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 allow walk-ins at a Carsa Store?

We do prefer that you book an appointment, because our cars are kept secure and we prepare them for scheduled viewings. You’re welcome to drop in, but if you haven’t booked, we can’t guarantee the specific car you want to see will be readily available or on-site. To avoid any wait or disappointment, it’s best to arrange a viewing/test drive slot beforehand.

Car Purchase
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Can I book an appointment at a Carsa Store?

Yes – you can schedule an appointment to visit a Carsa Store. In fact, we recommend booking an appointment (especially for test drives) so we can ensure the car you’re interested in is ready and waiting for you. You can book online through our website or simply give us a call, and we’ll set up a convenient time for you.

Car Purchase
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Can I change or cancel my in-store appointment?

No problem at all. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, just let us know as soon as you can. You can contact the store or our customer support, and we’ll help you reschedule or cancel the booking. We understand that plans change – we’ll work with you to find a new time if needed.

Car Purchase
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Can you help me choose the right car when I visit a Carsa Store?

Certainly. When you visit a Carsa Store, our team will be more than happy to assist you in finding the right car. You can tell us what you’re looking for (budget, size, features, etc.), and our friendly advisors will help point you towards options that fit your needs. We’re there to make the car-buying process easier for you.

Car Purchase
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Will I be given any previous service history, MOT certificates or other documents with my car?

Yes, of course. We will hand over any available documents when you get the car. That includes things like the car’s service book or print-out of its service history, the latest MOT certificate (if applicable), and any other papers (like the user manual or spare key info). The V5C logbook will be sent to you by the DVLA after the sale is registered, but everything else we have, we’ll pass to you at collection or delivery.

Car Purchase
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Can I book an MOT through Carsa?

Yes, we do. Carsa has service centres that can handle MOTs (as well as servicing and repairs). You can book an MOT through our Carsa Service website or by contacting one of our service centres directly. We have dedicated service locations (for example in Bolton, Cannock, Halesowen, and Towcester) ready to help with MOTs and maintenance.

Car Purchase
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Do you sell cars that have been in an accident or are a ‘write off’?

No, we don’t sell cars that have been written off or in serious accidents. Every vehicle we stock undergoes thorough history checks (for theft, write-off status, etc.), and we only sell cars with a clean title. So you won’t find any Category C/N/S/D write-offs in our inventory. If a car has had minor repairs in the past, that can happen, but anything that was an insurance write-off is not sold by Carsa.

Car Purchase
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Why has the list price of a car changed?

Our prices can adjust based on market conditions. We regularly re-price our cars using Auto Trader’s data and live market movements. If you see a list price change, it’s likely because the market value of similar cars shifted. Rest assured, any price updates are made to keep our pricing fair and competitive – we don’t change prices arbitrarily.

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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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