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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Can I use my own external finance to buy a car?

Yes, you're welcome to use finance arranged through your own bank or another lender instead of our in-house options.

If you use external finance, a separate admin fee applies. For full details on fees, please see our administration fees page.

Just let our team know during checkout or when you visit the branch that you'll be paying with your own finance, so we can structure the invoice correctly.

Finance
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When will I receive my V5C logbook?

The V5C logbook is sent to you directly by the DVLA after we register the car in your name. You'll usually receive it within 4 weeks.

You don't need the V5C to drive or tax your car in the meantime. If it's been more than 4 weeks and you haven't received it, contact the DVLA directly.

Car Purchase
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What happens if I miss my appointment or don't show up?

If you can't make your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reschedule or cancel it for you.

If you don't turn up, your reservation fee won't be refunded. The fee is only refunded when you attend your appointment.

To change or cancel your appointment, please get in touch via our contact page.

Car Purchase
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What does it mean when a car is 'in preparation'?

When a car shows as 'in preparation', it means it's still going through our checks and reconditioning process. During this time, the car can't be reserved or booked for a test drive.

We would recommend leaving an enquiry on the car's page. This will ensure you are notified when the vehicle is ready. 

Car Purchase
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How do I make a claim on my Cosmetic Maintenance plan?

Need to get some cosmetic damage looked at? No problem – if you have purchased Cosmetic Maintenance, your  plan is there to help.

First, you'll need to check who your plan is with. Have a look at your policy documents – your provider will be either GardX or Shine.

Car Care
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How do I contact Shine about my plan?

If your Cosmetic Maintenance plan is with Shine, here's how to get your repair sorted.

Your Shine! Protect policy is provided by AutoProtect, and the easiest way to make a request is through their app or website.

To make a repair request:

  • Download the Shine! Protect app (available on Apple and Android – just search "Shine! Protect")
  • Or submit online at www.shineprotect.co.uk

You'll need to provide:

  • Your registration number from your agreement
  • Your postcode
  • Your surname
  • Where the damage is on the car
  • What type of damage it is
  • A photo of the damage

If your damage is covered, you'll be able to pick a date, time and location for the repair, then pay the call-out charge. You'll get a confirmation with all your appointment details.

One important thing: Please don't go ahead with any repairs without getting approval first – otherwise you might not be covered.

Car Care
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How do I contact GardX about my plan?

If your Cosmetic Maintenance, Tyre & Alloy, or Paint Protection plan is with GardX, here's how to get in touch and make a claim.

To book a Maintenance Inspection:

  • Contact your local Carsa branch in the first instance – they'll be happy to help
  • If your branch can't complete the inspection for any reason, give GardX a call on 0203 192 1425 or email requests@gardx.co.uk and they'll find another approved agent for you
  • You'll need to have a copy of your Customer Schedule and terms and conditions handy

To request a Treatment:

To log in, you'll need the details from your Customer Schedule:

  • Your surname
  • Vehicle registration
  • Email address
  • Mobile number

If any of these details are missing or incorrect, drop an email to assureservices@gardxgroup.com or call 0203 192 1425 and they'll get it sorted.

One important thing: Please don't go ahead with any treatments or repairs without getting the go-ahead from GardX first – otherwise you might not be covered.

Car Care
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How do I make a claim on my Tyre & Alloy Wheel Maintenance plan?

Got some damage to your tyres or alloys? Your maintenance plan should have you covered.

Your Tyre & Alloy plan is provided by GardX. Here's how to get in touch:

To book a Maintenance Inspection:

  • Contact your local Carsa branch in the first instance – they'll be happy to help
  • If your branch can't complete the inspection for any reason, give GardX a call on 0203 192 1425 or email requests@gardx.co.uk and they'll find another approved agent for you
  • You'll need to have a copy of your Customer Schedule and terms and conditions handy

To request a Treatment:

To log in, you'll need the details from your Customer Schedule:

  • Your surname
  • Vehicle registration
  • Email address
  • Mobile number

If any of these details are missing or incorrect, drop an email to assureservices@gardxgroup.com or call 0203 192 1425 and they'll get it sorted.

One important thing: Please don't go ahead with any treatments or repairs without getting the go-ahead from GardX first – otherwise you might not be covered.

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Car Care
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Where’s my nearest Carsa store?

To find your nearest Carsa branch, you can use the location finder on our website or get in touch with us with your postcode. We have about 10 Carsa Stores around the country. Let us know where you are, and we’ll point you to the closest one.

How long does each CarsaCover policy last?

It depends on the specific CarsaCover product. For example, extended warranty can be purchased for different durations (one year, two years, up to four years). Cosmetic insurance policies (like scratch & dent, alloy, tyre) often last for a fixed term, usually 1 to 3 years. The exact length will be chosen by you at purchase and will be clearly stated in your policy documents. Typically, all these coverages start from your purchase date and run for the selected term.

What happens when my CarsaCover policy ends?

When your cover period ends, that protection simply expires. If you want to continue having cover, you might have the option to extend or renew it (for example, purchase another year of extended warranty if the car is still eligible). Otherwise, any claims after expiration wouldn't be covered. We or Assurant might contact you near the end of the term with renewal options if available.

Who do you work with to provide CarsaCover?

We partner with Assurant to provide our CarsaCover products. Assurant is a leading insurance provider that underwrites and administers the extended warranty and related protection plans. So while Carsa offers the cover, it’s backed and managed by Assurant to ensure a reliable service.

Do I get breakdown assistance with the extended warranty?

No — our extended warranty doesn't include breakdown cover or roadside recovery membership. What it does include is a £50 contribution towards vehicle recovery if you need it as part of a valid claim. If you'd like ongoing breakdown cover, you'd need to arrange a separate breakdown policy.

What’s the CarsaCover cancellation policy?

You can cancel CarsaCover policies if needed. Typically, there's a cooling-off period (often 14 days from purchase) where you can cancel for a full refund, provided you haven't made a claim. If you cancel after that period, you may receive a pro-rata refund for the unused portion, minus any admin fee, depending on the specific terms of the policy. It's best to check your CarsaCover policy documents for the exact cancellation terms, or contact us and we'll help you with the process.

How can I make a claim on my CarsaCover tyre insurance policy?

To claim on the CarsaCover tyre insurance, please go to http://go.carsa.co.uk/cc and fill in the form. One of the members of our team will reach out. Let them know which tyre was damaged and how. They will usually direct you to an approved tyre center or send an inspector. If the damage is covered (like irreparable punctures or sidewall damage, depending on the policy terms), they will authorize replacement of the tyre. Follow their instructions and the tyre will be replaced under the policy (you may need to pay any excess if applicable).

Does CarsaCover cover pre-existing damage?

No, any pre-existing damage or issues wouldn’t be covered by a CarsaCover policy. Extended warranties and insurance plans cover you for new problems that occur after the policy starts. For example, if your car already had a scratch or a mechanical fault before taking out CarsaCover, that wouldn’t be claimable. CarsaCover is there to protect you going forward against unexpected repairs or new accidental damage.

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