Home delivery explained: How it works, paperwork and handover day

Online shopping has boomed over the last couple of years. We now have everything delivered to our door, from clothes to computers… but what about cars?
A recent study by Autotrader indicates that 72% of people find buying a car online appealing, up from 61% in 2020. Life can be hectic, which is why Autotrader has made the online car buying process so easy that you can order a car from your sofa and have it delivered to your door. As Autotrader gives you access to the widest range of stock from all over the country, the car of your dreams could be a little too far away to collect. Therefore, home delivery means you’re no longer limited to the cars in your local area. So how does car home delivery work with Autotrader?

Getting a car delivered to your door, or clicking and collecting from the dealership, doesn’t have to cause a headache. Precise details of what happens when your new (or pre-loved) car is handed over vary from car to car, and from dealer to dealer, but there are some fundamentals that should be common to all. Here are all your frequently asked home delivery questions, answered.

You can browse thousands of new and used cars available for home delivery by using Autotrader’s nifty filter system located under “remote options”.

This depends. Many sellers offer free delivery, though some may only deliver up to a certain distance (up to 250 miles away, for example), without a charge. Delivery charges can also vary where applicable. The easiest way to find out is to check the Autotrader advert (look for the ‘How home delivery works’ section) or contact the seller via the ad.
Learn how to buy a car online here.

Nationwide home delivery is available on certain models. Check the home delivery section in Autotrader adverts to confirm and, if it’s not available nationwide, you can search which models are available for home delivery to your location by inputting your postcode and selecting “home delivery” into our simple filter system.

Once your delivery is booked in, you should contact the dealer directly to discuss your home delivery. You can contact them about changing delivery dates, or to ask any burning questions you might have about your car or delivery before the big day.
For your safety, don’t send any money unless you’re confident it’s a genuine seller. Learn more about how to safely buy a car online here.

A six-week wait isn’t unusual if you’ve bought a new car that’s being built to a certain specification. However, you could be waiting up to a year for a model that’s in high demand, due to the ongoing shortages caused by disrupted supply chains. You can check the expected delivery wait time with the dealer and explore your options with them directly.
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to drive the car you choose away on the day, whether you’re buying pre-registered, used or new, as the dealer will want to prepare the car for collection or delivery by servicing it (if used) or by giving it a quick check over and fitting any optional extras you may have added onto your purchase. Check the expected delivery wait time before committing, especially if you’re needing your new wheels sooner rather than later. Find out when the best time to buy a used and new car is here.

Not much paperwork is needed when arranging your delivery, but you should keep the following documents to hand as you won’t be able to drive anywhere without them:
• Driving licence • Insurance policy (make sure it’s valid for the day you start driving) • Road tax • Payment documents The seller will let you know if they need any extra paperwork or forms filled out. If you need to confirm anything, just ask them and they’ll help you get everything ready. Learn more about what paperwork is required when buying a used car here.

1. The first thing you need to check is the V5C registration document. Study it carefully, paying particular attention to the registration date, number of owners, colour and chassis number (if it’s a used car) – this should match the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) which is usually displayed near the bottom of the windscreen.
2. Ensure the new owner’s section of the V5C is correctly filled in upon completion of the sale, and retain the relevant section which will act as proof of ownership until the latest version of the V5C is sent to you by the DVLA. The seller, whether private or a dealership, is responsible for sending the rest of the V5C to the DVLA. 3. Ensure you’ve got a dated sales contract or dated invoice (if you’re buying privately) indicating that you’ve completed the purchase and paid the correct amount payable. Double check that this includes all of the relevant information such as your name and address, the full details of the car bought, the agreed price and any deposits or payments made towards the agreement. 4. If you’re leasing or you’ve taken out a finance package from the dealer, take time to read the fine print and make sure you understand all of the details and caveats before you sign.

Once you’ve found the car of your dreams, you’ll be able to organise a delivery slot directly with the dealership.
Due to current production delays on some new cars, you may have a wait of up to six months before you get to hop behind the wheel and take your new car for a spin. If you need your new car ASAP, discuss your options with the dealer.

If you need to change your delivery date, contact the dealer as soon as you can and they’ll help you out.

Click and collect is often available for cars where home delivery isn’t, but contact the dealer directly to see if there’s an arrangement you can come to.
Otherwise, Autotrader has the widest range of used and new cars available for home delivery right now.

You’ve got a couple options here.
Many dealers offer live video viewings which are a great opportunity to speak to experts, ask questions and view the vehicle from the comfort of your own home at a date and time to suit your needs. Some dealers may offer a test drive but be aware that viewing the car in person, or testing it out, can affect your consumer rights. This is because you are covered by distance selling regulation when buying a car entirely online. If you view the car in person at any point prior to handover, this can void your coverage by the regulation. If in doubt you can view your consumer rights when buying used and new cars here

The good news is you’re protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 when buying a car online from a car dealership. This law protects you against most purchases you make including goods and services, as well as repairs, maintenance and servicing, so it applies to new and used cars bought from an online car dealership.
According to the Consumer Rights Act 2015, when buying a car, it must meet the following standards: • It must be of satisfactory quality, taking the car’s age and mileage into account • It must be as described, matching the online description at the time of purchase • It must be fit for purpose If on the big day your car arrives faulty or damaged, you have the right to return or “reject” it within 30 days of purchase, entitling you to complete repairs or a full refund. Unfortunately, if you buy a car from a private seller, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 is not applicable, but that’s not to say you have no protection whatsoever. If the car wasn’t accurately described, you’ll be able to claim a refund. Money HelperCheck your rights with Money Helper if in doubt. Make sure you collect evidence of the issue and contact the dealership at your earliest convenience so they can help you out.

Some dealerships may offer you a test drive prior to delivery. However, if you do go for a test drive or view the car before it’s delivered you won’t be covered by Customer Contract Regulations as you’re no longer buying the product online.
You do have options if you decide against the test drive and go ahead with your purchase anyway. If the car just isn’t for you after hopping behind the wheel and trying it out, you should explore your rights using Money Helper or Citizen’s Advice and consult your contract with the dealership before getting in touch with them. Learn all about how to return a car and your rights if something is wrong here.

If collection is available, “click and collect” will be displayed on the ad under the dealer’s info. You can filter which cars are available for collection by using the simple filter system located under “remote options”.

If you’ve already booked in the delivery or collection of your chosen car, you would need to contact the seller directly to make any changes. In some instances it may not be possible to switch from delivery to collection or vice versa, but the dealer will help you find a solution.

Ultimately the choice is yours. Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros: • Your chosen car can be delivered at a convenient time • No need to pick up the car yourself and drive it home • Brand new (or pre-loved) car delivered to your door Cons: • You won’t get to see the car up close and personal before delivery • No option for test drive • You won’t be the first person to drive your new car

As per Consumer Contracts Regulations, you have the right to cancel or return your online car order up to 14 days after delivery. If you need to cancel or return your order, confirm your consumer rights and consult the fine print in your contract before contacting the dealership at your earliest convenience.

Are you looking for your next new or used car? With thousands of models available right now for click and collect or home delivery, Autotrader gives you the UK’s largest automotive marketplace in the palm of your hand.