Buy smart at auction
Win the right car at auction, without the costly surprises.
Plain-English guides to auction fees, inspection, salvage titles, online and dealer auctions, and how to sell your car at auction for a fair price.
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Explore Auto Auction Guides
Pick a topic for step-by-step advice on buying or selling at auction.
Auction Fees
Buyer premiums, gate, late, storage and seller fees, and your real out-the-door cost.
Explore topic →02Salvage & Rebuilt Titles
Salvage vs rebuilt titles, state rules, rebuild math and resale value.
Explore topic →03Inspection & Checks
Condition reports, VIN and history checks, flood, frame and odometer red flags.
Explore topic →04Selling at Auction
Consignment, reserve prices, paperwork and getting the best price.
Explore topic →05Online Auctions
Copart, IAA, ACV and others: bidding, payment, pickup and storage rules.
Explore topic →06Dealer Auctions
Dealer-only auctions, access, arbitration and sourcing for small dealers.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Essential Auction Guides
The questions first-time auction buyers and sellers ask most.
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Auction Inspection: How to Check a Car Before You Bid
Use a 10-minute process before you bid: review the report, inspect the car, then set a hard cap from repair cost plus…
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How to Check VIN and Title Match Before You Buy at Auction
Match the title VIN to the windshield plate, door-jamb label, and secondary stamp before bidding. A mismatch can signal a bad title…
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Dealer License for Auto Auctions: Requirements and Costs
Dealer-only auto auctions usually require a state dealer license, and startup costs often run $2,000 to $15,000 before inventory.
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Reserve Price at a Car Auction: How It Works
A reserve price is the seller’s confidential minimum sale price. See when buyers can tell a car has a reserve and how…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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ACV Auctions: How It Works, Fees, and Dealer Access
ACV Auctions is a dealer-only wholesale platform where approved dealers bid online and pay the hammer…
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How Do IAA Proxy Bids Work Before the Live Auction Starts?
IAA proxy bids let IAA’s system bid for you before the live auction starts, up to…
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Do Seller Fees Come Out of Your Auction Proceeds?
Yes. Most auction seller fees are deducted from gross auction proceeds before payout, so your net…
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What Issues Are Usually Not Covered by Auction Arbitration?
Most auction arbitration policies exclude wear, routine maintenance, cosmetic damage, disclosed defects, and post-sale damage; deadlines…
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Copart Bidding Explained: How It Works
Copart bidding starts with pre-bids, then moves to live bidding with proxy auto-bids. This explains access…
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IAA Bidding: How It Works, Rules and Winning Tips
Use live bids for fast-moving auctions, proxy bids for a firm ceiling, and Buy Now when…
Recent Guides
- Auction Inspection: How to Check a Car Before You Bid
- How to Check VIN and Title Match Before You Buy at Auction
- Dealer License for Auto Auctions: Requirements and Costs
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