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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I’ve changed my mind about part-exchanging – what now?

If you haven’t finalized the purchase yet, just tell us that you no longer want to part-exchange. We can adjust the deal so that you keep your car and pay the full price for the new car (minus any deposit you still want to put in). If you already handed over your part-exchange and completed everything, then the transaction is done and we typically wouldn’t unwind it. But if it’s before or during paperwork, you can back out of the part-exchange portion and we’ll recalculate the transaction without it.

Part Exchange
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When does my contract end?

Your finance contract will end once you’ve made all scheduled payments (and paid any final balloon payment if it’s a PCP). For example, if you took a 48-month term, it ends after the 48th payment (or when the balloon is settled). The specific end date will be listed on your finance agreement. You can also contact your lender to find out the exact date or remaining payments. In short, it ends when the loan is fully paid according to the agreement.

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What deposit do I need to pay?

We’re quite flexible – you can put down as much or as little as you want, even £0 deposit if that suits you. Of course, paying a deposit (like 10% or any amount) will reduce your monthly payments, but if you prefer a zero-deposit deal, that’s possible too, subject to credit approval. So, in short, there’s no fixed required deposit; it depends on what you’re comfortable with and what the finance approval comes back with. Many customers choose to pay something upfront, but it’s not mandatory.

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Once I've been approved for finance on a Carsa car, what are the next steps?

Congrats on the approval! Next, we’ll finalize the paperwork. You’ll likely receive a finance agreement to sign (often electronically). We’ll also arrange the vehicle handover details with you – such as setting a date for collection or delivery and taking any deposit payment if you haven’t paid it yet. Basically, once approved, it’s about signing the contract and then picking up your car. We handle the liaison with the finance company, so after you sign, we draw down the funds from them and you get the car on the agreed date.

Finance
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What happens at the end of my PCP agreement?

At the end of a PCP, you’ve got three options: 1) Pay the final balloon payment to keep the car (this is also called the Guaranteed Future Value payment). If you pay that, the car is yours outright. 2) Hand the car back to the finance company. You’ll hand back the vehicle and, as long as it’s within the agreed mileage and in fair condition, you have nothing more to pay (if it’s exceeded mileage or has excessive damage, charges might apply). 3) Part-exchange the car for a new one – often customers will use any equity (if the car is worth more than the balloon) towards a new car. Basically, you can keep it, hand it back, or trade it in.

Finance
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How do I apply for finance?

We’ll start with a quick pre‑qualification to estimate the APR you’re likely to be offered. You can run this check yourself on our website or call us and we’ll do it with you. Once you’re happy, we’ll complete the full finance application together over the phone.

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How does part-exchange work?

Part-exchange is simple: you tell us about your current car (either online via a form or in-person at a branch) and we give you a valuation for it. This is usually a no-obligation quote based on the car’s details (age, mileage, condition, etc.). If you’re happy with it, you can then proceed with the trade-in as part of buying your new car. When it’s time to hand over, you bring your old car to us. We inspect it to ensure its condition matches what was described, finalize the trade-in paperwork, and then the agreed part-exchange value is deducted from the price of your new Carsa car.

Part Exchange
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How will my monthly payments work?

Your monthly payments will be set up as a direct debit with the finance lender. Typically, you’ll select or be assigned a monthly due date (for example, the 1st of each month). After you sign the finance agreement and take the car, the first payment usually comes out about one month later. From then, it’s an automatic monthly debit from your bank account for the agreed amount, on the same date each month, until the finance term is complete.

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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.

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