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.

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What documents do I need for a car finance application?

Most lenders will ask for a valid form of ID (such as a driving licence or passport). You may also be asked for recent proof of address and proof of income, such as payslips or bank statements (usually dated within the last 90 days). Some lenders may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.

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Can I get rid of my car on finance?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to settle the outstanding finance balance first. This can be done in a few different ways:

  • Paying the settlement figure directly to your lender – You can request a settlement figure and pay off the balance in full.
  • Selling the car privately – Use the proceeds from the sale to clear your finance.
  • Part-exchanging your car with us – We’ll settle the finance as part of the new deal, and any equity left over can go towards your next car.

You may also have the option of ending your agreement early under what’s called “voluntary termination.” This is where, once you’ve paid (or are willing to pay) around 50% of the total amount payable on your contract, you can hand the car back and walk away. The exact amount will be shown in your agreement, and you may still be liable for charges such as damage or excess mileage.

If you’re within the first 14 days of signing your finance agreement, you also have a cooling-off period, which allows you to withdraw from the contract without penalty.

The rules vary depending on whether your agreement is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase), so it’s always best to check with your finance provider. They’ll confirm your settlement figure and explain your options.

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Can I get a payment holiday on car finance?

Whether you can take a payment holiday depends entirely on your finance provider. Some lenders may allow it in certain circumstances, while others may not offer this option at all. If you’re already in an agreement, the best step is to contact your lender directly to discuss what support might be available.

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What credit score do I need to get car finance?

There isn’t a set score that guarantees approval. A higher score usually makes it easier, but customers with lower scores can still be approved if they can show steady income and affordability. The quickest way to check is through our free eligibility tool, which doesn’t affect your credit score.

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What are the age and residency requirements to get finance?

You’ll usually need to be at least 18 and a UK resident with proof of address to apply for finance. Some lenders may consider alternative circumstances, but these are less common. 

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

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How much car finance can I get?

There isn’t one set amount, because it depends on your income, credit history, affordability checks and budget. For example, someone with a stable income and strong credit profile may be approved for more finance than someone with limited income.

If you want to understand how much the monthly payments may be on a vehicle, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator on the page. You can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage (for PCP) to see how the payments change.

If you want to understand what your APR may be, and how much you could afford, use our free eligibility checker. This won’t impact your credit score and takes a couple of minutes.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Does Carsa offer GAP insurance?

No, we don’t offer GAP insurance. You would need to arrange GAP insurance separately if you want it.

Do you use manufacturer-approved parts and servicing?

We use high-quality parts that meet or exceed the original manufacturer specifications. Our service centres aren’t tied to a specific manufacturer, but any part we fit (for maintenance or repairs) will be OEM-approved or equivalent quality. So you can be confident that replacements – whether it’s brake pads, filters, or other components – are suitable for your car and won’t affect any remaining manufacturer warranty.

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