Find answers to the most common questions about using the Carwa platform, buying and selling cars, and more.
At Carwa, we have a comprehensive vehicle verification process. Each listed car undergoes a detailed inspection by our certified inspectors. They evaluate the mechanical condition, verify the authenticity of documents, and check for any history of accidents or major repairs. Additionally, we require sellers to provide complete service history and documentation. This rigorous process ensures that buyers have access to reliable, quality vehicles.
We offer a 48-hour inspection period after delivery or pickup. If the vehicle doesn't match the description or has undisclosed issues, you can request a return. Our team will evaluate the situation and may arrange for an independent inspection. If approved, we'll coordinate the return and provide a refund according to our Refund Policy. Please note that any issues must be reported within the inspection period, and the vehicle must be in the same condition as when it was received.
Before finalizing your purchase, we recommend reviewing the following: 1) The vehicle inspection report which details the condition assessment by our certified inspectors, 2) Service history and maintenance records to understand how well the car has been maintained, 3) Ownership history to confirm there are no outstanding loans or legal issues, 4) Test drive results if available, 5) All available photos and videos of the vehicle, and 6) The seller's ratings and reviews on our platform. If you have any doubts, you can request additional information or even a video call with our inspector to discuss specific concerns.
No, Carwa offers a full-service registration process. Once you've completed your purchase, our concierge service handles all the paperwork and registration requirements. We'll collect the necessary documents from both parties, process the ownership transfer at the local RTA, and arrange for insurance if needed. For an additional fee, we can even deliver the car to your doorstep with all registration completed. This service is available in all emirates, though processing times may vary by location.
We offer flexible selling packages tailored to different needs. Our Basic listing is free and includes standard visibility for 30 days. Premium listings include enhanced visibility, priority placement in search results, and professional photography for a one-time fee. For our full-service option, we handle everything from photography to negotiation for a commission on the final sale price (typically 2-5% depending on the vehicle value). Detailed pricing can be found in your seller dashboard.
The timeline varies based on factors like your vehicle type, condition, price point, and market demand. Premium-listed vehicles typically sell 60% faster than standard listings. On average, well-priced vehicles in good condition sell within 14-21 days. Unique or specialty vehicles may take longer to find the right buyer. Our data shows that sellers who follow our pricing recommendations and provide comprehensive information (including detailed photos and service history) significantly reduce their time-to-sell. For faster results, consider our Instant Offer program where we may purchase your vehicle directly.
To create an effective listing, you'll need to provide: 1) Basic vehicle details (make, model, year, trim level, mileage), 2) Registration information and chassis number, 3) Ownership history, 4) Service records and maintenance history, 5) Any modifications or aftermarket additions, 6) Known issues or damages, 7) Clear, high-quality photos of exterior, interior, and engine bay, and 8) Your asking price or reserve price for auctions. Our system guides you through each step, and our team is available to help if you're uncertain about any requirements.
Yes, we provide multiple valuation tools to help you price your vehicle competitively. Our automated valuation tool analyzes thousands of similar listings and recent sales to provide an initial estimate. For more precision, you can schedule a professional valuation with one of our inspectors who will assess your vehicle in person. Our market insight reports are also available to premium sellers, showing trend data for specific makes and models. If you're still uncertain, our seller concierge team can provide personalized pricing guidance based on your car's specific condition and the current market.
Our auction process is designed to be transparent and engaging. Sellers set a starting price and auction duration. Buyers place incremental bids, with our system automatically notifying bidders when they've been outbid. Auctions typically run for 3-7 days, with a dynamic closing time that extends if bids are placed within the final minutes. Once the auction ends, the highest bidder is connected with the seller to complete the transaction. Our team moderates all auctions to ensure fairness and authenticity.
If the winning bidder fails to complete the purchase within 48 hours, they may be charged a cancellation fee (5% of the bid amount) and receive a warning on their account. For the seller, we offer two options: 1) We contact the second-highest bidder to offer them the vehicle at their maximum bid price, or 2) We relist the vehicle in a new auction with no additional fees. In cases where a pattern of non-payment is identified, we may suspend buyer accounts. For high-value auctions, we sometimes collect a refundable deposit from bidders to ensure commitment.
