What happens on collection day?

You’ve accepted your offer. That means one thing: a verified dealer wants your car, at the price you agreed. 

Now there’s just one question left: what actually happens when they come to collect it?

For many sellers, this is the moment uncertainty creeps in. Who’s turning up? What if something changes? When do you get paid?

Collection day is where everything comes together. Not just agreed – carried out exactly as expected.

This isn’t just logistics. It’s the moment the promise is kept. 

Convenient collection that works for you

You don’t need to drive anywhere, arrange transport, or hand your car over on someone else’s schedule.

Unlike many car buying platforms that require you to drive to a branch or arrange drop-off, Motorway arranges it around you. Your car is collected from your home, your workplace, or wherever suits you, on a day you’ve agreed in advance.

Most collections happen within three to seven working days of your sale being confirmed.

You’ll know who’s coming and why

Every dealer in our network is verified before they can bid on a single car. So whoever turns up at your door, they’ve already been checked out by us. 

Before dealers can buy cars on Motorway, they go through a series of checks. We only work with established UK vehicle retailers with a physical trading premises, and we verify company records, trading history and VAT registration. We also check that dealers have an established online presence and positive verified customer reviews, helping ensure sellers deal with genuine dealerships operating as professional businesses.

And it doesn’t stop there. Our Dealer Governance team keeps a close eye on dealer performance and behaviour across the platform to help make sure sellers continue to get a professional experience. If dealers don’t meet our standards, they will be suspended or removed. You can find out about our dealer verification process here.

The dealer who bought your car has two options for collection:

• They can send one of their own representatives 
• Or they can use Motorway Move – Motorway’s dedicated inspection and transport service

Whether your dealer chooses to collect themselves or use Motorway Move, the collection date is still arranged around you. And we’re still in the picture. Every collection has Motorway support and visibility built in, so you’re never on your own.

Before collection day: one simple step to keep things moving

The moment your sale is confirmed, we’ll ask you to upload a few documents. It’s best to get this done right away, as it’s one of the most important things you can do to speed up your collection date.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• V5C logbook
• MOT certificate (if your car is three or more years old)
• All spare keys
• Photo ID e.g. driving licence or passport
• Proof of address e.g. a utility bill, bank statement, or council tax statement (the address must match your V5C)
• Finance settlement letter (if there’s outstanding finance on your car – we’ll coordinate directly with your lender, so you don’t have to)
• Service record book and any handbooks

Once we’ve reviewed these, your collection slot gets booked. The dealer or Motorway Move team will then be in touch within two working days. Keep an eye on your phone – you may be contacted by an unknown number.

How Motorway Move works (and why it matters)

Motorway Move is Motorway’s dedicated inspection and transport service, built to manage collection day from start to finish.

When a dealer uses Motorway Move, a trained driver comes to you to carry out a structured check of your car.

They’ll use the Collect app to conduct an on-site inspection, using your original vehicle profile as a reference. They arrive knowing exactly what they’re there to collect.

As the inspection happens, the details are recorded and shared directly with the dealer in real time. So there’s no uncertainty about what’s been seen or agreed.

Payment is then sent there and then once the inspection is complete and before your car leaves the driveway.

All handled in one clear, controlled process.

On the day: here’s exactly what happens

The driver collecting your car arrives at the agreed time and checks your car against your vehicle profile – the details and photos you provided when you listed it. We’ll email you a link to your profile beforehand. Have it to hand.

They’ll need to take the car for a test drive. You’re welcome to join them.

Will there be any last-minute negotiation?

If your car matches your profile, no. Your offer is based on what you told us, and that’s what the collection reflects.

If something is identified that wasn’t in your profile, such as previously undisclosed damage, the trained driver will add it to the report. This is then shared with the dealer buying your car, who may suggest a price adjustment. 

At that point, the decision is entirely yours. You’re never obligated to accept a revised figure.

And if you need support, we’re right there with you by phone or live chat. We stay in your corner until the job is done.

Your money is secured before your car leaves

This is the part that matters most, so we’ll be direct about it. Payment is sent before your car is driven away.

If your car has outstanding finance, it’s settled as part of the same process. We coordinate directly with your lender, clear the balance, and transfer the remaining amount to you.

No separate steps. No extra admin. No uncertainty about where you stand.

After your car has gone

Once your car has been collected, you’ll need to let the DVLA know you’ve sold it. This can be done in a few minutes at GOV.UK using the buyer details we provide.

You’re not expected to figure this out alone

Selling a car can feel unfamiliar – especially when you’re dealing with experienced buyers.

Motorway is built to change that.

You don’t need to manage the process, interpret inspections, or chase payment. Every step is structured, supported, and designed to give you clarity when it matters most.

By the time your car is collected, nothing is left uncertain – everything is confirmed.

FAQs

What is Motorway Move?

Motorway Move is Motorway’s dedicated inspection and transport service. A trained driver comes to you, checks your car using our Collect app, and shares their report with the dealer so payment can be triggered before your car leaves the driveway.

How is Motorway Move different from a regular dealer collection?

With regular collection, the dealer sends a representative to complete the handover. Motorway Move follows a structured, technology-led process, giving you more visibility and consistency on collection day. 

What time will my car be collected?

We’ll ask you to be available between 8am and 6pm. You’ll get a call around an hour before the person collecting your car arrives.

How quickly will I receive payment?

Payment is sent before your car leaves the driveway, but it takes most major banks a couple of hours to process. If you don’t receive immediate payment, that’s perfectly normal.

What if I don’t agree with what’s found during the inspection?

If something is flagged that wasn’t included in your profile, it’ll be explained clearly, and any change to the price will be discussed with you. You’re under no obligation to accept a revised offer. You can call our driveway support team with any questions you may have.

What happens if the dealer cancels?

If a dealer cancels, we’ll put your car back into auction so other dealers can bid on it. If the cancellation is due to something that wasn’t included in your profile, we’ll update your profile first so everything is clear before it goes live again.

What if collection doesn’t go ahead on the day?

It’s rare, but if it does happen, there’s no cost to you. And our team will be available if you need support. 

Can I be there for the test drive?

Yes, just ask the person collecting it.

Do I need fuel in the car for the driver?

Yes, there must be sufficient fuel – half a tank for petrol or diesel cars or full charge for an EV.

I have a private plate I want to keep. What do I do?

You’ll need to retain or transfer it before collection. Once the car has been collected, this becomes more difficult.

I still have questions. Who do I talk to?

Us. Our team is available by phone and live chat throughout the process. Real people, ready to help whenever you need them.