Copart Auction Guide: Tips for Buying, Transporting, and More

All used cars from the States are sold at auctions. In America, there are over twenty trading platforms, but the most popular one is Copart. Auto4Export buys and sells used vehicles for its clients on this platform daily. The company's experts participate in auctions and purchase cars at the most favorable prices.

What is Copart?

Copart is a leading automotive auction house known for its extensive selection of vehicles. Founded in 1982, Copart has grown to become one of the largest auction houses in the United States. The company provides an extensive online platform where buyers can find a wide range of vehicles, from salvage cars to used cars and everything in between. Copart's mission is to offer customers access to a variety of cars at competitive prices, ensuring a seamless and efficient auction experience. Through its innovative technology and global presence, Copart connects sellers and buyers, facilitating transactions that benefit both parties. With over four decades of industry expertise, Copart continues to be a trusted name in automotive auctions, renowned for its reliability and customer-centric approach.

How does the Copart auction work?

Become a Copart Member

To register for a Copart Membership, visit Copart registration page and fill out the required information. You can register for a free Guest Membership with limited benefits – or choose a Basic or Premier Membership in order to bid and buy. You’ll also need to upload a valid photo ID and any business licenses you may have (if you’re a business).

Register now

Nearly 200,000 Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles, and More for Sale

Copart car auctions have something for everyone — used car buyers, dismantlers, dealers, body shops, salvage buyers and individuals.

A Better Way to Buy

Buy your next car from the comfort of your own home. Win your car at an online auction, or let Copart proprietary software do the bidding for you.

Global Leader

Copart is a global leader in 100% online car auctions featuring used, wholesale and salvage vehicles.

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After You've Registered:

Upload License(s)

Upload a government-issued ID and any applicable business licenses.

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Search and Save

Browse nearly 200,000 vehicles every day. Sign up for alerts to get notified when a new vehicle is up for grabs.

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Join Auctions

Join the fun and use Copart’s patented virtual bidding techonology. Need it sooner? Browse Copart “Buy it Now” inventory.

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Get it Delivered

Order delivery, work with your own preferred transporter, or pick it up yourself at your own convenience.

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Copart Inventory

Browse Vehicles Available on Copart Auctions

After understanding how the Copart auction process works, the next step is exploring real vehicle listings. Reviewing mileage, condition reports, and past sale prices helps determine which vehicles represent the best opportunities before placing a bid.

  • ✅ Access thousands of vehicles from Copart
  • ✅ Detailed condition reports and photos
  • ✅ Historical auction sale price data
  • ✅ Filtering by make, model, and damage type
Auction insight • Data comparison • Smarter bids
Ready to start?
Create your account in minutes and get access to inventory with full buying and shipping support.
Register & Start Bidding Browse Vehicles →
Tip: Check FREE auction history reports before you bid.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying on Copart

Advantages of Buying on Copart

  • Low Prices: Vehicles are often available at significantly lower prices compared to traditional dealerships.
  • Large Selection: A wide variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and boats.
  • Rare Models: Opportunity to find rare and unique vehicles that may be difficult to locate elsewhere.

Disadvantages of Buying on Copart:

  • Knowledge and Experience Required: Navigating the auction process and assessing vehicle conditions require expertise.
  • Additional Costs: Potential extra expenses such as auction fees, transportation, and repair costs for salvage or damaged vehicles.
  • Risk of Hidden Issues: There is a possibility of purchasing a vehicle with undisclosed problems, necessitating thorough inspections and research.

How to prepare to participate in the auction?

Preparing to participate in a Copart auction involves several critical steps to ensure a successful purchase.

Market Research: 

Begin by analyzing the market value of the car you are interested in. Research similar models, their conditions, and prices on various platforms to establish a reasonable bidding limit. Understanding the car's market value helps in making informed bidding decisions and avoiding overpaying.

Technical Inspection: 

Conduct a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Key points to focus on include the car's exterior and interior condition, engine performance, mileage, and any signs of damage or wear. If possible, review the vehicle's history report for previous accidents or repairs. Consider having a professional mechanic inspect the car to uncover any potential hidden issues.

Financial Preparation: 

Calculate your budget by considering not just the bid amount but also additional expenses such as auction fees, transportation costs, and possible repairs. Be clear about your maximum bid and stick to it. Ensure you have pre-arranged financing if necessary, so you're ready to complete the purchase swiftly.

By conducting market research, performing a detailed technical inspection, and thoroughly preparing your finances, you can increase your chances of a successful and satisfying purchase at a Copart auction.

