, as long as you let AutoProtect know.

Does the extended warranty cover me in Europe?

Yes — up to 90 days per year driving in the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe. As with any claim, you'll need pre-approval from AutoProtect before any work begins.

Can I transfer my warranty if I sell the car privately?

Yes. You can transfer the remaining cover to a private buyer for a £25 administration fee, which can add real value when you come to sell.

Can I cancel my extended warranty?

You can remove it any time before you take delivery, no problem. Once cover starts it's non-refundable, so it's worth deciding which term suits you before you drive away.

How does wear and tear cover work?

Wear-and-tear failures are covered as long as your car is under 6 years old and under 60,000 miles at the time of claim. Once it passes either threshold, only sudden mechanical breakdowns are covered and wear-related failures stop.

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.

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.

How many keys will my new car come with?

A lot of our vehicles do come with two keys, but we can only guarantee that each car has at least one. If the car has two keys, we’ll provide both.Because keys can occasionally be misplaced or damaged during transport or preparation, we can only confirm the exact number at the point of test drive. To secure your car for a test drive, simply find it on our website and book with a refundable deposit.

Can I see the battery health report for a specific electric vehicle?

Yes. We check the battery health of the electric cars we sell on site, as part of our standard inspection, so you can see how the battery's doing before you buy.

Electric cars use manufacturer-made batteries that are designed to last many years, and they're carefully managed with cooling systems and safety margins to keep them in good shape. Battery health is measured as State of Health (SoH), a percentage showing how much of the battery's original capacity it's still holding. A new battery is 100%, and a gentle drop over the years is completely normal.

You'll find each car's State of Health on its page. If you'd like to go through a particular car's battery in more detail, leave an enquiry and the team will be happy to help.

Do you offer cashback on a part exchange

There are a few scenarios where we would offer cash back on a part exchange, for example if the car you are buying is worth less than your part exchange. If you have a specific question about your situation, then please give us a call.To initiate the process, find the car you want to book on our website and book a handover with our online booking tool.

How long does it take to remove a private plate and return to the original?

If you apply online, the change can often be completed immediately. By post, it usually takes 2–6 weeks, but can be as quick as 3 days. If the DVLA needs to inspect your car, it may take longer.

Can I put a private plate on a car with finance?

Yes, but you’ll need permission from your finance company before making the change.

How do I put my private plate onto my new car?

After Carsa registers your new car in your name, the DVLA will post you a new V5. You can then use the document reference number from that V5 to assign your private plate to your new car via the gov.uk website.