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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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How much warranty is left on the car I’m looking to buy?

Cars come with a manufacturer warranty when new, usually lasting a set number of years or miles. How much cover is left will depend on the car’s age, mileage and the manufacturer’s terms, so we can’t guarantee this for every vehicle. The best way to confirm the exact cover is to check directly with the manufacturer.

If you’d like extra cover, we have warranty products available at the time of purchase.

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How many keys will my new car come with?

A lot of our vehicles do come with two keys, but we can only guarantee that each car has at least one. If the car has two keys, we’ll provide both.Because keys can occasionally be misplaced or damaged during transport or preparation, we can only confirm the exact number at the point of test drive. To secure your car for a test drive, simply find it on our website and book with a refundable deposit.

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Can I see the battery health report for a specific electric vehicle?

All electric cars use manufacturer-made batteries that are designed to last many years. Modern electric car batteries are carefully managed with cooling systems and safety margins, so they usually last for the lifetime of the car. We don’t provide battery health reports ourselves, so for the most up-to-date details on battery health or warranty cover, please check directly with the manufacturer.

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Do you offer drive away insurance?

We don't have an affiliated insurance partner, but many customers use Cuvva for short-term cover — they offer policies from 1 day up to a year.

Are there age restrictions for test drives?

Yes, to take a test drive you must: be over 21 years old, have held your driving licence for at least 1 year, have not been involved in an accident in the last 3 years, have not been banned or excluded from driving, and have no more than 6 points on your licence. All test drives are accompanied by a member of our team. Please bring your driving licence with you.

How does the finance eligibility checker work?

Our free eligibility checker takes about 30 seconds and uses a soft credit check — so it won't affect your credit score. You'll need to provide your monthly budget, personal details (name, date of birth, contact info), address history for the last 3 years, and employment status. You'll then see your chance of approval, a personalised APR estimate, which finance types (HP or PCP) you may be eligible for, and an estimate of how much car you can afford based on your budget. These results are a guide to help you understand your options before you apply.

How does car finance with a guarantor work?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to be responsible for your car finance payments if you can't make them — essentially a safety net for the lender. They're typically a close friend or family member with a good credit history, usually over 21, and often a homeowner. Guarantor finance can help if you have a limited or poor credit history, as lenders feel more confident approving the loan with that extra security. However, guarantor car finance isn't that common these days — most finance providers don't offer it. If you're concerned about eligibility, we'd recommend trying our free soft credit check first (it won't affect your credit score), or considering a larger deposit to improve your chances.

Can I use a PCP or HP financed car for commercial/business purposes?

Some of our lenders do offer finance for commercial or business use, but this may not be at the same rates shown on our website. Speak with our team and we can explore your options.

Do you provide charging cables and home installation?

We provide the charging cables that come with the vehicle from our suppliers — typically this includes the home charging cable. For specific details about what's included with a particular car, please speak with one of our team who can check for you.

What is your returns policy?

We don't have a change-of-mind returns policy. That's why we encourage every customer to view and test drive the car before committing - so you can be completely sure it's right for you.

Before collection, every car goes through a comprehensive multi-point inspection, HPI check, and preparation process to ensure it's fit for sale. If there's a genuine issue with the car after you've collected it, our Customer Care team is here to help.

If you're unsure about a vehicle, we'd always recommend booking a test drive first so you can make a confident decision.

Can I buy a car from Carsa if I live in another country?

Unfortunately we are unable to sell to customers who live outside of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

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