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.

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.

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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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What are your opening hours over the festive Christmas period?

All of our stores are running regular hours except for the following days. Please check the stores page for your local branch's usual hours.

Christmas Eve (24 Dec): 9am to 2pm
Christmas Day (25 Dec): Closed
Boxing Day (26 Dec): 10am to 6pm
New Year's Eve (31 Dec): 10am to 5pm
New Year's Day (1 Jan): 10am to 5pm

You can browse our full range of vehicles online 24/7 at carsa.co.uk, and any enquiries submitted will be picked up when we reopen.

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How does the finance application process work?

Here's how the finance process works once you've decided on a car:

Check your eligibility (optional) — Use our free eligibility tool at carsa.co.uk/car-finance to see your likely APR without affecting your credit score.
Reserve your car — When you reserve and collect, we'll do a soft credit check to confirm your likely APR. This rate is indicative and may change after the full application.
Complete your finance application — You'll either receive a text message with a link to complete your application, receive a call from one of our team to do it over the phone, or you can call us to complete it.
Wait for approval — The finance lender will review your application. They may request additional documents (like proof of income or address).
Book your collection — Once approved, our team will be in touch to arrange your collection date.
Sign at the branch — When you collect your car, you'll sign your finance paperwork in person.

If you have questions about your application status, you can call us on 0330 040 1031 or text us — our SMS service can look up your specific application details.

Does Carsa sell cars that have been written off or in accidents?

No. Carsa does not sell Category write-off vehicles. Every car we sell goes through an official Auto Trader Provenance Check, which confirms there's no outstanding finance, theft or write-off history, and verifies the mileage is accurate.

Can I use my own external finance to buy a car?

Yes, you're welcome to use finance arranged through your own bank or another lender instead of our in-house options.

If you use external finance, a separate admin fee applies. For full details on fees, please see our administration fees page.

Just let our team know during checkout or when you visit the branch that you'll be paying with your own finance, so we can structure the invoice correctly.

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.