Buying
How do I use Copart?
Follow these steps to begin bidding and buying with Copart:
- Join Copart
- Submit Business Licenses (if applicable) or Find a Broker (if applicable)
- Search Vehicles
- Add Vehicles to Watchlist
- Join Auctions
- Place Bids
- Pay and Pick Up
Each of these steps is described in our How to Buy section, which will help you get started bidding and buying.
Can I visit a Copart location to preview vehicles?
Yes, and in fact, we encourage you to visit. Although Copart provides 10 high-quality images and accurate descriptions for each vehicle, any information provided is for convenience only. Why not go that extra step for additional peace of mind and visit a Copart location to see the vehicle in person? Many of our locations host monthly cookouts, so this would be a great time to stop by, look at vehicles, meet the general manager and network with other auto enthusiasts.
Licensed Members may preview vehicles up for auction in the next sale at no cost Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Public Members should contact their location to determine preview days and hours. Nonmembers are welcome at the locations, too, but must pay a $20 visitor fee for each facility visit. Register for free, and the fee is waived! All guests must be at least 16 years of age to enter Copart locations.
If you’re unable to visit us in person, remember that we provide a list of inspection services for you to use. These inspectors are not Copart employees and would be working as third-party professionals on your behalf to help you make informed buying decisions.
Do I need a business license to bid and buy? If so, where can I get it?
Not all Copart inventory requires business licenses. You'll greatly benefit, however, from having these items on file with Copart:
- Operational business licenses (dealer, dismantler, repairable and/or business licenses)
- Sales tax licenses
- Sales tax exemption forms
Want to know what we have on file for you? Go to Account Information to view your current business licenses.
Business licenses are typically issued through state departments of transportation, motor vehicles, finance or taxation. Every state has its own business licensing requirements, which you can see on the State Licensing Overview. For more detailed, state-specific licensing guidelines, including links to applications and forms, choose your state from the Licensing Map.
With enough Buying Power, Copart Members without a business license can bid on and purchase No License Required vehicles. However, they still have to pay sales tax where applicable. Sales tax regulation varies among states, and rates vary among locations.
How do I use a Broker?
Brokers are professional buyers who assist businesses and individuals who may not have the business licenses to buy the vehicles they want. Brokers often provide bidding and buying advice, repair services, transportation, export shipping and more. Some Brokers even have physical storefronts and are set up with kiosks allowing you to bid and buy right from their office.
The easiest way to use a Broker is to first find the vehicles that you’re interested in buying. Once you attempt to bid on these lots, you will be directed to the list of Brokers who can help you. Not all Brokers can facilitate the purchase of every vehicle. This is why it’s important that you select your desired vehicles before attempting to contact a Broker.
Remember that Brokers are independent of Copart. When you use a Broker, you are buying vehicles through the Broker and not Copart. Members who elect to work with a Broker to bid on vehicles are advised to carefully read and understand the Broker’s terms and conditions, including payment terms and conditions. You should also review the Broker’s qualifications thoroughly to ensure that the Broker meets your vehicle purchasing needs.
What is a total loss vehicle?
Total loss is the label that auto insurance companies give to vehicles when the cost of repair (to its pre-damaged condition) exceeds its value.
Factors that determine whether a vehicle is a total loss include whether the vehicle can be repaired safely; individual state laws; and your car insurance company's standards.
What is a salvage title?
After your vehicle is determined to be a 'total loss' by your insurance company, your state's DMV will then issue a salvage title or salvage certificate for the vehicle. Vehicles with a salvage title can have limits on who can purchase it and could require special inspections before becoming road legal. Cars can receive salvage titles for a variety of reasons, including flood or hail damage, theft recovery, and vandalism.
What if I want to keep my total loss vehicle?
Most vehicle owners are unaware they have the right to salvage their own vehicle. If you prefer to keep your total loss vehicle instead of turning it over to your insurance company, then most insurance companies will pay the actual cash value of the vehicle minus your deductible (if the accident was your fault) and the salvage value. You would receive a check for that amount and a salvage title.
Your state may have rules preventing you from keeping a total loss vehicle. For many states, you could be required to obtain a salvage certificate stating that the vehicle was previously a total loss. If you are unsure about your state’s regulations regarding total loss cars, ask your insurance company or an auto damage adjuster.
What are the steps for obtaining a salvage certificate?
Step 1: Determining Total Loss
‘Totaled’ or ‘total loss’ is a term used by insurance companies to describe a vehicle that will cost the insurance company more to fix than the car is worth.
Step 2: Salvage the Car & Receive a Salvage Certificate
Once your car, truck, or SUV is determined to be totaled it becomes a salvage vehicle. You now can bring it your local DMV and apply for a new salvage certificate. A salvage certificate means your vehicle will always be considered a salvage vehicle, regardless of what condition to which it can be repaired. This certificate can often affect insurance rates and void warranties on the car.
Should I sell my car to a junk yard?
If your car or truck is one that is so damaged that it makes more financial sense to sell it for parts than to try and repair it, then selling your car to a junkyard may be the solution for you.
Here are several tips to follow when deciding if junking your vehicle is the right path to take:
- Prepare yourself. Find out if the junkyard prefers to dismantle the vehicle, or will it offer you more money if you do it yourself? Should you remove non-metal materials? Or will the junkyard handle remove them?
- Title and registration. The junkyard might want to see the title and proof of registration for your vehicle. However, be sure to check with your local DMV before releasing any of these documents.
- Prices. Just like you would with anything else, shop around for the best value. The most convenient junkyard might offer you a decent price, but the one across town might pay you more.
- Remember to let the junkyard know if your vehicle is operable, which parts are damaged, and the value of your vehicle.
