Copart launches CashForCars in UK and Ireland

Copart UK has said it will buy the privately-owned cars that other used car buying platforms may not consider as it launches CashForCars in the UK and Ireland.

Consumer-facing websites CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie provide a free online quote, a nationwide collection service, and fast payment upon receipt of the vehicle, it said.

Customers also have the option to drop off their vehicles to dedicated areas based at Copart UK’s 15 nationwide operation centres, and in Ireland at Copart’s head office in Castledermot, or one of their sub-lot partnerships in Donegal, Mayo, Galway, and Limerick.

Any vehicle, in any condition, will be accepted via the CashForCars platform, including non-runners, accident-damaged and MOT/NCT failures, Copart said.

Mark Godfrey, director of strategy and automotive division at Copart, said: “We are delighted to launch CashForCars in both the UK and Ireland, having already successfully established this global brand across over 200 locations in the US, Canada, and Germany.

“CashForCars provides a fast, efficient, and free service to customers in the UK and Ireland wanting to get quick cash for their vehicles, including those with accident damage or failed MOTs/NCTs, which some other similar service providers do not accept. 

“We pride ourselves on offering a simple, transparent, and hassle-free process, with honest and accurate valuations, and a variety of convenient collection or drop-off options across the UK and Ireland.”

Copart will aim to go head-to-head with the likes of WeBuyAnyCar with its new car buying platform.

As a shortage of used cars becomes incresingly acute across the sector, recent months have also seen the launch of rival car buying platforms from Peter Vardy, Carzam and Cazoo.

Earlier this year carwow acquired the Wizzle car buying platform, meanwhile.

The headquarters for both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie are based in Inverkeithing, Scotland, an area in which Copart UK is making 'significant investment' as part of its growth programme, it said.

Jane Pocock, managing director of Copart UK and Ireland, said: “Expansion in Scotland is part of Copart’s ambitious growth programme to meet continued demand from our customers and includes our recent announcement of plans to develop a new Copart Operation Centre in East Kilbride.

“As both CashForCars.co.uk and Cash-For-Cars.ie, based in Inverkeithing, continue to grow, powered by Copart’s extensive operational capabilities, we anticipate further expansion of this service in Scotland and future employment opportunities in this area.”

Cazoo's new car buying service - details of which were revealed in this month's H1 results statement from the online car retailer - provides an offer which is guaranteed for seven days.

Customers can opt to have their car picked up from their home or drop the car off at their nearest Cazoo customer centre with payment made to the seller’s bank account on the same day, it said.

Alex Chesterman OBE, founder and chief executive officer at Cazoo, said: “Until recently, we only bought cars directly from consumers as a part exchange when they were buying from us.

“Our new car buying service is transparent, haggle free and convenient with an instant online offer guaranteed for seven days and the option for consumers to drop the car off at one of our 18 customer centres or have it collected from their home.”

Cazoo has also recently launched an all-inclusive monthly car subscription service for new cars and is gearing up to launch its full proposition later this year in both France and Germany.

Cazoo recently reported an £8 million gross profit in Q2 after its online used car retail volumes surged by 429% a year on from the first COVID-19 lockdown period.