Over 1,700 UK car dealers earned Autotrader Highly Rated status in 2026 – discover the criteria, benefits and why it matters to buyers.

Autotrader recognises over 1,700 UK dealers with “Highly Rated” badge for 2026

More than 1,700 car retailers across the United Kingdom have been awarded Autotrader’s ‘Highly Rated’ status for the 2026 calendar year. The accolade is designed to highlight dealers that consistently generate strong, authentic customer feedback and actively engage with that feedback to improve service.

How the Highly Rated scheme works

To qualify, a dealership must meet four measurable standards:

Maintain an average review score of at least 4.5 stars.
Collect a volume of reviews that is proportionate to the number of vehicles sold.
Secure a minimum of 10 customer reviews during the assessment period.
Respond to at least 95 percent of all one‑ and two‑star reviews received over the previous year.

These criteria ensure that the badge reflects not only a high level of customer satisfaction but also a genuine commitment to addressing any issues raised by buyers.

What the badge offers retailers

Dealers who achieve Highly Rated status receive a suite of promotional tools, including:

Physical window stickers that can be displayed at the premises.
Digital logos suitable for websites, social media and email signatures.
A distinctive ‘Highly Rated’ badge that appears on the dealer’s Autotrader profile page, increasing visibility to the millions of shoppers who browse the platform for their next vehicle.

Industry perspective

Rebecca Clark, Group Sales Director at Autotrader, explains why the badge matters to both retailers and buyers:

“For retailers, trust has never been more important. Buyers want reassurance that they’re choosing a business that will deliver a great experience, and customer reviews are one of the clearest ways of providing that confidence. That’s why Highly Rated is such a valuable recognition. It gives retailers a visible and trusted way to showcase the service they’re already delivering, not just on their own channels, but at the point where millions of car buyers are searching for their next vehicle on Autotrader.”

She added that the award signals a dealer’s commitment to excellent customer service and encourages continued engagement with feedback.

Dealer reaction – The Clever Car Collection

Among the newly recognised businesses is The Clever Car Collection, founded by Car Dealer editor‑in‑chief James Baggott. Baggott described the accolade as a validation of the company’s customer‑first ethos:

“We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised as an Autotrader Highly Rated retailer for 2026. We work incredibly hard to make buying a car as straightforward and enjoyable as possible, so it’s especially rewarding that this award is based on genuine feedback from our customers. Trust is everything in the used‑car industry, and having consistently positive reviews gives buyers the confidence that they’re dealing with a business which genuinely puts customer service first.”

The accolade, Baggott says, is a credit to the whole team and to every customer who has taken the time to leave a review.

Why the Highly Rated badge matters to car shoppers

For prospective buyers, the badge provides a quick visual cue that a dealer has demonstrated a high level of satisfaction among previous customers. It also offers reassurance that the dealer actively manages negative feedback, which can be a key indicator of how problems are resolved.

Further resources for dealers and buyers

The original story was published on Car Dealer Magazine.

What Does Autotrader Highly Rated Status Mean for UK Car Dealers in 2026?