Aston Barclay Assured
When purchasing a used vehicle, understanding the condition of the car is crucial. The Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report is designed to offer buyers peace of mind, providing a detailed, unbiased assessment of a vehicle's condition before a purchase is made. This inspection report highlights key aspects of the vehicle's state, helping buyers make informed decisions with confidence.
Here's everything you need to know about the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report, including the levels of inspection, the benefits, what is not covered, and how to make a claim.
What is the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report?
The Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report is an independent inspection of a vehicle carried out by third-party inspector AA. It provides a detailed assessment of the car’s condition at the time of inspection, giving buyers a clear understanding of any potential issues.
This report covers various touchpoints of the vehicle, providing transparency about any potential repairs or maintenance that might be required. The purpose of the report is to reduce the risk associated with buying used vehicles, ensuring that both buyers and sellers have access to reliable, expert information about the car’s health.
Read the Aston Barclay Assured Buyers Guide here.
The Benefits of the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report
Purchasing a used vehicle can often come with uncertainties, but the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report helps to eliminate those doubts. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Peace of Mind: With an Inspection Report, you gain full visibility into the car's condition before making a financial commitment. The report gives you the confidence to make an informed decision, backed by the assessment of a qualified expert.
- Unbiased Evaluation: The Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report is carried out by a third-party inspector with no vested interest in the sale, ensuring an impartial, accurate reflection of the car's condition.
- Protection Against Hidden Issues: By highlighting any issues before a sale is completed, the report can save buyers from costly repairs down the line.
Different Levels of Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Reports
The reports are categorised into three levels, ensuring transparency and peace of mind for buyers. Each level provides a different depth of assessment:
Aston Barclay Assured Lite |
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Designed for vehicles older than 12 years or those with over 120,000 miles, the Lite report offers a basic overview of the vehicle's condition. This report focuses on essential features, such as the operation of key systems, and provides a quick "at-a-glance" view for buyers before making their bid. Included checks:
Cost: £7.50 + VAT per vehicle Note: The Lite report is information only and is therefore not eligible for claims. |
Aston Barclay Assured |
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A more detailed inspection for vehicles under 12 years old and with less than 120,000 miles. This inspection covers 31 points, ensuring a more comprehensive overview of the vehicle's condition. Included checks:
Cost: £35 + VAT |
Aston Barclay Assured EV/ Hybrid |
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Specifically tailored for electric and hybrid vehicles, this report includes the standard 31-point check, plus an additional four checks relevant to these vehicle types. Additional checks for EV/Hybrid:
Cost: £40+ VAT |
How to make a claim
If you find a fault with a vehicle that was not reported in the Aston Barclay Assured appraisal, you may be eligible to make a claim. Claims must be submitted within two working days of collecting the vehicle and before driving more than 250 miles from the recorded mileage.
Steps to Submit a Claim:
- Please complete the supporting pdf, which can be found below, emailing the completed document to assuredclaims@astonbarclay.net.
- Details you will need to submit the claim include:
- Aston Barclay account details
- The vehicle registration number
- Sale and collection dates
- Current mileage
- Supporting photos or videos
Ensure you’ve reviewed the full Aston Barclay Assured Terms and Conditions before making a claim.
What is Not Covered by the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report?
Although the Aston Barclay Assured Inspection Report provides valuable insights into a vehicle's condition, there are certain limitations and exclusions:
- Limited Drive Test: The inspection includes a 20-metre drive test in first and reverse gear only. This limits the ability to detect higher-speed issues, such as turbo or gearbox faults that might manifest at different speeds.
- No Full Functionality Testing: Key systems, like air conditioning, entertainment, or satellite navigation, are only checked to ensure they power up. However, their full functionality (e.g., cooling efficiency, navigation performance) is not tested.
- No Under-Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle is not lifted, so hidden defects like fluid leaks under the vehicle cannot be checked. Only visible issues, such as leaks from the engine bay, are noted.
- Excludes Non-Standard Modifications: Aftermarket or non-standard parts are not assessed for quality or long-term reliability.
- Roadworthiness Not Guaranteed: This is a visual, non-invasive appraisal and not a substitute for a full mechanical inspection or MOT. It doesn’t guarantee roadworthiness or the absence of faults.
To find out more visit our Aston Barclay Assured FAQs below.
Which vehicles are covered by Aston Barclay Assured?
Vehicles that are less than 12 years old and have under 120,000 miles are eligible for the full Aston Barclay Assured report. Older vehicles or those with higher mileage may receive the Aston Barclay Assured Lite, which is an information only report.
Can I rely on Aston Barclay Assured as a full vehicle inspection?
No, this is a visual appraisal, not a substitute for a full mechanical inspection or MOT. It provides an overview of the vehicle’s condition but is not an indicator of roadworthiness and does not guarantee the absence of faults.
What does the 20-metre drive test cover?
The vehicle is driven in 1st and reverse gear over a short 20 metre distance to check basic braking, gear selection, and parking brake function. This test does not cover higher-speed driving or issues that may occur in other gears.
Why aren't fluid leaks under the vehicle checked?
Since the Aston Barclay Assured inspection is conducted at ground level and without lifting the vehicle, leaks under the vehicle cannot be inspected. Only visible leaks from areas like the engine bay will be noted.
What happens if the engine management light (EML) is illuminated?
If the EML is illuminated, the technicians will connect a diagnostic tool to retrieve and report fault codes. However, this does not guarantee that the issue is resolved, and further investigation may be needed.
Does the report check if the air conditioning, sat nav, or entertainment system works?
No, the appraisal only confirms whether power is supplied to these systems (e.g., they power up), but their full functionality is not tested. For example, the sat nav screen may turn on, but its navigation functions won’t be tested.
Why doesn’t the report cover turbo or gearbox faults?
As the vehicle is only driven for a short 20 metre test in 1st and reverse gear, issues that occur at higher speeds or in other gears, like those with the turbo or gearbox, may not be detected during the Aston Barclay Assured appraisal.
What do the symbols in the report mean?
- OK: The item is in a functional state at the time of inspection.
- Requires Attention: The item is not operating as expected.
- Not Tested: The item was inaccessible or could not be tested.
- Not Applicable: The vehicle does not have this item.
Can I make a claim if there is a fault with the vehicle?
You can make a claim if a fault was missed in the Aston Barclay Assured report. Claims must be made within two working days of the vehicle leaving Aston Barclay’s premises and before the vehicle has been driven more than 250 miles from the recorded mileage. Aston Barclay Assured Lite reports cannot be claimed against.
What happens after I submit a claim?
Once you submit a claim, it will be reviewed by a team of technical advisors who are experienced in processing claims for the Aston Barclay Assured scheme. You will be contacted within two working days to discuss the next steps. If necessary, an inspection may be arranged to verify the claim.
Will I be reimbursed for all costs if my claim is successful?
If your claim is valid, Aston Barclay will cover the agreed cost of repairs, but indirect costs or expenses not authorised, such as the Aston Barclay Assured fee, will not be reimbursed.
