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.

Is collection available to everyone?

Yes, anyone can choose to collect their car from a Carsa branch instead of having it delivered. If you prefer collection, just let us know and we’ll arrange to have the car at the branch for you.

Can I pay for CarsaCover in one payment?

Yes, you can choose to pay for CarsaCover upfront in a single payment. If you prefer, you might also have the option to spread the cost (for example, adding it to your monthly finance). But a one-time payment is absolutely fine and many people do pay the full amount at purchase.

How can I visit a Carsa store?

You can visit any Carsa branch during its open hours. For a Click & Collect, it’s best to have arranged your purchase or reservation online first, then you’ll come in to pick up the car. If you just want to look around or speak with our team, you’re welcome to drop by, but if you want to see a specific car, we recommend booking an appointment so the car is there and ready.

Where’s my nearest Carsa store?

To find your nearest Carsa branch, you can use the location finder on our website or get in touch with us with your postcode. We have about 10 Carsa Stores around the country. Let us know where you are, and we’ll point you to the closest one.

How long does each CarsaCover policy last?

It depends on the specific CarsaCover product. For example, extended warranty can be purchased for different durations (one year, two years, up to four years). Cosmetic insurance policies (like scratch & dent, alloy, tyre) often last for a fixed term, usually 1 to 3 years. The exact length will be chosen by you at purchase and will be clearly stated in your policy documents. Typically, all these coverages start from your purchase date and run for the selected term.

What happens when my CarsaCover policy ends?

When your cover period ends, that protection simply expires. If you want to continue having cover, you might have the option to extend or renew it (for example, purchase another year of extended warranty if the car is still eligible). Otherwise, any claims after expiration wouldn't be covered. We or Assurant might contact you near the end of the term with renewal options if available.

Who do you work with to provide CarsaCover?

We partner with Assurant to provide our CarsaCover products. Assurant is a leading insurance provider that underwrites and administers the extended warranty and related protection plans. So while Carsa offers the cover, it’s backed and managed by Assurant to ensure a reliable service.

Do I get breakdown assistance with CarsaCover extended warranty?

Yes, if you have CarsaCover extended warranty (Platinum Cover), it includes breakdown assistance for the term of the warranty. That means you'll have cover for roadside assistance/recovery should your car break down during the warranty period, typically provided through our partner breakdown service.

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.

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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:

Head to your personalised Customer Care Portal at myaccount.gardxconnect.com

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 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:

Head to your personalised Customer Care Portal at myaccount.gardxconnect.com

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 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.

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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:

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Contact AutoProtect directly:

Phone: 01279 456 503
Email: iclaim@autoprotect.net

The claims process:

Report the issue – Give AutoProtect a call or drop them an email to let them know what's happening with your vehicle.
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.
Submit your claim – Once you have the diagnosis, get back in touch with AutoProtect and they'll guide you through the next steps.
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.

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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.

What is Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance?

PCP is a more flexible type of finance where part of the cost is deferred into a final “balloon payment” (known as the Guaranteed Future Value). At the end of the agreement, you can choose to:

Pay the balloon payment to own the car.
Hand the car back, as long as it’s in good condition and within mileage limits.
Trade it in for another car, using any value left over as your deposit.

To see how this looks in practice, find a car on our website and use the finance calculator — you can adjust the deposit, term, and mileage to see how payments change.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for PCP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

What is Hire Purchase (HP) finance?

HP is a simple and straightforward type of finance. You pay a deposit, then fixed monthly instalments over an agreed term. Once all payments (and any small option-to-purchase fee) have been made, the car is yours. HP is a good option if you know you want to own the car outright at the end of the agreement.

If you want to see if you might be eligible for HP, you can check your eligibility with our finance eligibility checker.

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