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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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 before the posted deadline.
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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 to pass inspection. It is a…
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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 in minutes. See how timing changes…
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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 passed inspection for road use.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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How Does Copart Bidding Work From Registration to Checkout?
Copart bidding starts with account approval, then moves to bidding, payment, and vehicle release. Know the…
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What Is an Auction Inspection Report and What Does It Include?
An auction inspection report is a condition summary that helps you price risk before bidding. This…
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Who Issues Dealership Licenses in Each State?
Each state issues dealer licenses through its own agency, not a national office. This page maps…
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What Does Run and Drive Mean on an Auction Inspection?
Run and drive means the vehicle moved under its own power at inspection, not that it…
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How to VIN Check for Salvage Title Before Bidding
Check NMVTIS and state title records first; if either shows salvage, rebuilt, flood, junk, or theft…
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Can You Get Buyer Fees Refunded If the Sale Is Canceled?
Sometimes yes, but only certain buyer fees are refundable, and the refund depends on why the…
Recent Guides
- What Is Auction Arbitration at a Car Auction?
- What Does a Rebuilt Title Mean on a Car?
- How Long Does an Online Auto Auction Last?
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