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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Do you offer service plans for ongoing maintenance?

At the moment, we don’t offer pre-paid service plans. You would simply pay for services as you go. We’re here to service your car whenever you need, but we don’t have an ongoing maintenance subscription plan (often called a service plan). So just book in and pay per service as needed.

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When will my next service be due?

It depends on the car’s recommended schedule. Typically, cars should be serviced once a year or roughly every 10,000-12,000 miles (whichever comes first). If we’ve just serviced the car before delivery, your next service would likely be due in about a year from that service date. We’ll let you know the last service date and any upcoming due dates when you purchase the car.

Car Purchase
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When will my next MOT be due?

If the car just had an MOT done as part of our prep, then your next MOT is due one year from that date. If it’s a nearly-new car under 3 years old that hasn’t needed an MOT yet, then its first MOT will be due when it turns 3 years old. We’ll let you know the MOT status and date when you buy the car, so you’ll know when to plan for the next one.

Car Purchase
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Can I test drive or reserve multiple cars before visiting a Carsa store?

We allow one reservation or test drive per customer at a time. Reserving a car takes it off sale for others, so we stick to one car per appointment. If you're interested in multiple cars, we'd recommend reserving the one you're most keen on first. If it's not right for you, you can then reserve another.

Car Purchase
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Will someone from Carsa come with me on the test drive?

Yes, one of our team members will accompany you on the test drive. They’re there to answer any questions about the car and for insurance purposes. It’s a relaxed ride – the colleague will sit in and guide you if needed, but you’ll get to drive and experience the car yourself.

Car Purchase
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Will you fix any previous advisories on the MOT?

We address all critical issues noted during inspection or MOT. If an MOT advisory pointed out something important (like brake pads nearing the limit or a tyre that will need replacement soon), our technicians will assess it. We typically fix safety-related advisories as part of reconditioning. Minor advisories that don’t affect safety might not be immediately fixed, but they will be noted. Rest assured, we won’t let anything that compromises the car’s roadworthiness slip through.

Car Purchase
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Will the car be serviced before delivery?

Every car goes through our inspection and reconditioning process. If a routine service is due or overdue, we will carry it out before you get the car. So in practice, yes – if the car needed a service, it will be serviced as part of our prep. That said, not every car will get an oil change if it isn’t due, but we ensure it’s up to date on maintenance when delivered.

Car Purchase
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Can I add my personal number plate to my new car before it's delivered?

We can help with that. Typically, your car will initially be registered with its existing number plate. To add your personal plate, you’d go through the normal DVLA process. We’ll act on your behalf to facilitate the transfer if you’d like – just let us know. You’d need to pay any DVLA fees for the plate transfer. Usually, we’ll deliver the car with the original plate, and then help you swap to your private plate soon after.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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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How do I make a warranty claim?

If something's gone wrong with your car and you think it's covered by your warranty, don't worry – we'll help you get it sorted.

Whether you're covered by your 90-day warranty or a CarsaCover extended warranty, claims are handled by AutoProtect. Here's how to make a claim:

Contact AutoProtect directly:

The claims process:

  1. Report the issue – Give AutoProtect a call or drop them an email to let them know what's happening with your vehicle.
  2. Get a diagnosis – AutoProtect will usually ask for a diagnosis from a garage. You can use any VAT-registered garage, but we'd recommend one you know and trust, a specialist for your vehicle type, or your local Carsa branch.
  3. Submit your claim – Once you have the diagnosis, get back in touch with AutoProtect and they'll guide you through the next steps.
  4. Need extra help? – If you've spoken to AutoProtect and are still having trouble, our Customer Care team are happy to help: Contact Customer Care

One important thing: Please don't arrange or pay for any repairs before your claim has been authorised – otherwise you might not be covered.

How do I tax my car when I collect it?

You'll need to tax the car before you can legally drive it away. Don't worry – we make this easy. We record the 12-digit document reference number from the V5C in our system, and when you collect your car, our team will help you tax it on-site using the DVLA website. It only takes a couple of minutes. You won't usually receive the green new keeper slip (V5C/2) at handover, but you don't need it – we have the reference number ready for you.

What’s the difference between PCP & HP finance?

PCP usually offers lower monthly payments and greater flexibility if you like to change cars every few years. However, you’ll need to pay a balloon payment if you want to own the car outright. HP has higher monthly payments, but once the final payment is made, the car is automatically yours.

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