As a global leader in all-online auto auctions, Copart offers a wide selection of vehicles in all conditions. We also offer several purchasing options for different types of buyers. This can leave many newcomers wondering how to bid in Copart auctions. So, here’s a simple summary to get you started.
Register & Choose a Membership
Only Copart Members can bid in our auctions. So, first you’ll need to Register, then purchase the annual Membership plan that’s right for you.
Basic Membership ($199) works best for people who only plan to buy one to three vehicles per year. This Membership requires a deposit of 10% of the total amount of bids you plan to place. For example, if you want to place a total of $10,000 in bids, you’d need to deposit $1,000.
Premier Membership ($99) provides the most advantages to someone who plans to regularly buy vehicles. This Membership only requires a one-time $400 deposit that allows you to bid up to $100,000 per day. Premier Members also get preferred placement in queue for help and other perks.
Upload Required Documents
Each state sets its own requirements for who can buy in auto auctions. The laws of the state where a vehicle is located determine the required credentials to bid. Some states require a dealer’s license, while others let anyone participate.
As part of the registration process, we’ll walk you through the requirements of the states in which you want to bid. Just upload a scan of the required documents or take a picture of them with your mobile device. Our Member License team will quickly review then approve them.
If you don’t have the required credentials for a certain state, Copart can connect you with a Broker who will lend you theirs for a fee.
All Members need to upload a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license to prevent fraudulent bidders and identity thieves.
Find & Evaluate the Cars That Fit Your Needs
Use our Vehicle Finder tool to locate the cars that fit your needs. You can find project cars, parts donors, classics, used car inventory, and personal drivers. The tool lets you search and filter results by details including year, make, model, condition and even location.
When you find a vehicle that you think will fit your needs, be sure to do your due diligence. Copart Select vehicles come with free condition reports, arbitration protection, and Sale Lights to let you know a vehicle’s general condition at a glance. You can also purchase history and inspection reports for other Copart lots. Lastly, you can come to a Copart location and inspect vehicles yourself.
Enjoy Many Ways to Bid & Buy
Copart offers several ways to bid on & buy vehicles. First, you can join in the excitement of the many live auctions we hold daily. You can join from the Auction Calendar, a vehicle’s details page, or from the Copart Location’s page. Place your starting bid and keep raising until you either win or reach the top price you’re willing to pay.
Next, you can set a Max Bid and let Copart do the bidding for you. Just enter the top price you’re willing to pay for a vehicle on its listing page and select Bid Now. Our system will bid incrementally up to your maximum price so you can do something else. You’ll never miss another auction even when you’re working, helping customers, or participating in other live auctions. Max Bids are also a great tool for new bidders or those who want a different experience than the intense competition of live auctions.
Lastly, we offer vehicles with the Buy It Now option. You can agree to the asking price the Seller lists or make a counteroffer and see if they accept it. You can filter your search results for vehicles that include this buying option. You can also check vehicle details pages to find out which ones have this option available.
Win, Pay & Pick Up Your Vehicle
Auctions provide the best way to determine the value of anything. Everyone competes to see who places the most value on the item up for auction. If you bid the most for a vehicle, you win it.
Sometimes Sellers may place a reserve, or the minimum price they’re willing to accept for a vehicle. We clearly mark reserve prices on vehicle details pages so you can properly plan your bidding.
Once you’ve won, you just need to pay for your vehicle(s) and arrange to transport it from our location to you. Copart offers three days of free storage, including the day of the auction.
Copart Delivery brings vehicles right to your home or business, but you can also hire your own transporter or come pick up the vehicle yourself. We don’t allow vehicles to be driven off our locations, so they must be loaded onto a trailer.
We can ship titles to you for added convenience if you complete & upload a Limited Power of Attorney.
Happy Bidding & Winning on Copart
Now you have a basic overview of how to bid in Copart auctions. You’ll find more detailed information in our Help Center or by clicking the links in this article. We hope this brief summary helps answer your questions, and we look forward to seeing you on the virtual auction block. Good Luck!
