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.
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.
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.
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.
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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:
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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