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.
Browse by topic
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.
-
What Problems Can Be Arbitrated After an Auto Auction Sale?
Only policy-covered defects reported by the deadline are usually arbitrable; title issues usually follow a separate title process.
-
Salvage Title vs Clean Title: What Changes for Buyers?
A salvage title can be a smart buy only when the discount covers inspection, insurance, financing, and resale limits. This article compares…
-
How to Calculate Total Car Auction Fees Before You Bid
Add the hammer price, buyer premium, title/doc fees, taxes, and transport before you bid so the total stays inside budget.
-
How Do Seller Fees Work at Online Car Auctions?
Seller fees at online car auctions reduce your payout in stages, from listing and commission to condition, title, and admin charges.
From the blog
Latest Auction Articles
New guides on fees, inspections, titles and buying or selling at auction.
-
Rebuilt Title vs Salvage Title: What Changes After Repairs?
A salvage title can become rebuilt only after inspection and retitling; the salvage history usually stays…
-
Can Anyone Bid on Copart Without a Dealer License?
No, but public bidders can access some Copart lots. Dealer-only restrictions, title rules, and broker requirements…
-
Can Anyone Buy From Online Auto Auctions Open to the Public?
Many public online auto auctions accept everyday buyers, but most require a verified account, ID, and…
-
How to Use an Auction Inspection Sheet Before You Bid
Set a hard bid ceiling from the auction inspection sheet. Separate cosmetic repairs from mechanical risk,…
-
What Does a VIN Check Tell You on an Auction Car?
A VIN check can confirm the car’s identity, title status, theft status, and recalls, but it…
-
Do You Need a Dealer License for Dealer-Only Auto Auctions?
Usually, yes: dealer-only auto auctions require a valid dealer license, though some houses accept wholesaler, broker,…
Recent Guides
- What Problems Can Be Arbitrated After an Auto Auction Sale?
- Salvage Title vs Clean Title: What Changes for Buyers?
- How to Calculate Total Car Auction Fees Before You Bid
Browse a topic above or search for the auction question you have.
Looking for a specific answer?
Search by auction, fee, title type or step.