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.

What is the Tyre & Alloy Maintenance Plan?

An optional quarterly inspection plan covering puncture repairs (and up to 5 tyre replacements) plus minor alloy scuff repairs or contributions toward replacements.

What makes Carsa different from other used car sellers?

You get rigorous inspections, transparent history, a free warranty, and friendly nationwide service. Our prices are also on average £700 below the market average.

Are there any extra fees I should be aware of?

Just a clear £149 admin fee covering inspection, HPI certificate, DVLA registration and the 3‑month warranty. All optional extras are quoted up‑front.

How does Carsa ensure its used cars are high quality?

Every Carsa vehicle undergoes a thorough vehicle inspection and has an Autotrader provenance check so you can trust its condition and background.

Do Carsa vehicles come with an MOT and service history?

All cars are sold with a valid MOT. Any available service history is provided, and our team is transparent about prior usage so you know exactly what you’re buying.

Are Carsa’s cars history‑checked (Auto Trader Provenance Check)?

Yes. We run an official Autotrader Provenance Check. This confirm that there is no outstanding finance, theft or write‑off history, and to verify mileage.

Can I extend or upgrade my warranty?

Yes. You can add an Extended Warranty at the point of purchase — a one-off price for 12, 24, 36 or 48 months of cover on top of your free 90-day warranty, administered by AutoProtect. There's a dedicated EV Extended Warranty for electric vehicles too. It's optional, and your Carsa team will talk you through the options and price at handover.

How does the Reserve & Collect process work?

Reserve a car online with a small refundable deposit. We prepare it (usually 3–5 days) and schedule your hand‑over for collection or delivery.

How do I claim the Pod Point home charger offer?

Use the unique referral link from Carsa and click 'Start your enquiry' to share your details with Pod Point. You'll get an email to activate your offer, then choose whether to buy outright or join Pod Drive — the £50 discount is applied automatically at checkout. After a quick remote survey, installation is typically completed within 2 weeks. Installation is subject to feasibility and the offer is only available through your Carsa referral link.

Can I get a discount on a home EV charger with Carsa?

Yes — Carsa EV customers get an exclusive £50 off a Pod Point home charger. You can subscribe with Pod Drive from £40/month (with a £99 one-off fee waived to £0 on this offer, on a 36-month contract) or buy the Pod Point Solo 3S outright from £949. Standard installation is included on both, and you control charging through the Pod Point app. The £50 discount is applied automatically when you order through the unique referral link from Carsa.

How do I get drive-away insurance to take my car home?

Download the Cuvva app on iOS or Android and set up a policy in minutes — you can have fully comprehensive cover in place before you leave the forecourt. You pick the length you need, from 1 hour up to 28 days, with no annual commitment. It's a quick way to stay covered while you arrange a longer-term policy. Cuvva is the insurance provider and is regulated by the FCA.

What is drive-away car insurance?

It's fully comprehensive temporary car insurance from Cuvva, available to Carsa customers so you can insure your new car in minutes and drive it home the same day. You choose how long you need — anything from 1 hour up to 28 days — so you only pay for the cover you want while you sort out an annual policy. It's set up on your phone through the Cuvva app (iOS and Android). Cuvva is authorised and regulated by the FCA (no. 690273).

Can I cancel my cosmetic or alloy maintenance plan?

Both the Cosmetic Maintenance Plan and the Alloy Wheel Protection plan come with a 30-day refund period from the start date, as long as no repair work has been carried out. After 30 days you can still cancel at any time, but you won't be entitled to a refund. Both plans also require the vehicle to be under 7 years old when the plan starts.

Are the cosmetic and alloy plans insurance?

The Cosmetic Maintenance Plan and Alloy Wheel Protection plan are both maintenance plans, not insurance products, and aren't regulated by the FCA. They're designed for minor cosmetic damage from everyday driving — small chips, scuffs, dents and kerbed alloys. Bigger damage from accidents, fire, theft or vandalism is a matter for your motor insurance, not these plans. All repairs need to be authorised before any work begins.

How do I book an alloy wheel repair?

Submit a request through the Shine! Protect app (iOS or Android) with a couple of photos of the damage, or call 01279 456 500. AutoProtect reviews and authorises it before any work begins, then you book a time and location in mainland UK and a mobile technician comes to you. You can submit one authorised request every 3 months, with up to 4 areas of damage per visit and a cap of 5 per year. The plan covers mainland UK only (England, Wales and Scotland excluding the Scottish Islands) and isn't transferable if you sell the car.

Does the Alloy Wheel Protection plan cover tyres?

No — the Alloy Wheel Protection plan covers alloy wheels only and there's no tyre cover. It's worth being clear on this if you've bought from Carsa before, as it's a change from the older Tyre & Alloy plan. It treats cosmetic kerb scuffs, chips and scratches on the wheel face, including diamond-cut and aerodynamic wheels, but not cracked or buckled wheels, tyres, or full lathe-cut refurbishment.