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 to Check VIN and Reg Match on an Auction Vehicle
Check the VIN on the vehicle, title, auction listing, and registration, and only bid when every visible digit matches exactly.
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How to Get Access to Dealer Auctions Legally
Use a dealer license, an existing dealer account, or platform approval to access dealer auctions legally. This guide compares the required documents,…
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Do Auto Auctions Charge Sales Tax on the Buyer Fee?
Auto auction invoices often charge sales tax on the buyer fee, but the taxable base depends on the auction and state. This…
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What Buyer Fees Does Bring a Trailer Charge?
Bring a Trailer charges 5% on standard listings, with a $250 minimum and a $7,500 cap; some categories are 10% with a…
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
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Can a Car Get a Rebuilt Title for Hail Damage?
Hail damage can total a car if repair costs hit a state threshold. A rebuilt title…
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Why Are Salvage Titles Hard to Insure?
Salvage titles are hard to insure because carriers cannot quickly verify repair quality, roadworthiness, or resale…
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Is a Car Auction Inspection Service Worth Paying for?
Pay for a car auction inspection service when a small fee can stop a costly bad…
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Which Car Auction Fees Are Negotiable and Which Are Fixed?
Most car auction fees are fixed, but some buyer premiums and dealer charges can be negotiated…
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How Much Will My Car Sell at Auction?
Auction payout equals hammer price minus fees, reconditioning, and any payoff, so many sellers net 70%…
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What Is a Reserve Price in a Car Auction?
A reserve price is the lowest amount a seller will accept, and the vehicle does not…
Recent Guides
- How to Check VIN and Reg Match on an Auction Vehicle
- How to Get Access to Dealer Auctions Legally
- Do Auto Auctions Charge Sales Tax on the Buyer Fee?
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