How much are Copart and IAAI fees?

Forgetting fees: Buyer's premium, gate fees, towing, and storage add 25-40% on top of the bid.
Bidding emotionally: Set your max bid before the auction. Walk away if it passes. There's always another car.
Ignoring secondary damage: A "front-end" hit often includes radiator, condenser, fans, sensors, and airbag modules not visible in photos.
Not checking title type: A salvage title can be rebuilt. A scrap/non-repairable title (in some states) cannot be registered — ever. Verify before bidding.
Slow pickup: Storage fees ($25-$50/day) start accumulating 3-5 days after purchase. Have towing arranged before you bid.

Fees add 25-40% on top of the winning bid. Buyer's premium (12-18%), gate fee ($79-$99), environmental fee, title processing ($55-$80), and towing ($100-$500+). A $5,000 bid typically becomes $6,500-$7,000 all-in.

What is a good max bid formula for salvage cars?

Max bid = (clean-title value × 0.70) – repair costs – fees. This accounts for the 30% rebuilt-title discount and gives margin for hidden damage discovered during teardown.

Can anyone buy from Copart or IAAI?

Rules vary by state. Some states allow direct public registration. Others require a dealer license or using a broker ($100-$500 fee). Check your state requirements before creating an account.

Junkyard Guide•Jun 11, 2026•By U-Pull-It Staff

Salvage Auction Bidding Strategy: How to Win Without Overpaying at Copart & IAAI

First-time auction buyers overpay by 15-30% because they forget about fees. The winning bid is only 60-70% of your total cost. Here is the complete bidding strategy for Copart and IAAI.

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