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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What Are the Dealer License Requirements by State?
Dealer license requirements vary by state, but most states require a business location, surety bond, sales tax registration, and background checks before…
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How to Inspect a Car at Auction in Under 15 Minutes
Use a 15-minute inspection to reject cars with title, flood, frame, or warning-light problems first. Get a timed checklist and deal-breakers.
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How to VIN Check for Accidents on an Auction Car
Compare the VIN with title history, condition reports, damage codes, odometer records, and photos before you bid.
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What Does Reserve Not Met Mean at a Car Auction?
“Reserve not met” means the high bid is still below the seller’s minimum, so the car has not sold yet. This page…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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How to Participate in Dealer Auctions as a First-Time Buyer
Participate legally through a dealer, public-access route, or broker, then set your bid ceiling from total…
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Are Title and Registration Costs Included in Buyer Fees?
No—buyer fees usually do not include title and registration costs; those are separate line items, with…
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How to Use Buy Now on IAA Without Entering the Live Auction
Use Buy Now on IAA before live bidding by checking the listing, confirming the button is…
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Salvage Inspection: How It Works and How to Pass
A salvage inspection passes when the vehicle’s identity matches the paperwork, required safety equipment is present…
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How to Read an ACV Auctions Condition Report Before You Bid
Read an ACV condition report by separating cosmetic, mechanical, title, and transport risk, then lower your…
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Vehicle History Report: How Auction Buyers Should Use It
Use the vehicle history report to assign risk deductions, score red flags, and turn findings into…
Recent Guides
- What Are the Dealer License Requirements by State?
- How to Inspect a Car at Auction in Under 15 Minutes
- How to VIN Check for Accidents on an Auction Car
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