Buying
Do I need a dealer license to buy through you?
No. Many Copart and IAA lots are sold only to licensed dealers. We set you up with your own buyer account under our dealer license, so you can bid on those vehicles as an individual.
Who places the bids?
You do, from your own buyer account. Your buying power at each auction is set by the deposit you keep with us.
Can I bid on more than one car at a time?
Yes. Each open bid and each won car that isn't paid yet carries a possible auction penalty. You can keep bidding as long as those penalties added together stay within your deposit. Raise your buying power to bid on more cars at once.
Can I inspect the car before I bid?
Auction vehicles are sold as-is. Study the listing photos, condition report and title type carefully. Some yards allow in-person previews; check the listing for the yard's rules.
Deposit and buying power
Why do I need a deposit?
If a vehicle you win isn't paid for, Copart charges a relist fee (10% of the sale price, $600 minimum) and IAA charges a renege fee (15% of the sale price or $1,000, whichever is greater). Your deposit covers that penalty.
How much is the deposit?
10% of your buying power at Copart (minimum $6,000 buying power, $600 deposit) and 15% at IAA (minimum $6,667 buying power, $1,000 deposit). If you have both auctions, each has its own buying power and deposit.
How do I pay the deposit?
By bank account only. We don't accept cards for deposits. Your buying power turns on once the transfer clears.
How do I get my deposit back?
Lower your buying power from your account. The difference is returned to your bank account as long as you have no open bids, unpaid vehicles or balances. Lowering your buying power to zero closes your account.
Fees and payment
What fees do you charge per car?
A flat broker fee by price bracket, from $219, plus a flat $49 paperwork fee that covers your title and documents shipped to you. See the full table.
How long do I have to pay?
2 days from the win. Day 3 is a final grace day, and we send you alerts as the deadline gets close. If the vehicle is still unpaid after day 3, the auction's penalty is taken from your deposit and your account is blocked until the deposit is restored.
What costs are not included?
Auction buyer fees, internet or gate fees, storage, transport, sales tax, and title or registration fees at your county. These are set by the auction, carriers or the state.
How does reward credit work?
Every car you buy adds credit to your account, from $19 to $149 depending on the bracket. Use it on your next broker fee or your membership renewal. It isn't cash and can't pay auction invoices or deposits.
Title and registration
Do you handle plates and registration?
No. We transfer the title into your name and ship it to you with your documents. You then take it to your county tax collector's office to register the vehicle and get plates.
Can I buy a salvage-title vehicle and drive it?
A salvage title usually has to be repaired and inspected before the state issues a rebuilt title and the car can be registered for the road. Check your state's rules before you bid.