How to Buy Salvage Cars at Copart (Step-by-Step Guide)

Copart Overview: What You’re Actually Buying

Copart is a large online auction platform for salvage, damage-disclosed, and sometimes clean-title vehicles from insurance companies, fleets, dealers, and individuals. Many cars are repairable; others are best for parts. Your profit or savings depend on correctly valuing the vehicle after all costs.

Step-by-Step: How to Buy Salvage Cars at Copart

Step 1 — Create Your Copart Account

Sign up for a free account, then decide between Basic and Premium membership. Premium reduces buyer’s fees and often pays for itself if you bid frequently or on higher-value vehicles. Need help deciding? Read our Membership Guide and test savings with the Fee Calculator.

Step 2 — Verify License Requirements

Depending on your state and the vehicle’s title type, you may need a dealer or dismantler license. If you don’t have one, use a broker service or target auctions that allow public buyers. Check rules for your location in our State-by-State Guide.

Step 3 — Research Vehicles Like a Pro

• Run the VIN for history, mileage, theft, and prior damage.
• Study photos: panel gaps, fluid stains under the car, airbag deployed, coolant reservoir, frame rails.
• Read seller notes: starts/drive, keys present, damage types (front end, flood, hail).
• Estimate repairs: price out major parts + labor. Add a 10–20% buffer.

Step 4 — Set Your Max Bid (Before the Auction)

Use the calculator to model multiple scenarios (Basic vs Premium, different states, with/without shipping). Your maximum bid is the number that still leaves profit or savings after everything else.

Formula: Max Bid = (Target Resale Value − Repairs − Parts − Transport − Taxes − Fees − Paperwork − Profit Margin)

Step 5 — Watch Pre-Bid & Live Auction

Place a conservative pre-bid to set your presence. On auction day, bid calmly. If it exceeds your max, you walk—there’s always another car.

Step 6 — Win, Pay, and Schedule Pickup/Shipping

1. Pay promptly to avoid storage fees.
2. Arrange pickup or book a transporter. Validate yard rules, release numbers, and driver requirements.
3. Track delivery and confirm the condition on arrival.

Fees, Taxes & True Total Cost

Copart’s buyer’s fees depend on membership tier. Taxes depend on the state. Transport depends on distance and operability. The only way to avoid guesswork is to model everything.

Want a quick rule of thumb? On higher bids, Premium membership usually wins because that 5% fee difference compounds fast. We break down taxes and typical fees per state in our State Tax Guide.

Understanding Vehicle Conditions & Titles

Common Damage Labels

• Front/Rear/Side Impact: Look for frame rail ripples, radiator support bends, and wheel alignment.
• Hail: Often cosmetic but check roof and hood; PDR costs can add up.
• Flood: High risk. Look for silt under carpets, moisture in lights, corrosion on connectors. Assume electrical issues.
• Mechanical: Engine/transmission may need replacement—price parts in advance.

Title Types

• Salvage: Significant damage; requires inspection to re-title for road use in many states.
• Rebuilt/Reconstructed: Previously salvage, repaired, and inspected—often easier to insure and register.
• Certificate of Destruction/Non-repairable: For parts only; cannot be titled for road use.
• Clean Title: Not always damage-free—still read the report and photos carefully.

Bidding Strategy That Works

1. Do the math first: Decide your max bid using the calculator, before the live auction.
2. Use pre-bids to test interest: But don’t chase the price early.
3. Bid late, bid once: A confident final bid near your max avoids emotional overbidding.
4. Don’t fear walking away: If it breaks your model, skip it. There’s always another lot.

Shipping & Pickup

Decide early whether you’ll pick up or ship. Inoperable cars need a winch-capable carrier and may incur yard loading fees. Confirm:

Use our Shipping Calculator (or add shipping to the main calculator) to keep totals realistic.

Pre-Bid Checklist (Copy & Use)

• ✅ VIN history report pulled
• ✅ Damage type understood (with parts list & estimates)
• ✅ Title status confirmed (and your eligibility)
• ✅ Fees & taxes modeled in Copart Fee Calculator
• ✅ Shipping/pickup plan set
• ✅ Target resale or personal budget fixed
• ✅ Max bid locked (and you’re ready to walk away)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a dealer license to buy on Copart?

It depends on your state and the vehicle title. Public buyers can access many auctions, but some title types or locations require a business license or a broker. Check our State-by-State Guide.

Is Premium membership worth it?

If you buy more than a few cars per year or bid on higher-value vehicles, the lower buyer’s fee typically outweighs the membership cost. Run scenarios in the calculator.

How accurate is your total cost estimate?

Our calculator includes buyer’s fees, state-level taxes, and optional shipping. Local taxes and special fees can apply, so keep a small buffer.

Can I finance a Copart purchase?

Most buyers pay via cash, wire, or cashier’s check. Some third parties offer financing, but approval can be stricter for salvage titles. Always account for interest in your total cost.

What about insurance on salvage or rebuilt titles?

Coverage varies by insurer and state. Liability is usually possible; full coverage may require inspections or may be limited. Call your insurer before you buy.

Pro Tips to Save Money

• Buy in low-tax or zero-tax states if shipping is reasonable. See: Tax Guide.
• Upgrade to Premium when your average bid size justifies the fee savings.
• Avoid storage fees: pay and release quickly; book transport early.
• Target “cosmetic only” damage when starting out; mechanical and flood carry bigger unknowns.
• Track sold comps to calibrate your bids and reduce overpaying.

Next step: Model your next bid in minutes with the Copart Fee Calculator. Know your true max bid before the auction starts.