How to Buy a Car from Copart
Everything you need to know before placing your first bid.
Learn the process, avoid common mistakes, and understand how to get your vehicle delivered.
Whether you’re buying your first vehicle or you’re an experienced bidder, understanding how Copart works can help you avoid costly surprises. This guide explains the buying process, fees, bidding, payment, pickup, and transportation after you win a vehicle.
Copart Purchases • Nationwide Vehicle Transportation • Door-to-Door Delivery
What Is Copart?
Copart is one of the world’s largest online vehicle auction marketplaces. It offers cars, trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, RVs, commercial vehicles, and equipment through online auctions. Vehicles come from insurance companies, dealerships, rental fleets, financial institutions, businesses, and private sellers.
Many buyers purchase vehicles from Copart for personal use, repairs, resale, parts, or export.
Insurance Vehicles
Salvage Vehicles
Clean Title Vehicles
Rebuilt Vehicles
Dealer Inventory
Fleet Vehicles
Motorcycles
Commercial Trucks
Who Can Buy from Copart?
Copart allows both licensed dealers and the general public to purchase vehicles. However, bidding eligibility depends on the laws of each state and the type of vehicle being sold. Some vehicles require a dealer license, while others are available to public buyers.
If a vehicle requires a license that you don’t have, you may still be able to purchase it through a licensed Copart Broker.
Public Buyers
Many vehicles can be purchased directly by individuals without a dealer license, depending on state regulations and vehicle title type.
Licensed Dealers
Licensed dealers generally have access to a broader selection of inventory, including vehicles that require a dealer or dismantler license.
Copart Brokers
Copart Brokers allow eligible buyers to purchase vehicles that would otherwise require a dealer license, making more inventory accessible to the public.
Understanding Vehicle Titles
Buying a vehicle starts with understanding its title.
Different title brands affect registration, insurance, resale value, and repair requirements.
Clean Title
A vehicle with no salvage branding. Previous damage history may still exist, so always review the vehicle history and auction information carefully.
Salvage Title
Typically issued when an insurance company determines repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the vehicle’s value. Salvage vehicles usually require repairs and inspection before they can be legally driven, depending on state laws.
Rebuilt / Reconstructed Title
A previously salvaged vehicle that has been repaired and has met the inspection requirements established by the issuing state.
Certificate of Destruction / Parts Only
These vehicles are generally intended for dismantling or parts and may not be eligible for registration for road use.
Always review the title type, auction notes, and applicable state regulations before placing a bid. If you’re unsure what a title means, research it carefully or ask the auction before purchasing.
Understanding Copart Fees
Winning the auction is only part of the total purchase price. Before placing a bid, it’s important to understand the additional fees that may apply so you can accurately estimate the total cost of your vehicle.
Winning Bid
This is the amount you agree to pay if you win the auction.
Buyer’s Fee
Copart charges a buyer’s fee that varies based on the final sale price and other factors. Always review the current fee schedule before bidding.
Internet Bid Fee
Depending on how you participate in the auction, additional online bidding fees may apply.
Gate Fee
A standard gate fee may be charged when your vehicle is released from the Copart facility.
Storage Fees
After a certain number of days, storage charges may begin if the vehicle is not picked up on time. Prompt pickup helps avoid unnecessary costs.
Sales Tax & Government Fees
Taxes, title fees, and registration costs vary by state and may apply depending on your purchase and where the vehicle will be registered.
Transportation Costs
Don’t forget to include the cost of transporting your vehicle from the Copart yard to its final destination. Transportation costs depend on distance, vehicle size, vehicle condition, and the type of transport you choose.
Pro Tip
Before placing a bid, calculate your total cost—including auction fees, taxes, repairs, and transportation—rather than focusing only on the winning bid
Inspecting a Vehicle Before You Bid
Whenever possible, carefully review all available information before bidding. Copart provides vehicle photos, title information, auction details, and condition notes, but buyers should perform their own due diligence before making a purchase.
