Auction Buying
What a Quick Walk-Around at the Auction Yard Can't Tell You
A quick yard walk-around can't show how a car runs, its frame, flood damage, or wiring. Here's what to check before you bid.
01Auctions
Getting a Salvage Vehicle Home: Transport Options
You won the bid. Now the clock is ticking on pickup and storage fees. Your options for getting an auction vehicle home, what each costs in time and money, and the paperwork you need.
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- 3 min
- Updated
- October 2, 2026
Winning the bid is the fun part. Then you have a short window to pay and pick up before storage fees start stacking up every day. Plan your transport before you bid, not after you win.
01Know the deadlines
Copart and IAA set deadlines for payment and pickup, and charge storage after that. Check the yard's terms for the exact rules. Missing them can wipe out the profit on a cheap vehicle.
02Option 1: tow it yourself
If you have a truck and a car hauler or tow dolly and the yard is close, this is the cheapest option.
- Most auction vehicles shouldn't be driven even if listed "Run and Drive." Salvage titles usually can't be driven on public roads anyway.
- Make sure your truck and trailer are rated for the weight, and bring straps, a winch for non-runners, and wheel chocks.
- Yards have rules about who can load and how. Some won't help load non-running vehicles onto your trailer.
03Option 2: hire a local tow
For nearby yards, a local tow company is easy and quick. Ask for a flat rate up front and tell them whether the vehicle rolls, steers and has keys.
04Option 3: auto transport carriers
For long distances, auto transport companies and load boards connect you with carriers who haul cars on open trailers. Some brokers specialize in auction pickups.
- Give exact details: running or not, keys, whether it rolls and steers.
- Non-running vehicles cost more; they need a winch.
- Get the yard's pickup requirements to the carrier (gate pass, release forms).
05Option 4: the auction's own shipping
Copart and IAA offer shipping services and partners. Convenient, sometimes pricier, worth comparing.
06The paperwork
You'll typically need a gate pass or release after payment, and the person picking up may need ID or authorization from you. Without the right paper, the driver gets turned away and you pay for a wasted trip.
07Before it leaves the yard
If you can, have the driver take photos at pickup. Damage during transport happens, and photos settle arguments.
08Build it into your bid
Transport is a real cost. Get a quote before the auction for that yard and that vehicle, and put it into your maximum bid.
Photo: Bergingstruck met auto (tow truck with car).jpg) by unknown, CC BY-SA 3.0.
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