Copart Fees

Fee table Copart Deutschland GmbH

General fees

Date: January 2024

Fee description

Amount in Euro (net)

Annual member fee (yearly)

Premier: 199,00 €
Basic: 59,00 €

Virtual bid fee (online bid fee)*

Sale price from (net)

To sale price (net)

Fees in Euro (net)

6.750,99 €

13,00 €

6.751,00 €

13.500,99 €

20,00 €

13.501,00 €

99.999.999,99 €

26,00 €

Lot Retrieval fee (due on every vehicle - independent from the vehicle condition)

35,00 €

Member fees (buying fees)

Sale price from (net)

To sale price (net)

Member fees in Euro (net)

0,01 €

118,99 €

40,00 €

119,00 €

237,99 €

75,00 €

238,00 €

356,99 €

80,00 €

357,00 €

474,99 €

85,00 €

475,00 €

593,99 €

90,00 €

594,00 €

830,99 €

100,00 €

831,00 €

1.068,99 €

110,00 €

1.069,00 €

1.306,99 €

120,00 €

1.307,00 €

1.543,99 €

135,00 €

1.544,00 €

1.781,99 €

155,00 €

1.782,00 €

2.018,99 €

175,00 €

2.019,00 €

2.375,99 €

200,00 €

2.376,00 €

2.996,99 €

245,00 €

2.997,00 €

3.563,99 €

280,00 €

3.564,00 €

4.346,99 €

345,00 €

4.347,00 €

5.075,99 €

430,00 €

5.076,00 €

5.939,99 €

450,00 €

5.940,00 €

7.919,99 €

540,00 €

7.920,00 €

11.719,99 €

560,00 €

11.720,00 €

15.519,99 €

595,00 €

15.520,00 €

19.349,99 €

635,00 €

19.350,00 €

99.999.999,99 €

3.5% of sales price

No Max. Fee

Late payment fee   

40,00 €

Late Removal fee (5 business days including auction day are for free)

15,00 €/day/vehicle

Relist fee (applicable for every reverse transaction of the sale contract e.g. if lot is relisted for sale because buyer didn’t pay on time)  

10% of sales price, minimum 500,00 €

Guest fee (applicable for visitors of a yard who are not registered with Copart as a Member)

10,00 €

*This additional fee will be applicable if your highest bid was given through Copart website during their live online auction; the virtual bid fee will not be charged to you if you bid through Copart bid kiosk on their location.
For the above mentioned fees, especially regarding the payment terms, Copart General Terms and Conditions are applicable. Copart up-to-date General Terms and Conditions are always available for you on the footer of Copart website through the link “General Terms and Conditions”.

Do I pay my maximum bid amount when awarded a vehicle?

For preliminary bidders, the maximum bid amount may not be what you pay. If you are the high bidder during the auction and the auction bids do not meet or exceed your maximum bid, you are awarded the vehicle for the high bid amount.

Which price is shown on the bid button? Do I need to calculate the fees separately?

All prices shown on Copart auction are always net prices. All fees and VAT (if eligible) always need to be added to that price. To get a detailed overview of all fees, please have a look at Copart fee table available on this website.

If I win a vehicle, how long do I have before payment is due?

Payment becomes due immediately after the sale. You have 3 business days including invoicing date to settle the account before Copart charges a late payment fee.
Please note that the buying power vehicle count (bid limit) is not automatically reset after each auction, but only after you have paid in full for the purchased vehicle. After that you can bid again on your desired vehicles.

Is the price on the block brut or net?

All prices on Copart website are net prices. Please have a look at Copart fee table to get an overview of the total costs (sale price plus Member fees).

If I win a vehicle, how many days do I have before late removal fee is charged?

You have five business days of free storage including the day of sale.

What are the payment terms?

All invoices are due immediately and need to be paid via bank transfer into Copart bank account. Please also have a look at the following fee table.

Auction Cost Planning

Calculate the Total Cost Before Bidding

The winning bid is only part of the final price at Copart auctions. Before placing a bid, estimate auction fees, broker services, inland transportation, and export shipping to understand the real acquisition cost.

  • ✅ Transparent Copart fee estimates
  • ✅ Inland US transport cost calculation
  • ✅ Fixed broker service pricing
  • ✅ Export shipping cost visibility
Full breakdown • Budget clarity • No surprises
Ready to start?
Create your account in minutes and get access to inventory with full buying and shipping support.
Register & Start Bidding Browse Vehicles →
Tip: Check FREE auction history reports before you bid.

