How to Buy a Car from IAA
A complete guide for first-time and experienced auction buyers.
Understand the buying process, avoid costly mistakes, and plan your vehicle transportation.
IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) is one of the largest online vehicle auction marketplaces in North America. Whether you’re purchasing a repairable vehicle, a clean-title car, a project vehicle, or inventory for your business, understanding the auction process can help you make informed buying decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.
IAA Purchases • Nationwide Vehicle Transportation • Open & Enclosed Transport
What Is IAA?
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA) is a leading online marketplace offering vehicles from insurance companies, dealerships, fleet operators, rental companies, financial institutions, and other sellers. Buyers can find passenger vehicles, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, and specialty equipment through online auctions.
Many customers purchase vehicles from IAA for personal use, repairs, resale, export, business fleets, or parts.
Common Vehicle Types
Insurance Vehicles
Clean Title Vehicles
Salvage Vehicles
Rebuilt Vehicles
Motorcycles
Pickup Trucks
Commercial Vehicles
Recreational Vehicles (RVs)
Who Can Buy from IAA?
IAA offers opportunities for both licensed dealers and public buyers. Eligibility depends on state regulations, title requirements, and the specific vehicle being offered for sale. Some vehicles are available to all buyers, while others require a dealer or dismantler license.
When licensing is required, buyers may still be able to purchase through an approved broker or licensed representative.
Public Buyers
Many vehicles can be purchased directly by the general public, depending on state laws and vehicle title requirements.
Licensed Dealers
Licensed automotive professionals often have access to additional inventory and specialty vehicle categories that require licensing.
Buying Through a Broker
In states where licensing restrictions apply, approved brokers can often help eligible buyers complete the purchase.
Understanding Vehicle Titles
Understanding a vehicle’s title is one of the most important parts of buying at auction. The title affects whether the vehicle can be registered, repaired, insured, or used for parts only.
Clean Title
A clean title indicates the vehicle has not been branded as salvage by the issuing state. However, buyers should still review the vehicle history and auction information carefully.
Salvage Title
Salvage vehicles have typically been declared a total loss by an insurance company. Depending on state laws, these vehicles may require repairs and inspection before returning to the road.
Rebuilt / Reconstructed Title
These vehicles were previously issued a salvage title but have since been repaired and inspected according to state requirements.
Certificate of Destruction / Parts Only
These vehicles are generally intended for dismantling or parts and may not be eligible for registration for road use.
Closing
Always review the title information, auction announcements, and your state’s registration requirements before placing a bid.
Understanding IAA Fees
The winning bid is only one part of your total purchase cost. Before bidding, it’s important to understand the additional fees that may apply.
Winning Bid
The amount you bid and win the auction for.
Buyer’s Fee
IAA charges buyer fees that vary depending on the vehicle’s final selling price and other factors.
Internet Bidding Fees
Additional online bidding fees may apply depending on the auction and bidding method.
Storage Fees
Vehicles should be picked up promptly after purchase to avoid daily storage charges.
Sales Tax & Government Fees
Taxes, title fees, registration costs, and state requirements vary depending on where the vehicle will be registered.
Transportation Costs
Remember to include transportation when calculating your total purchase cost. Shipping costs depend on the vehicle’s size, condition, pickup location, destination, and transportation method.
Pro Tip
Before placing a bid, calculate your complete budget—including auction fees, taxes, repairs, and transportation—not just the winning bid.
Inspecting a Vehicle Before You Bid
Before placing a bid, take time to carefully evaluate the vehicle using all available information. While IAA provides photos, condition details, and auction information, buyers should always perform their own research before making a purchasing decision.
Review All Photos
Examine the vehicle from every available angle. Look for body damage, missing parts, interior condition, airbag deployment, flood indicators, and signs of previous repairs.
Read the Vehicle Description
Pay close attention to the title type, primary and secondary damage, key availability, run-and-drive status, and any auction announcements.
Research the Vehicle History
When available, consider reviewing a vehicle history report to better understand ownership history, previous accidents, and maintenance records.
Understand the Risks
Auction vehicles are generally sold as-is, meaning buyers are responsible for understanding the vehicle’s condition before placing a bid.
Spending extra time researching a vehicle before bidding can help you avoid unexpected expenses after purchase.
What Happens After You Win the Auction?
Winning the auction is only the beginning. Completing payment, obtaining the required documents, and arranging timely pickup are essential to completing your purchase successfully.
Complete Payment
Follow IAA’s payment instructions and complete payment within the required timeframe to avoid delays or additional charges.
Receive Your Release Documents
After payment is confirmed, IAA will provide the documents required to release your vehicle for pickup.
Schedule Pickup
Vehicles should be removed within the allowed pickup period to avoid storage fees.
Arrange Transportation
If your vehicle is located far from home—or isn’t drivable—professional transportation is often the safest and most convenient solution.
TurboX Logistics coordinates vehicle transportation from IAA auction facilities nationwide, including both running and non-running vehicles.
Shipping Your IAA Vehicle
Many IAA buyers purchase vehicles located hundreds or thousands of miles away. Professional transportation allows you to move your purchase safely while avoiding unnecessary mileage, travel expenses, and logistical challenges.
Open Vehicle Transport
The most economical transportation option for most cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks.
Enclosed Vehicle Transport
Recommended for luxury, exotic, collector, and specialty vehicles requiring additional protection.
Non-Running Vehicles
Many auction vehicles require winches or specialized loading equipment. Let us know the vehicle’s condition when requesting your transportation quote.
Nationwide Coverage
TurboX Logistics coordinates vehicle transportation from IAA locations throughout the continental United States.
If you’re planning to bid—or you’ve already won your vehicle—we’ll be happy to provide a transportation quote so you can include shipping costs in your overall purchase budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying from IAA
Can anyone buy a vehicle from IAA?
Many vehicles are available to public buyers, while others may require a dealer license depending on state regulations and the vehicle’s title type.
Can I inspect a vehicle before bidding?
Inspection availability varies by IAA location. Always check the auction location’s policies before planning a visit.
Are IAA vehicles sold as-is?
Yes. Most auction vehicles are sold as-is, where-is. Buyers are responsible for reviewing photos, vehicle information, title details, and condition before placing a bid.
How long do I have to pick up my vehicle?
IAA requires vehicles to be picked up within the designated timeframe. Storage charges may apply if pickup is delayed.
Can TurboX Logistics transport non-running IAA vehicles?
Yes. We coordinate transportation for both running and non-running vehicles. Let us know the vehicle’s condition so we can arrange the proper equipment.
How much does it cost to ship a vehicle from IAA?
Transportation costs depend on distance, vehicle size, condition, pickup location, destination, and whether open or enclosed transport is selected. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Need to Ship Your IAA Vehicle?
Whether you’ve already won an auction or you’re preparing to place your next bid, TurboX Logistics can help coordinate transportation from IAA auction locations nationwide. We’ll explain your shipping options, provide a transparent quote, and coordinate your vehicle’s transportation from pickup through delivery.
✔ Transportation from IAA Locations Nationwide
✔ Running & Non-Running Vehicles
✔ Open & Enclosed Transport
✔ Door-to-Door Service
✔ Professional Communication