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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How Do Online Car Auctions Work From Signup to Pickup?
Online car auctions work in a fixed sequence: signup, verify ID, bid, pay by the deadline, then arrange pickup or shipping.
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How to VIN Check a Car Before an Auto Auction Bid
Match the dash, door jamb, and title VIN before you bid. The article covers free VIN checks, history reports, and red flags…
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How to Get a Dealer License for Car Auctions
A state dealer license is usually required to buy at dealer-only car auctions, with wholesale and retail licenses covering different business models.
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How Do Dealer Auctions Work for Car Buyers?
Dealer auctions are usually open to licensed dealers, with some access for approved guests or brokers. Buyers bid in real time and…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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How to Get a Salvage Inspection After Repairs
Book the salvage inspection after repairs, then gather the title, receipts, photos, proof of ownership, and…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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,…
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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…
Recent Guides
- How Do Online Car Auctions Work From Signup to Pickup?
- How to VIN Check a Car Before an Auto Auction Bid
- How to Get a Dealer License for Car Auctions
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