Payment Options Guide

Secure Electronic Payments (Recommended)

Use secure funds to receive the secure funds discount on Member fees.

Wire Transfer 

Transferring funds from your bank account to your Copart Member account is one of the best ways to make payments. This is the method Copart recommend for international Members, and many of Copart US Members find it convenient. Check with your bank for their specific requirements. To pay by wire transfer, go to the Payments Due screen, select the vehicles you want to pay for, and then select Wire Transfer as your payment method at checkout. You can fill out the form electronically. If your payment is not applied within 24 to 48 hours domestically or 48 to 72 hours internationally, please email the Wire Transfer Notification PDF to [email protected] .

ePay 

Copart allows approved business Members to pay directly from your bank account. You will need your bank account number and your financial institution’s routing number. You can usually find the routing number on your institution’s website or on your checks as the first string of numbers before your account and check number. If approved for ePay, Copart’s payment portal will walk you through the steps of setting up your bank account information. 

Debit Card 

Copart accepts most debit cards in their online payments portal. When paying with a debit card online, please remember the following requirements:

  • The payer must be the primary account holder for online transactions.
  • The card must match the name of the account holder.
  • Purchases are limited to around $20,000 USD per day. If you are buying more, you will need to use another form of payment.

Members can also use debit cards at all US locations, but please remember card payments CANNOT be made over the phone.

Make Sure You Are Aware of the Following Items:

  • Bring a Photo ID that matches the name on the card.
  • The card must match the name of the account holder.
  • Purchases are limited to around $20,000 USD per day. If you are buying more, you will need to use another form of payment.
  • In person payments may be subject to surcharges and lengthy wait times.

Canada Corporate Creditor (Canada Only) 

Copart Members in Canada have the option of making electronic payments from their bank's online site to the Bank of Montreal to pay for their vehicles. For full instructions on how to complete these electronic payments,  . Once you've completed the electronic payment, you’ll need to fill out a Buyer Wire Transfer Notification form and submit it to the Copart Finance Department by email to [email protected].

Local Western Union Locations

Members can make payments at any of Western Union’s 42,000 locations, in places like Walmart, grocers & corner stores. Bring your Member ID number and tell them you want to pay Copart electronically. You can pay using any method Western Union accepts and use your preferred currency. Be sure whoever picks up your vehicle(s) brings the paper receipt with them. For more information and important requirements, visit www.copart.com/western-union.

Local MoneyGram Locations

Members can make payments at any of MoneyGram’s 25,000 locations. Bring your Member Number & Lot Numbers and tell them you want to pay Copart at Receiver Code: 17170. Your transaction will be processed instantly to Copart. Then log in to your account and make sure your payment is applied to your vehicles, services & fees from Unapplied Funds. For more information and important requirements, visit Copart.com/MoneyGram.

Third-Party Financing 

For Members who wish to pay with commercial credit and/or financing, Copart has partnered with a select group of financial institutions. You may also make arrangements with other credit institutions of your choice. Remember that you are working with a third party, and Copart is completely independent of any finance terms or agreements you may make. Member Services can help you transfer your payment to Copart but will not be able to assist with any details of the actual financing arrangement. If you have questions or need assistance with third-party financing, contact [email protected] .

Available Funds 

Unapplied funds from refunds or previous payments can be applied in part or whole to pay for Memberships, fees, vehicles and other services. Unapplied Funds are shown at the top of the Payments page. They cannot be used for partial payment with an unsecure form of payment.

Non-Secure Electronic Payments

Nonsecure funds do not provide the secure funds discount.

Credit Card

Copart accepts most credit cards in Copart online payments portal. When paying with a credit card online, please remember the following requirements:

  • The payer must be the primary account holder for online transactions.
  • The card must match the name of the account holder.
  • Purchases are limited to around $20,000 USD per day. If you are buying more, you will need to use another form of payment.

Members can also use corporate credit cards at all US locations, but please remember card payments CANNOT be made over the phone.

Make Sure You Remember the Following Items, in addition to the ones above:

  • Bring a Photo ID that matches the name on the card.
  • In person payments may be subject to surcharges and lengthy wait times. 

Wallet Apps like Google Pay, Apple Pay & PayPal

Copart accepts the most popular wallet apps for payment of Memberships, fees, vehicles, and other services. You’ll first need to set up your payment app and link it to a funding source like a bank account or credit card. Go to the Payments portal and select Wallet Apps. The system will then have you input your account information and confirm your information. Once you use a wallet app, it will be saved for future payments.

