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 get good car finance with a large deposit?

A larger deposit usually lowers your monthly payments and may improve your chances of being accepted. However, on PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) agreements, some lenders cap the maximum deposit you can put down. 

If you want to understand how a larger deposit may increase your monthly payments, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator on the page. You can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage (for PCP) to see how the payments change.

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Can I get car finance with no deposit?

Yes, many lenders offer no-deposit finance, meaning you can drive away without paying anything upfront. Keep in mind that putting down a deposit can reduce your monthly payments, so it’s worth experimenting with the calculator on our car pages to see the difference.

If you want to understand how much the monthly payments may be on a vehicle, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator on the page. You can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage (for PCP) to see how the payments change.

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Can I get a new car with existing finance?

It’s often possible. Some lenders may require you to settle your existing finance agreement first, which can be done by part-exchanging your current car or selling it privately. Others may allow you to take out a second agreement if your credit profile and affordability are strong enough. To see what applies in your case, start with our free eligibility tool.

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What documents do I need for a car finance application?

Most lenders will ask for a valid form of ID (such as a driving licence or passport). You may also be asked for recent proof of address and proof of income, such as payslips or bank statements (usually dated within the last 90 days). Some lenders may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.

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Can I get rid of my car on finance?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to settle the outstanding finance balance first. This can be done in a few different ways:

  • Paying the settlement figure directly to your lender – You can request a settlement figure and pay off the balance in full.
  • Selling the car privately – Use the proceeds from the sale to clear your finance.
  • Part-exchanging your car with us – We’ll settle the finance as part of the new deal, and any equity left over can go towards your next car.

You may also have the option of ending your agreement early under what’s called “voluntary termination.” This is where, once you’ve paid (or are willing to pay) around 50% of the total amount payable on your contract, you can hand the car back and walk away. The exact amount will be shown in your agreement, and you may still be liable for charges such as damage or excess mileage.

If you’re within the first 14 days of signing your finance agreement, you also have a cooling-off period, which allows you to withdraw from the contract without penalty.

The rules vary depending on whether your agreement is PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) or HP (Hire Purchase), so it’s always best to check with your finance provider. They’ll confirm your settlement figure and explain your options.

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Can I get a payment holiday on car finance?

Whether you can take a payment holiday depends entirely on your finance provider. Some lenders may allow it in certain circumstances, while others may not offer this option at all. If you’re already in an agreement, the best step is to contact your lender directly to discuss what support might be available.

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What credit score do I need to get car finance?

There isn’t a set score that guarantees approval. A higher score usually makes it easier, but customers with lower scores can still be approved if they can show steady income and affordability. The quickest way to check is through our free eligibility tool, which doesn’t affect your credit score.

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What are the age and residency requirements to get finance?

You’ll usually need to be at least 18 and a UK resident with proof of address to apply for finance. Some lenders may consider alternative circumstances, but these are less common. 

If you’re unsure, check your eligibility with our finance tool — it’s a simple way to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance

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How much car finance can I get?

There isn’t one set amount, because it depends on your income, credit history, affordability checks and budget. For example, someone with a stable income and strong credit profile may be approved for more finance than someone with limited income.

If you want to understand how much the monthly payments may be on a vehicle, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator on the page. You can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage (for PCP) to see how the payments change.

If you want to understand what your APR may be, and how much you could afford, use our free eligibility checker. This won’t impact your credit score and takes a couple of minutes.

Can I get a car on finance?

In most cases, yes — as long as you meet a lender’s criteria. That means being at least 18, living in the UK, and showing proof of income. From there, the amount and type of finance available to you depends on your personal circumstances. 

Our free eligibility checker will give you a view on whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance. This won’t impact your credit score.

Am I eligible for car finance if I’m self-employed, on a zero-hours contract or not in full-time work?

Yes, you can still apply for finance if you’re self-employed, work irregular hours, or don’t have a full-time contract. Lenders may simply ask for extra proof of income — such as recent payslips, bank statements, or tax returns. If you’re unsure how this might apply to you, our eligibility tool is the fastest way to check without impacting your credit score.

Can I get car finance if I’m on benefits or Universal Credit?

Yes, some lenders will consider applications from people who receive benefits or Universal Credit, as long as you can show a steady income and demonstrate you can manage the repayments. A good credit history will make acceptance more likely. 

If you’re not sure, use our free eligibility tool to see whether you’re likely to be eligible for car finance. This is free and won’t impact your credit score.

Can I get car finance?

If you’re over 18, live in the UK, and can prove your income, there’s a good chance you’ll be eligible for finance through one of our lending partners. Final approval will depend on your credit history and affordability checks. 

The easiest way to be sure is to run a quick check with our eligibility tool.

Can I get car finance on a provisional licence?

Some lenders will consider applications from customers with a provisional licence, although you’ll have more options once you pass your driving test. With a provisional, lenders may limit the amount they’re willing to lend, or ask for extra steps such as a joint hirer or proof of a booked test date.

Can I get car finance with bad credit, CCJs, IVAs or bankruptcy?

Having a poor credit history doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be declined. At Carsa, we work with a wide panel of lenders, some of whom specialise in customers with CCJs, IVAs or even past bankruptcies. Approval can be more challenging, and you may be asked for extra proof of income, or, in the case of an IVA, consent from your insolvency company.

The best way to check is to use our free finance eligibility tool. It shows you your options instantly without leaving a mark on your credit file.

How can I get car finance?

At Carsa, we make it easy to apply for finance in the way that suits you best. You can:

  • Apply online by finding a car on site and then selecting Reserve & Collect
  • Speak with a specialist over the phone for tailored advice.
  • Visit a Carsa showroom and apply in person.

Lenders will normally check your income, credit profile, and ID, and may ask for extra documents such as bank statements or payslips. If you’re unsure whether you’ll be accepted, our free eligibility tool is the best place to start. It won’t affect your credit score, and it gives you a clear idea of your options.

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