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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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 car has a reserve and how…
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ACV Auctions: How It Works, Fees, and Dealer Access
ACV Auctions is a dealer-only wholesale platform where approved dealers bid online and pay the hammer price plus buyer fees, transport, and…
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How Do IAA Proxy Bids Work Before the Live Auction Starts?
IAA proxy bids let IAA’s system bid for you before the live auction starts, up to your set max. You can still…
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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…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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%…
Recent Guides
- Reserve Price at a Car Auction: How It Works
- ACV Auctions: How It Works, Fees, and Dealer Access
- How Do IAA Proxy Bids Work Before the Live Auction Starts?
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