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.

Car Purchase
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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.

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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