Physical Payment Methods

While we encourage all Copart Members to use electronic payment methods, Copart does accept the following means of physical payment. Making your payment at a Copart facility will subject you to a $20-per-vehicle surcharge and long wait times.

You can avoid surcharges if you use one of the payment methods below at one of the thousands of local MoneyGram and Western Union locations.

Cashier's Check 

A cashier’s check is a check issued and guaranteed by a bank. It has a specified payee and is safer than cash or personal checks. Have your financial institution make out the check in the proper amount, including fees, to COPART, and bring it with you when you pick up your lot(s). The name of the person paying the check MUST match the name(s) on the Member account used to purchase the vehicle(s) for which payment is being made. We do not accept personal checks. 

Company Check (Domestic Buyers Only)

Copart accepts company checks with certain restrictions. We don’t accept personal or international checks for any kind of payments. If you want to pay with a company check, please download Copart Company Check Application, review all the requirements, and submit your application by email to [email protected]. The name(s) on the check MUST match the name(s) on the Copart Member account used to purchase the vehicle(s) for which the check is paying.

Cash 

Most Copart locations accepted limited amounts of cash as a form of payment, applicable to fees only, up to $600. Other limits apply. Contact the Copart locations of purchase for more details. Payments made at Copart locations may be subject to surcharges and long wait times. 

Choose the Right Payment Methods for You and Your Business

Power Buyer

Power Buyers are businesses that buy a high volume of vehicles per year through Copart. Along with reduced fees and preferred pricing, select Power Buyers can qualify to pay by ePay directly from their bank accounts. Payments via ePay are fast and have no additional processing fees. You can also save your ePay information for use in repeated transactions.

International Buyer

The easiest and most secure way to pay across international boundaries is by wire transfer. Please consult with your bank for their specific requirements to initiate a wire transfer. To pay by Wire Transfer, go to the Payments Due page and select the items you want to pay for. Then select wire transfer as your form of payment. You can fill out your wire transfer form online. If your transfer does not go through in 24 to 48 hours in the US, or in one to three days international, please fill out the Wire Transfer Notification PDF and send it to [email protected].

Consumer Buyer

We recommend making payments by credit (unsecure) or debit (secure) card. These forms of payment will offer you the greatest convenience, and will process quickly to avoid storage fees. Secure funds payment methods like wire transfers offer lower fees but can take longer to process.

Refund Policy

Copart Members can request a full refund of their deposit as long as there are no outstanding payments due. For Basic Members, go to the Payments tab, scroll down to Deposit, and click on Request Refund. Deposits paid with a credit will be refunded to the original payment method if the deposit was made within the last six months. Please allow 3 to 5 business days for the refund to appear. All others will be paid by a Copart check issued within 30 days of the request. All refunds by check must be requested from Member Services. Premier Members must request a refund through Member Services, and their account will be downgraded to a Basic Membership. 

Copart offers refunds for vehicle purchases, storage fees & services under certain circumstances, like those detailed in the Copart Member Protection Pledge and the Copart Select Pledge. How refunds are paid depends upon the original payment method used, as detailed by the chart below. Refunds made by Copart check will be issued within 30 days of request. As with deposits, all refunds by check must be requested from Member Services. International buyer can only receive checks if they have a US address. Otherwise, they will need to contact Member Services with their wire transfer information.

To request a refund, inquire about your eligibility, or to check on the status of a pending refund, contact Member Services at [email protected] or by phone at 972-391-5400.

Rules and regulations

Basic Rules:

  • Registration: Sign up on Copart's website by providing personal information and agreeing to the terms.
  • Bidding: Place bids during the preliminary bidding phase or in real-time during the live auction.
  • Timeline: Follow the auction's timeline and procedures, including deadlines for payments and vehicle pickups.

Restrictions:

  • Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old to register and participate.
  • Documentation: Provide valid identification and proof of residence. International buyers may need additional documents like a passport or business license.
  • Security Deposit: Some auctions may require a refundable security deposit to bid, ensuring serious participation.

By adhering to these rules and restrictions, you can navigate the Copart auction process smoothly and effectively.

Fines and sanctions

Participating in a Copart auction requires adherence to specific rules, and failure to comply can result in fines and sanctions.

