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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Salvage Title: What It Means and Whether to Buy
A salvage title means the insurer totaled the car. Buy only at a 25% to 40% discount and only after you verify…
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What Are ACV Auctions Buy Fees and Who Pays Them?
ACV Auctions buy fees are buyer-paid charges added to hammer price; optional transport and state taxes may apply. This page breaks down…
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How Much Does a Dealer License for Auto Auctions Cost?
Dealer license fees usually start in the low hundreds, but bond, insurance, and lot requirements can push startup costs much higher.
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Why Was a Rebuilt Title Issued Without an Accident?
A rebuilt title can follow a non-collision total loss, such as flood, fire, theft recovery, hail, or mechanical damage. Trace the brand…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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What Is in a Car Auction Consignment Agreement?
A consignment agreement usually covers commission, reserve price, title status, seller fees, payment timing, arbitration, and…
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Best Vehicle History Report for Auction Buyers
AutoCheck is often the first pull for auction buyers because it flags title brand, odometer issues,…
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Are Salvage Title Cars Worth Buying?
Buy only if the total cost lands 30% to 40% below a clean-title equivalent after repairs,…
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What Are the Copart Bidding Requirements Before You Bid?
You need an active Copart account, the right buyer type, and any required license or broker…
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Can You Bid on Copart Without a Membership?
No. You can browse Copart lots without a membership, but bidding requires a paid membership or…
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Online Auto Auctions: How They Work and Where to Buy
Online auto auctions split between public marketplaces and dealer-only sales. Budget 10% to 20% above the…
Recent Guides
- Salvage Title: What It Means and Whether to Buy
- What Are ACV Auctions Buy Fees and Who Pays Them?
- How Much Does a Dealer License for Auto Auctions Cost?
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