Review the Photos Carefully
Look for body damage, missing parts, interior condition, flood indicators, airbag deployment, and signs of previous repairs.
Read the Vehicle Description
Pay attention to title type, primary and secondary damage, keys, run-and-drive information, and any auction announcements.
Check the Vehicle History
Consider obtaining a vehicle history report to better understand previous ownership, accident history, and service records when available.
Understand the Risks
Auction vehicles are generally sold as-is, meaning buyers assume responsibility for understanding the vehicle’s condition before purchasing.
Taking a few extra minutes to research a vehicle before bidding can help avoid unexpected surprises after purchase.
What Happens After You Win the Auction?
Congratulations—you’ve won the auction. The next steps are important to ensure your purchase is completed smoothly and your vehicle is picked up on time.
Complete Your Payment
Follow Copart’s payment instructions and complete payment within the required timeframe. Delayed payments may result in additional fees or cancellation of the sale.
Receive Your Release Documents
Once payment has been processed, Copart will issue the documents needed for vehicle pickup.
Schedule Vehicle Pickup
Vehicles must be removed from the Copart facility within the allowed pickup period to avoid daily storage charges.
Arrange Transportation
If you’re unable to pick up the vehicle yourself—or if the vehicle isn’t drivable—you’ll need to arrange professional transportation.
TurboX Logistics helps coordinate vehicle transportation from Copart locations nationwide. Whether your vehicle is running or non-running, we’ll help you find the right transportation solution based on your vehicle’s condition, destination, and preferred delivery timeline.
Transporting Your Copart Vehicle
Many Copart vehicles are purchased hundreds or even thousands of miles from their new owners. Professional vehicle transportation allows buyers to move their purchases safely without adding mileage or arranging long-distance travel.
Open Vehicle Transport
The most economical and commonly used option for transporting standard passenger vehicles.
Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Recommended for luxury, exotic, classic, collector, and specialty vehicles requiring additional protection.
Non-Running Vehicles
Many auction vehicles require special loading equipment because they do not start or drive. Be sure to mention the vehicle’s condition when requesting your quote.
Nationwide Service
TurboX Logistics coordinates transportation from Copart facilities throughout the continental United States.
If you’ve already won your vehicle—or you’re planning to bid soon—we’re happy to provide a transportation quote so you can include shipping costs in your overall budget before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying from Copart
Can anyone buy a vehicle from Copart?
Many vehicles are available to the public, while others require a dealer license depending on the state and title type. If a license is required, buyers may be able to purchase through a licensed Copart Broker.
Can I inspect a vehicle before bidding?
Many Copart locations allow vehicle inspections before the auction. Inspection policies vary by location, so it’s important to check the specific facility’s rules before visiting.
Are Copart vehicles sold as-is?
Yes. Vehicles are generally sold as-is, where-is. Buyers are responsible for reviewing photos, auction information, title details, and vehicle condition before placing a bid.
How quickly do I need to pick up my vehicle?
Vehicles should be picked up within Copart’s required timeframe. Storage fees may begin if the vehicle remains at the facility beyond the allowed pickup period.
Can TurboX Logistics transport non-running Copart vehicles?
Yes. We help coordinate transportation for both running and non-running vehicles. Be sure to let us know the vehicle’s condition when requesting a quote so the proper equipment can be arranged.
How much does it cost to ship a Copart vehicle?
Transportation costs depend on distance, vehicle size, vehicle condition, pickup location, destination, and the type of transport selected. Contact us for a personalized shipping quote.
Need to Transport Your Copart Vehicle?
Whether you’ve already won an auction or you’re planning your next bid, TurboX Logistics can help coordinate transportation from Copart locations nationwide. We’ll help you understand your shipping options, provide a transparent quote, and coordinate transportation from pickup through delivery.
✔ Transportation from Copart Locations Nationwide
✔ Running & Non-Running Vehicles
✔ Open & Enclosed Transport
✔ Door-to-Door Service
✔ Professional Communication