Selling your car during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis
The following guide to selling your car during the coronavirus outbreak is accurate as of 1st July 2021, it will be updated regularly.
The government’s travel restrictions within the UK have eased as the COVID vaccine has rolled out. You can now travel freely within the UK, however, some destinations may still enforce restrictions e.g. travelling from Scotland to the north of England. Hygiene measures and ‘social distancing’ should still be observed.
The economy is slowly opening up again and at Motorway we have been open for business as usual since May 2020. We work with a nationwide network of 5,000+ verified dealers to find your best offer, and transactions are completed contact-free for your safety. You can sell your car now.
COVID-19 travel and transport explained
- What you have to do during the COVID-19 lockdown
- How can you limit your exposure to coronavirus?
- What are the restrictions on transport and travel during COVID-19?
What you have to do during the COVID-19 lockdown
In order to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the government’s instruction is that you carry out social distancing.
This has eased since the start of the pandemic and now means staying 2 meters apart where possible, or 1 meter with extra measures, like masks and gloves. In England, people have been advised to use ‘personal judgement’ when it comes to giving hugs.
Some areas of England are still considered high risk and should continue to follow the original lockdown guidance of only meeting outside and maintaining a 2-metre distance where possible. These areas are:
- Bedford
- Birmingham
- Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackpool
- Cheshire East
- Cheshire West and Chester
- Greater Manchester
- Lancashire (county council area)
- Leicester
- Liverpool City Region (Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral)
- North Tyneside
- Warrington
Rest assured that in these areas, our dealers will be following all safety measures.
The latest guidance from the government is here.
How can you limit your exposure to coronavirus?
The guidelines specify that, as well as practising strict social distancing, you should wash your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser or with warm water and soap, in order to reduce exposure to the coronavirus.
People from any household can now mix indoors, but must abide by the ‘rule of 6’ i.e. parties no larger than 6 people — and, to reduce any possibility of transmission of the COVID-19 virus, that you cover your mouth and nose if you sneeze or cough.
The Consumer Rights Act will cover you if the new vehicle is faulty, the Misrepresentation Act will cover you if the vehicle is not as described, and the Consumer Contracts Regulations cover you if you want to cancel your online order within 14 days.
What are the restrictions on transport and travel during COVID-19?
Restrictions on travel within in the UK have been lifted unless in one of the above twelve named towns or cities where people are advised not to travel beyond the local area.
You should still be sensible when travelling, maintaining social distancing in public areas and wearing your face covering. Continue to wash your hands regularly.
Selling your car during the COVID-19 outbreak explained
- What will the impact of coronavirus be on car valuations and prices?
- Can you sell your car online during the lockdown?
- Can car dealers buy cars from the public?
- Are online car buyers able to buy vehicles?
- Can you sell and have your car collected from your home address?
- Can Motorway help you sell during the current lockdown?
What will the impact of coronavirus be on car valuations and prices?
At the beginning of the pandemic, things weren’t looking good. According to car valuation specialists Cap HPI, in March 2020, used car values fell by 2.2% as a direct consequence of the coronavirus outbreak.
As retail and trade demand declined in the latter half of the month, there was an average drop in value of 2.2% (£275), based on three-year-old cars, with 60,000 miles on the clock. Whereas, newer models — one-year-old used cars, at the 20,000 point — saw a drop of 1.8% (£425).
However, as lockdown is lifted and people are able to travel again, now could be the perfect time to sell your car. The shortage of microchips and its impact on the new car market is also helping to bolster used car valuations across the UK.
Can you sell your car online during the lockdown?
Yes you can. The internet is still at your disposal during the coronavirus lockdown, so you will be able to sell your car online to professional buyers who can collect from your home, or offer a click and collect service drop off point.
If you are selling a used car, it is essential that you clean and disinfect it properly before handing it over to limit the transmission of COVID-19.
Can car dealers buy cars from the public?
Dealers will be able to calculate an estimated price for your car based on information you can share with your reg — such as your car’s make, model, age and mileage.
Some dealers are also able to complete inspections, collections and payments at private addresses as long as they follow social distancing guidelines for contact-free purchases.
Are online car buyers able to buy vehicles?
Many instant online car buying companies are still able to buy and collect vehicles at present.
Can you sell and have your car collected from your home address?
Yes. Car buyers are able to collect from home addresses in a contact-free manner that meets government guidelines regarding social distancing.
Can Motorway help you sell during a lockdown?
Yes. Our service is limited only to buyers who can offer contact-free home collections and drop-offs.
The Motorway team is working full time, please email us with any queries.
Ready to sell?
Want to learn more about Motorway and how to sell your car for the best price? Check out more of our guides here, covering new ways of working during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.