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Copart Auto Auctions

About Copart Auctions

Copart is a global leader in online vehicle auctions, specializing in used, wholesale, clean title, salvage, and repairable cars. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with over 200 auction yards worldwide, Copart provides access to a daily inventory of more than 250,000 vehicles.

How do Copart Auctions work?

Copart sources and resells its vehicles for finance companies, banks, insurance companies, and other businesses. Both licensed dealers and the public can search, bid on, and purchase vehicles through Copart’s online and in-person auctions.

Vehicle Types

Copart offers a wide variety of repossessed, undamaged and damaged vehicles including: 

  • Repairable, Salvage titled vehicles
  • Undamaged, clean titled vehicles
  • Exotic, performance & luxury vehicles
  • Classic, antique and collector cars
  • Powersports (ATVs, boats, motorcycles, etc)
  • Recreational vehicles (RVs, trailers)
  • Commercial/Construction trucks & equipment
  • Buses

Who Can Buy Vehicles at Copart?

Although Copart auctions are open to anyone wanting to purchase a vehicle, some vehicles are limited to qualified buyers.

Dealers

Licensed dealers have access to the broadest selection of damaged and undamaged vehicles and do not have to pay taxes or registration fees, when these vehicles are purchased for resale.

Consumers & Businesses

Public buyers have access to a selection of “safe” vehicles that have met the state’s minimum safety and smog check. Public buyers are required to pay tax and registration fees and are limited on which vehicles they can purchase. In most states, the public are not legally allowed to resell the vehicles with the intent to profit. without holding a Vehicle Dealer License.

Copart Auction Locations 

Copart operates over 200 auction locations across the United States including Dealer-only and Public auctions.

Dealer-only Auction Locations

Copart offers a vast selection of vehicles, from salvage to clean title, tailored to the needs of licensed Vehicle Dealers. 

With locations in nearly every state, dealers can easily source inventory and arrange transportation no matter where they are.

Public Auction Locations

Copart offers public auctions at most locations. These auctions provide individuals and businesses without a Dealer License the chance to bid on and purchase vehicles directly. Public buyers are required to pay tax and registration fees and are limited on which vehicles they can purchase.

How to Buy & Sell at Car Auctions for Profit Developed by experienced car dealers and auctioneers. The course covers everything from registering at auctions to bidding strategies and how auctions work for post-purchase logistics and dealer financing. We’ll equip you with live phone support and the tools to navigate auctions confidently to avoid costly mistakes.

Copart Login

Log in to your Copart account to easily access auction schedules, track your bids, review purchased and sold vehicles, check invoices, and manage shipping details – all in one place. Registered Copart members have access to all Copart locations across the country.

[ Login to Copart ]

Memberships & Costs

Copart offers different membership levels to fit different needs. Your access to the Copart Inventory is based on your licensing on file, not on your Membership type. For example, a licensed vehicle dealer can access different vehicle types.

Guest Membership (Free)Browse auctions without the ability to bid. Ideal to explore the platform before committing. You can only view 1 auction at a time.
Basic Membership ($99/yr)Bid on vehicles up to $2,000 and offers access to watchlists, saved searches, and the dashboard. You can bid on 1 vehicle at a time and view multiple auctions.
Basic Membership + Deposit ($99/yr)Bid on vehicles over $2,000. A 10% deposit of your desired max bid is required. Example: A $3,500 bid would require a deposit of $350. You can bid on 5 vehicles at a time and view multiple auctions.
Premier Membership ($249/yr)Spend up to $100,000 daily. With a $249 annual fee and a one-time refundable $400 deposit, you can bid on 10 vehicles per day, buy 3 vehicles per day and view multiple auctions at a time.

Copart Brands

Purple Wave Auction

Purple Wave, established in 2000, is a leader in online auctions for used construction, agriculture, and fleet vehicles.

CashForCars.com

With over 35 years of industry experience, CashForCars.com offers a fast and easy way to sell vehicles in the US, UK, and Germany.

National Powersport Auctions (NPA)

NPA is the top provider of auction and remarketing services in the powersports industry, serving dealerships and lenders.

Autovahinkokeskus (AVK)

Founded in 1966 by Finnish insurance companies, AVK specializes in the sale of accident and salvage vehicles in Finland.

CrashToys

CrashToys, acquired by Copart in 2013, offers a wide range of used and repairable motorcycles, ATVs, and powersports vehicles.

WOM

WOM is one of Europe’s largest online auction platforms for accident vehicles, with over 450,000 vehicles available annually.

CarConverter

CarConverter simplifies the process of selling vehicles quickly and easily for customers across the UK.

U-Pull-It

U-Pull-It is a self-service vehicle parts provider, offering a vast selection of used parts to customers looking to salvage.

Types of Auctions

Buying from Copart is easy, with several types of auctions available to let you bid and buy cars in the way that works best for you.

Preliminary/Pre-Bids: Submit your maximum bid before the live auction begins. The system will automatically place bids on your behalf up to your pre-set limit.