Types of Fines:

  • Late Payment: If payment for a purchased vehicle is not made within the specified timeframe, a late fee will be imposed. This fee varies depending on the vehicle and the auction terms.
  • Refusal to Purchase: If a winning bidder refuses to complete the purchase, they may be charged a cancellation fee. This fee covers administrative costs and compensates for the disruption caused by the bidder's non-compliance.

Consequences of Violations:

  • Impact on Participation: Repeated violations, such as consistent late payments or frequent refusals to complete purchases, can result in more severe consequences. Copart may restrict or suspend the violator's account, limiting their ability to participate in future auctions.
  • Reputation: Persistent non-compliance can damage a buyer’s reputation within the Copart community, making it more challenging to engage in future transactions.

To avoid fines and sanctions, participants should adhere to all auction rules, make timely payments, and commit to their bids. Understanding the penalties and consequences ensures a smoother auction experience and maintains good standing with Copart.

Practical advice for auction participants

Participating in a Copart auction can be rewarding if approached with the right strategies and preparations. Here are some practical tips to enhance your auction experience.

Search and Selection of a Car:

  • Detailed Search: Use Copart's advanced search filters to narrow down options based on make, model, year, and condition.
  • Research Thoroughly: Investigate the vehicle's history, including any reported damage or previous ownership details. Utilize vehicle history reports and inspect available photos carefully.

Bids and Strategies:

  • Set a Budget: Determine your maximum bid before the auction and stick to it to avoid overbidding.
  • Bid Early and Late: Place a preliminary bid to signal interest but save your maximum bid for the live auction. This approach helps gauge competition and can increase your chances of winning.
  • Stay Calm: Avoid getting caught up in bidding wars. Patience and restraint are key to making a smart purchase.

Payment and Receipt of the Car:

  • Timely Payment: Ensure you understand the payment terms and make payments promptly to avoid late fees.
  • Organize Delivery: Plan the logistics of picking up or transporting your vehicle in advance. Copart offers various transportation options, or you can arrange your own.

By following these practical tips—conducting a detailed search, employing effective bidding strategies, and organizing payment and delivery—you can enhance your chances of a successful and satisfying auction experience with Copart.

Transporting a vehicle purchased from a Copart auction involves careful planning and consideration. Here are some key points on transportation and logistics to ensure a smooth process.

Transportation and logistics

Selecting a Transport Company:

  • Research: Look for transport companies with positive reviews and a solid reputation for reliability. Check for proper licensing and insurance to protect your vehicle during transit.
  • Get Quotes: Obtain multiple quotes to compare prices and services. Ensure the company offers the type of transport you need, whether it's open or enclosed transport.

Delivery Costs:

  • Approximate Costs: Delivery costs can vary widely based on distance, vehicle size, and transport type. For example, transporting a car across the country may range from $500 to $1,500, while shorter distances might cost between $200 and $600.
  • Additional Fees: Be aware of potential additional fees for expedited delivery or special handling requirements.

The Process of Receiving a Car:

  • Inspection: Upon delivery, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damage incurred during transport. Compare the vehicle's condition against the pre-shipment photos and report any discrepancies immediately.
  • Documentation: Ensure all necessary documents, such as the bill of lading and title, are provided and correctly filled out.

By choosing a reliable transport company, understanding delivery costs, and carefully inspecting the vehicle upon arrival, you can ensure a hassle-free transportation and logistics process for your Copart auction purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, participating in Copart auctions offers both opportunities and challenges for buyers. Key considerations include conducting thorough market research and technical inspections, adhering to auction rules and regulations, and understanding potential fines and sanctions. Practical advice emphasizes effective bidding strategies, timely payment, and careful logistics planning for vehicle transportation and receipt. By following these guidelines, auction participants can navigate the process more confidently and increase their chances of securing a desirable vehicle at a competitive price.

Ready to Start?

Register and Start Bidding on Copart

If you’re ready to participate in Copart auctions, you can register for free and access live inventory through licensed broker support. Review listings, analyze vehicle data, and place bids with full pricing transparency.

  • ✅ No dealer license required
  • ✅ Free platform registration
  • ✅ Unlimited auction bidding opportunities
  • ✅ Worldwide vehicle delivery
Informed bidding • Transparent process • Global delivery 🚢
Ready to start?
Create your account in minutes and get access to inventory with full buying and shipping support.
Register & Start Bidding Browse Vehicles →
Tip: Check FREE auction history reports before you bid.

Further Reading

How do US auto auctions work?
How to buy a used car from a US auction
Buy Salvaged Cars from the USA. What's the Meaning and Benefit?
Types of Vehicle Titles: What You Can and Can’t Export