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.
Browse by topic
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.
-
How to Get a Salvage Inspection After Repairs
Book the salvage inspection after repairs, then gather the title, receipts, photos, proof of ownership, and VIN verification before you schedule.
-
How to Sell on ACV Auctions Step by Step
Seller-side ACV Auctions steps, from listing and reserve settings to bid acceptance, title checks, payment, and transport release.
-
Can I Sell My Car at Auction Without a Dealer License?
You usually do not need a dealer license to sell a car at auction if the auction accepts private sellers. Dealer-only auctions…
-
How Does Auction Consignment Work From Drop-off to Payout?
Auction consignment usually starts with drop-off and title checks, then moves to sale, buyer payment, fees, repairs, and net payout.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
-
What Does IF Bid Mean on IAAI Listings?
An IF bid is a seller-negotiation offer, not a live win. This article explains seller review,…
-
How to Get a Vehicle History Report by VIN Before Bidding
Run the VIN through a vehicle history report before you bid, and lower your max bid…
-
What Problems Can Be Arbitrated After an Auto Auction Sale?
Only policy-covered defects reported by the deadline are usually arbitrable; title issues usually follow a separate…
-
Salvage Title vs Clean Title: What Changes for Buyers?
A salvage title can be a smart buy only when the discount covers inspection, insurance, financing,…
-
How to Calculate Total Car Auction Fees Before You Bid
Add the hammer price, buyer premium, title/doc fees, taxes, and transport before you bid so the…
-
How Do Seller Fees Work at Online Car Auctions?
Seller fees at online car auctions reduce your payout in stages, from listing and commission to…
Recent Guides
- How to Get a Salvage Inspection After Repairs
- How to Sell on ACV Auctions Step by Step
- Can I Sell My Car at Auction Without a Dealer License?
Browse a topic above or search for the auction question you have.
Looking for a specific answer?
Search by auction, fee, title type or step.