Car home delivery: Everything you need to know

How car home delivery works

Many businesses allow you to order a car to your door through their website, including car manufacturers, independent and franchised dealerships, car marketplaces, and auction websites.

Most of these sites include a filter, allowing you to select ‘home delivery’. You should also be able to search by make, model, price range, and other key variables. Car home delivery isn’t limited to new cars; you can also buy a used car this way.

Once you’ve chosen the car you want, it’s time to contact the seller or dealer. Most sites offer multiple communication options such as email, online chat, and telephone. Whichever method you use, you should take this opportunity to:

How much does car home delivery cost?

There are several variables that can influence car home delivery costs:

• Distance: Some companies charge a low, fixed price for delivery within a small radius – or even offer free delivery. Others charge per mile. In short, the further away from the site you live, the more you’re likely to pay for delivery.

• Third-party delivery providers: If the seller doesn’t offer home delivery themselves, you may be able to arrange home delivery via another provider, such as a smaller ‘man and van’ style business, or a larger commercial delivery organisation. They will liaise with you and the seller to organise and make the delivery.

• Hiring a driver: Having your car driven to your door is the cheapest delivery method. However, this also means that it will arrive with mileage on the clock – a few hundred miles in some cases. Your car will also have been subject to some wear and tear when it arrives, which could be significant if the journey was made in inclement weather.

• Delivery by transporter: Alternatively, you can opt for delivery by transporter, which is safer and won’t impact milage. However, this method usually takes longer – and costs more.

• Delivery day and time: When you choose to have your car delivered will also influence costs. Early morning, evening, and weekend slots tend to be pricier, as drivers are likely to be working overtime.

• Time of year: Similarly, if you’re buying at a busy time of year such as Christmas, prices are likely to shoot up. If you want a more cost-effective delivery, choose a flexible weekday slot, rather than a fixed window.

Preparing for delivery day

• Make sure you have copies of all the necessary paperwork, including valid insurance documents, finance agreements (if applicable), ID (i.e. your passport or driving licence) - and a utility bill for proof of address.
• Have another read through any small print too, so that you’re familiar with the returns and complaint policies.
• Contact the seller or delivery service to confirm the date and time of delivery.
• You can also make them aware of any precise delivery instructions. Exchange phone numbers, so you can stay in touch while they’re on the road.
• Make sure you’re clear on what will happen during the handover, such as whether you’ll be able to take the car for a test drive.
• It’s a good idea to create a checklist of things to look out for and questions to ask on delivery day. This will help to ensure you don’t miss anything important.

Delivery day checklist

What happens on delivery day will vary depending on the seller and the terms of your agreement. However, no matter whether you’ve arranged a test drive, part-exchange, or a simple key drop-off, there are some checks you should always make before taking delivery of a car:

• Inspect the car, inside and out, and make sure everything is as you expected, in terms of the condition and mileage. Take a test drive (if this has been agreed) to assess how the car runs. At a minimum, start up the car to ensure it runs, and there are no concerning sounds or dashboard warning lights.

• Read the V5C logbook carefully, ensuring all details match, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), colour, and registration date. Also check that the new owner’s section has been completed with your correct details.

• Check that all the other paperwork is there too, such as the warranty, owner’s manual, and service history.

• You should double-check the sales contract before making payment. This may involve paying the remainder by bank transfer – or entering a finance agreement.

• If you notice any issues, you need to inform the driver before they leave. Take photos of any damage and note any other issues as a record.

  If there is a major problem such as a car being delivered in a different condition than advertised, or incorrect information in the V5C logbook, you can refuse to accept it. In some cases, the seller may offer to fund repairs - or provide a partial refund.

Rights and protections

When you buy a car online with home delivery, you’re protected under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

The Consumer Contracts Regulations apply to distance selling only, when the entire transaction takes place without visiting the seller’s premises, or face-to-face contact. It gives you a 14-day ‘cooling-off’ period, during which you can change your mind - and return the car for a full refund.

The Consumer Rights Act states that the car must be of satisfactory quality, meet the sales description - and be fit for purpose. If it doesn’t meet one or more of these criteria, or develops issues, you have 30 days to reject it - or ask the seller to repair or replace it.

If you do want to send the car back, notify the seller immediately and state your reason(s) for doing so. Keep a record of everything, including photos and videos of issues and damage, and evidence of any email exchanges between you and the seller.

Check the returns policy. The seller may come to pick up the car or you might have to drive it somewhere yourself. Make sure you have all the paperwork together, including the V5C logbook, owner’s manual, and service history. You should also get a receipt once the car has been returned.

Pros and cons of car home delivery

Pros

• Convenience: It’s hard to argue with the convenience of car home delivery services. You can select your next car online to be delivered to your driveway without leaving your home.

• No sales pressure: If you don’t want to negotiate with a salesperson, car home delivery is a great option. You’ll have all the time you need to make your decision, without any high-pressure sales tactics.

• Price comparison: When shopping online, you’re free to compare the prices of multiple sellers until you find the best possible deal.

• Consumer protection: As we’ve mentioned, if you buy a car with home delivery, you’ll be protected by the Consumer Contracts Regulations and the Consumer Rights Act.

Cons

• Can’t see the car in person: If you purchase a car online with a home delivery service, you won’t be able to inspect it in person until the delivery day.

• Cooling off period: If you plan to lease a car and use a home delivery service, it’s important to note that some finance providers won’t allow delivery until the statutory cooling off period (typically 14 days after purchase) has passed.

• Manufacturing and supply chain issues: If you’re ordering a custom-built car, deliveries may be delayed due to high demand, manufacturing issues, or factory closures.

• Logistical delays: Transport issues can also push back deliveries. If you’re importing a car from overseas, any shipping company delays can lead to longer wait times. Delivery times for vehicles that are already in stock locally are usually shorter - but can still be delayed due to driver shortages and road traffic.

• Remote aftercare: If you experience any issues after buying from a non-local dealer, you’ll have to liaise with them remotely to get them resolved.

Is car home delivery right for me?

If you value convenience, flexibility, and security (and your perfect car happens to be a few hundred miles away), then it’s probably the right choice.

On the other hand, if you want to thoroughly test and inspect your new car before buying, a more traditional sales experience would likely suit you better.

If you’re still unsure whether car home delivery is the right option for you, make a list of the pros and cons according to your individual requirements. Carry out some online research and ask questions about other customers’ experiences on online motoring forums.

This should help you make an informed decision. No matter what you decide, we wish you the best of luck with your next purchase.