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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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 a hard maximum bid before the…
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How Long Do You Have to File Auction Arbitration After Purchase?
Most auto auctions require arbitration within 24 hours or by the next business day after purchase. This article explains deadlines, exceptions, and…
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What Extra Seller Fees Can Be Added After Your Car Sells?
Seller fees can still come off your payout after a sale for arbitration, title problems, transport, run fees, report corrections, or approved…
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How to Bid on Copart Live Auctions Step by Step
To bid on Copart live auctions, register, enter the live sale, watch the current bid, and stop at your all-in ceiling. Miss…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Rebuilt Title: What It Means and When to Buy
A rebuilt title means a car was totaled, repaired, and reinspected. Buy only with solid records,…
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Online Auto Auctions vs Local Public Auctions: Which Is Better?
Online auto auctions are better for breadth and convenience, while local public auctions are better when…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Recent Guides
- Vehicle History Report: How Auction Buyers Should Use It
- How Long Do You Have to File Auction Arbitration After Purchase?
- What Extra Seller Fees Can Be Added After Your Car Sells?
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