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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Auction Consignment vs Direct Auction Sale: Key Differences
Auction consignment gives the auction house control of marketing and sale execution; direct auction sale keeps more control with you.
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How Long Does a Salvage Inspection Take?
A salvage inspection usually takes 15 to 60 minutes on site, but appointment delays and paperwork can add days or weeks.
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How Does ACV Transportation Work After You Win a Car?
After you win on ACV, transportation starts after payment clears and the vehicle is released, then you schedule pickup, share carrier details,…
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How to Win a Bid on IAA Without Overpaying
Set an all-in ceiling first, then bid late only when the countdown confirms the run is near the end. The goal is…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Why Do Vehicle History Reports Cost Money?
Vehicle history reports cost money because data must be licensed, matched, and refreshed. Free VIN checks…
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Are Seller Fees Negotiable at Auto Auctions?
Seller commission is often negotiable, but access, title, recon, and arbitration fees are usually fixed. See…
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What Is Auction Arbitration at a Car Auction?
Auction arbitration is the post-sale process for reviewing a vehicle-condition dispute. Claims usually must be filed…
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What Does a Rebuilt Title Mean on a Car?
A rebuilt title means a car was once declared a total loss and later repaired enough…
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How Long Does an Online Auto Auction Last?
An online auto auction can run for hours or days, while a single vehicle may close…
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Salvage Title vs Rebuilt Title: What Is the Difference?
A salvage title means the car was declared a total loss; a rebuilt title means it…
Recent Guides
- Auction Consignment vs Direct Auction Sale: Key Differences
- How Long Does a Salvage Inspection Take?
- How Does ACV Transportation Work After You Win a Car?
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