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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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 settlement is usually lower than the…
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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 can also bar claims.
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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 rules, fees, bid limits, payment deadlines,…
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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 the posted price is lower than…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Auction Arbitration at Auto Auctions: Rules and Process
Auction arbitration at auto auctions runs on short deadlines and strict proof rules. This page covers…
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Seller Fees at Car Auctions: Complete Guide
Seller fees at car auctions can range from $0 to $500+ per vehicle. This guide breaks…
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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%…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
Recent Guides
- Do Seller Fees Come Out of Your Auction Proceeds?
- What Issues Are Usually Not Covered by Auction Arbitration?
- Copart Bidding Explained: How It Works
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