Yes, you can set a reserve price when creating your auction listing. This is the minimum amount you're willing to accept for your vehicle. Bidders won't see the exact reserve price, but they'll be notified whether bids have met the reserve or not. If the auction ends without meeting the reserve, you'll have options to either accept the highest bid anyway, negotiate privately with the top bidders, or relist with a lower reserve. We recommend setting realistic reserves based on our valuation tools to increase your chances of a successful sale.
All auctions on Carwa undergo verification before being published. We verify the seller's identity, confirm vehicle ownership, and validate the vehicle information. Look for the 'Verified Listing' badge on auction pages. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive inspection report for most vehicles, detailing their condition and any issues. Buyer and seller ratings add another layer of trust. If you ever suspect fraudulent activity, our 'Report Listing' feature immediately flags the auction for review by our security team. For valuable vehicles, we also offer escrow services to provide additional security for both parties.
Carwa offers a variety of secure payment methods to accommodate our users' preferences. We accept major credit cards, bank transfers, and our secure SafePay escrow service. SafePay holds the buyer's payment until they've received and approved the vehicle, providing protection for both parties. For financing options, we've partnered with several leading banks in the UAE to offer competitive auto loans with convenient application processes directly through our platform.
SafePay provides security for both buyers and sellers by acting as a trusted intermediary. Here's how it works: 1) The buyer deposits the full payment into the SafePay escrow account, 2) We verify the funds and notify the seller, 3) The seller transfers the vehicle to the buyer, 4) The buyer has a 48-hour inspection period to confirm the vehicle matches the description, 5) Once approved, the funds are released to the seller. If issues arise, our dispute resolution team steps in. SafePay is available for a small fee (1.5% of the transaction amount) and is mandatory for transactions over AED 100,000.
We've partnered with multiple financial institutions to offer competitive auto financing directly through our platform. Rates typically range from 2.99% to 7.99% depending on your credit profile and the vehicle. Our financing portal allows you to compare offers from different banks, apply online with minimal paperwork, and receive pre-approval within hours. We support financing terms from 1-5 years with flexible down payment options. For UAE residents, we require proof of income, bank statements, and Emirates ID. Expatriates may need additional documentation. Our finance advisors can help determine your eligibility and find the best option for your budget.
We're committed to full transparency regarding all fees. For buyers, there's no fee to purchase a vehicle through our standard marketplace. Optional services like inspection reports (AED 350), delivery (varies by distance), and escrow services (1.5% of transaction value) are clearly marked before selection. For sellers, our Basic listing is free. Premium listing services and success fees for assisted sales are clearly outlined before you commit. All applicable fees are displayed in your cart before payment and itemized in receipts. If you ever have questions about charges, our customer service team can provide a detailed breakdown.
Our dedicated resolution team mediates any disputes between parties. When a dispute arises, both parties can submit their case through our platform. We review all evidence including inspection reports, communication history, and transaction details. In most cases, we aim to resolve disputes within 5 business days. For complex situations, we may arrange for third-party inspections or evaluations. Our goal is always to ensure fair treatment for both buyers and sellers while upholding our marketplace standards.
Yes, we offer both domestic and international delivery services. For deliveries within the UAE, our network of transportation partners can deliver to any emirate, typically within 1-3 days. For international shipping, we provide comprehensive logistics support including documentation, customs clearance, and shipping arrangements. International delivery timeframes and costs vary depending on the destination. Delivery costs are calculated based on distance, vehicle size, and insurance requirements. You can get a detailed quote during the checkout process.
Our technical support team is available 24/7 to assist with any platform issues. You can reach us through the in-app chat support, email at [email protected], or by calling our helpline at +971 555 55 55. For common issues, our Help Center provides step-by-step troubleshooting guides. If you encounter persistent problems, our team can schedule a screen-sharing session to resolve complex issues. We typically respond to all technical support requests within 2 hours during business hours.
If you wish to close your account, you can initiate the process from your account settings page. Click on 'Privacy & Security' and select 'Close Account'. You'll be asked to provide a reason for leaving, which helps us improve our services. If you have any outstanding transactions or listings, you'll need to complete or cancel these first. Your personal data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy, with certain information retained for legal and regulatory compliance. If you change your mind, accounts can be reactivated within 30 days of closure by contacting our support team.
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