Counter Bidding: Make offers on a vehicle after the auction closes, negotiating directly with the seller if the reserve price wasn’t met.

Live Bidding: Bid in real-time during live auctions, either online or in-person, competing with other buyers for the vehicle.

Buy It Now: Secure a vehicle instantly by paying the listed price, bypassing the auction process entirely.

Copart Kiosk: Visit a Copart facility and use an on-site kiosk to bid and purchase vehicles in person.

Mobile Apps

Copart Mobile App

Browse, bid on, and win vehicles in online auctions. Basic and Premier Members can join live auctions, manage their Watchlist, and receive notifications. Convenient features include voice search, vehicle recommendations, and payment management. Copart customers can download it from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Copart Seller App

Easily manage your lots and assignments with the Copart Seller App. Executives can track key metrics and reports, while adjusters can create assignments, approve bids, and use tools like ProQuote and Early Tow IQ. Copart customers can download it from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Copart Transportation App

Manage vehicle pickups efficiently with real-time trip tracking from assignment to completion. Tow providers can receive updates, use paperless gate passes, communicate with dispatchers, and streamline their workflow to save time and increase productivity. Customers can download it from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Auction Services

Vehicle Condition Reports

Copart is unique because they charge for Condition Reports. For $35/vehicle, you receive:

  • Internal and external videos
  • Additional photos showing features and damage
  • 50+ vehicle features, including condition and equipment details
  • Available in English and Spanish

Broker Services

A Broker at Copart is a licensed vehicle Dealer who helps you purchase vehicles from auctions when you don’t have the required licenses. They bid on your behalf and handle the transaction. You can also obtain a vehicle Dealer License in your state, allowing you to buy cars directly from Copart auctions yourself.

Arbitration & Sale Lights

Copart, like most professional auctions, uses a color-coded Sale Lights system to provide transparency on vehicle conditions and disclosures. These lights help buyers understand the level of guarantee and eligibility for dispute resolution if issues arise after the sale, known as arbitration.

Green Light (Guaranteed)Vehicles are guaranteed by the seller and eligible for arbitration under Copart’s policy.
Yellow Light (Limited Guarantee)There is limited eligibility for disputes. Vehicles over 15 years old, with more than 150,000 miles, or with significant hail damage automatically receive this designation.
Red Light (Limited As-Is) Vehicles are sold as-is with limited arbitration, only eligible under Copart’s Member Protection Pledge.

Third-Party Vehicle Inspections

Copart offers third-party vehicle inspections with detailed reports provided in 24 to 48 business hours. These inspections cover passenger, commercial, and recreational vehicles, giving you essential information about vehicle condition, damage, and repair costs. This helps ensure you make informed and confident bids, even if you can’t inspect the vehicle in person.

Payment Options

  • Wire Transfer: Available in the US, UK, and Canada.
  • ePay: Business buyers purchasing 25+ vehicles a year.
  • Debit Card: All US locations for online and in-person payments.
  • Money Order: In-person payments, acquired at post offices or banks.
  • Cashier’s Check: Bank-issued and accepted for purchases.
  • MoneyGram: Pay via MoneyGram locations using cash or debit card.
  • Canada Corporate Creditor: Electronic payment option for Canadian buyers.
  • Cash: Accepted at most locations.
  • Company Check: For domestic buyers.
  • Third-Party Financing: WestLake or Next Gear
  • Available Funds: Apply refunds or previous payments to purchases.
  • Global Pay X (Western Union): For international buyers.
  • Credit Card: $20,000 daily limit.
  • Wallet Apps: Google Pay, Apple Pay, and PayPal for payments.

Transportation

Domestic (US) Shipping: Copart offers domestic vehicle delivery. You can find estimated shipping costs on each vehicle’s listing page. After purchasing a vehicle, you will add the delivery on the Payments Due page. Most vehicles are picked up within six business days and shipping is available to most U.S. addresses. 

Shipping calculator: On each vehicle’s listing page, near the bottom, you’ll find the Shipping Estimate Tool. Simply enter your ZIP code to see an instant estimated delivery cost for the vehicle.

Copart Towing Jobs: Get steady work, flexible scheduling, and weekly pay with Copart. Manage pickups and dispatches easily through the Copart Transportation App while growing your towing business.

International Shipping: Copart offers simple international shipping for buyers worldwide. Use the Shipping Estimate Tool on each vehicle’s page to get a quote, and choose from partnered shipping providers for easy delivery. Authorized representatives are also available to assist with purchasing, shipping, and customs.

Customer Service

Copart’s Client Care team is dedicated to providing dealers with exceptional customer service, offering support for all inquiries or issues that may arise. For corporate matters, visit the Copart Corporate Office.

  • Copart Direct Customer Service: 1 (800) 381-6219
  • Dealer Services: 1 (888) 616-1237
  • Member Services: 1 (972) 391-5400
  • Vehicle Status (Buying/Selling): 1 (877) 424-5568

Updated: 12/3/24