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.

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.

What is the Alloy Wheel Protection plan?

It's a 36-month plan that repairs minor cosmetic damage to your alloy wheels — kerb scuffs, chips and scratches on the wheel face from everyday driving. A mobile technician comes to your home or work; you book through the Shine! Protect app and it's usable from day one with no waiting period. It's a one-off price of £499 with up to 15 repairs across the term. Note it covers alloy wheels only — there's no tyre cover — and it's a maintenance plan, not insurance.

What does the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan cover?

It covers minor everyday damage to your painted body panels: stone chips up to 5mm, and dents, scuffs and scratches up to 30cm wide and 3mm deep where the panel isn't cracked, torn or perforated. On the bonnet, boot and roof only stone chips are covered, not dents or scratches. It doesn't cover glass, lights, wheels, interior, trim, or matt/wrapped/bespoke finishes, and the vehicle must be under 7 years old at the plan start. Repairs are professional cosmetic blends that weatherproof the damage — they're not full factory resprays.

How do I book a repair on my Cosmetic Maintenance Plan?

Submit a request through the Shine! Protect app (iOS or Android), online at apsmartclaim.co.uk, or by calling 01279 456 500. Upload a few photos of the damage and pick the type. Once AutoProtect authorises it, you pay the £25 call-out fee and choose a date and location — home, work or anywhere convenient — and a mobile technician comes to you. Always wait for authorisation before any work goes ahead.

What is the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan?

It's a 36-month plan that sends an award-winning Shine! mobile technician to your home or work to repair minor cosmetic damage to your car's painted body panels — chips, dents, scuffs and scratches from everyday driving. You book through the Shine! Protect app, with up to 4 repairs per visit and up to 21 across the plan (7 per year). It's a one-off price of £449 with a £25 call-out fee per request. It's a maintenance plan, not an insurance product, and isn't regulated by the FCA.

How do I look after my car once Ceramic Coat is applied?

Just wash it with mild car shampoo (not washing-up liquid) and water — no polishing needed, and an automatic wash-and-dry is fine. The coating repels dirt so the car stays cleaner for longer. Two things to keep in mind: remove bird droppings promptly as they're corrosive, and note the coating covers exterior paintwork, alloys, bumpers and side glass but not the front and rear windscreens.

Do I need to reapply Williams Ceramic Coat or have it topped up?

No — it's a one-off application, applied by Carsa at handover, that lasts the lifetime of your ownership. Unlike some paint protection products it doesn't need a yearly top-up or 'enhancer' to keep the gloss or the guarantee. The only thing to remember is a re-validation inspection at Carsa after 5 years to keep the lifetime guarantee in place.

What is Williams F1 Ceramic Coat paint protection?

It's a high-gloss ceramic coating that bonds to your paintwork and protects it against UV, acid rain, traffic grime, tree sap and harsh weathering — so your car keeps its showroom shine and is easier to clean. It's developed by Ultimotive, an Official Licensee of Williams Racing, and tested by SGS and CSIRO for hardness and gloss. It's a one-off application of £499, applied by Carsa at handover, with a lifetime guarantee for as long as you own the car.

Are EV charging cables covered?

The onboard charger inside your car is covered. External charging cables and units — home wallboxes and public chargers — are not, and damage from using non-manufacturer-approved charging equipment isn't covered either.