Terms and Conditions
About the Service
Clearline Automotive provides independent, pre-purchase vehicle inspections to assist customers in making informed buying decisions.
All inspections are:
· Visual and non-invasive
· Based on the condition of the vehicle at the time of the inspection
· Carried out using professional judgement, experience, and reasonable care
Clearline Automotive is not affiliated with any manufacturer, dealer or seller.
Definitions
For clarity within these terms:
· Visual Inspection means checks carried out without removing, dismantling, or disturbing any components.
· Non-invasive means no tools are used to open, remove or interfere with parts, covers or systems.
· Diagnostic scan refers to reading fault codes using standard OBD equipment where access is available.
· Road test means a short (max 10 miles), controlled drive where permitted by the seller, insurance and road conditions.
· Reasonable efforts means attempts made within normal working hours and without excessive travel or repeated contact attempts.
Scope of Inspection
The inspection includes (where possible):
· Exterior and bodywork assessment
· Interior condition
· Mechanical observations
· Diagnostic scan (if applicable and accessible)
· Road test (if permitted by the seller and conditions allow)
Limitations
The inspection does not:
· Dismantle, remove or interfere with any part of the vehicle
· Remove undertrays, engine covers, wheels, trims, spark plugs (unless safely accessible)
· Carry out intrusive, specialist or manufacturer-specific testing
· Guarantee the future reliability of the vehicle
· Identify every possible fault
· Detect intermittent issues, recently cleared fault codes, hidden remaps or faults requiring brand-specific diagnostics
Some issues may not be visible or detectable during a standard, reasonable inspection.
Weather & Environment Conditions
Inspections may be limited or postponed due to:
· Heavy rain
· Poor lighting
· Unsafe road conditions
· Inadequate space to conduct checks or a road test
Where conditions prevent a full inspection, Clearline Automotive will complete as much as reasonably possible or rearrange. Travel costs may still apply.
Seller Conduct & Safety
Clearline Automotive reserves the right to refuse or terminate an inspection if:
· The seller behaves aggressively or obstructively
· The vehicle is unsafe to inspect or drive
· The location presents safety risks
In such cases, reasonable travel costs may still apply.
Report & Findings
The inspection report:
· Reflects the condition of the vehicle at the time of inspection only
· Is based on visual checks and professional opinion
· Should be used as guidance, not a guarantee
· Is typically delivered within 24 hours of the inspection
Clearline Automotive is not responsible for decisions made before the report is received.
Liability
Clearline Automotive shall not be held liable for:
· Any faults that develop after the inspection
· Any undetected issues not visible or detectable at the time
· Any financial loss resulting from a purchase decision
· Any issues requiring dismantling or specialist diagnostics to identify
Liability is strictly limited to the cost of the inspection.
Customer Responsibility
The customer remains fully responsible for:
· The decision to purchase the vehicle
· Verifying any information provided by the seller
· Carrying out further specialist inspections if required
· Providing accurate and complete seller contact details
Clearline Automotive is not responsible for delays, failed inspections or additional costs arising from incorrect or incomplete information provided by the customer.
Access & Permissions
Clearline Automotive will liaise directly with the seller to arrange a suitable time and location for the vehicle inspection.
All inspections are subject to seller cooperation and permission. Clearline Automotive cannot guarantee that a seller will:
· Agree to an inspection
· Provide access to the vehicle
· Allow a road test
Clearline Automotive shall not be held responsible for:
· Delays caused by the seller
· Refusal of access
· Inability to complete the inspection due to factors outside the of its control
If the seller is more than 30 minutes late, the inspection may be cancelled, and travel costs may apply.
If an inspection cannot proceed due to lack of access or seller availability, reasonable travel costs may still be charged (where applicable).
Payment & Cancellations
· Payment must be made in full prior to the inspection taking place.
· No inspection will be carried out without confirmed payment
Cancellation policy:
· More than 24 hours before the inspection – full refund
· Less than 24 hours before the inspection – refund may be reduced to cover travel time and costs
· On the day or after travel has commenced – reasonable travel costs will be charged
If an inspection cannot proceed due to seller unavailability or lack of access, reasonable travel costs may still apply.
Travel costs
The inspection fee includes travel within a 40-mile radius of Clearline Automotive’s base location.
Travel beyond this distance will be charged at £1 per mile (return distance).
Any additional travel costs will be confirmed with the customer prior to the inspection.
Use of Images & Data
Clearline Automotive may capture photographs, video and inspection data during the course of the inspection.
These materials may be used for:
· Inspection reports
· Internal records
· Marketing purposes, including use on social media and the company website
No personal information relating to the buyer or seller will be shared.
Vehicle details and location will be anonymised where reasonably possible (for example, obscuring registration numbers and location).
Where identifiable vehicle information is to be used, permission will be sought from the relevant party prior to publication.
Inspection data may be securely stored for internal reference and quality assurance.
Force Majeure
Clearline Automotive is not liable for delays or cancellations caused by events outside its control, including:
· Traffic incidents
· Illness
· Vehicle breakdowns
· Emergencies
· Severe weather
In such cases, the inspection will be rearranged at the earliest opportunity.
Acceptance of Terms
By booking an inspection, the customer confirms that they have:
· Read
· Understood
· Accepted
these terms and conditions.