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  3. Joining an Auction

Joining an Auction

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How do I join an auction? When are auctions held?

You have several choices for how to join a Copart auction. Any registered user can view an auction, but only approved Basic and Premier Members can bid on a vehicle.

  • On the homepage, click on the Auctions tab, and scroll down to Join an Auction. Then pick the auction from the list you’d like to join.
  • For a vehicle that is about to be up for auction, select the Join Auction button in the search results or on the vehicle details page.
  • From any Copart Locations page, which you can find at Copart.com/Locations, scroll down to Today’s Auctions and selectJoin Auction.
  • Lastly, you can join an auction from your Member Dashboard.

Auction Times

Most auctions start at 12 p.m. local time, but locations in the Eastern time zone begin at 10 a.m. Most locations will have auctions on the same day and time each week. Copart also holds spotlight auctions throughout the week at different times like our Copart Select, Weekly Powersports Auction, Specialty Vehicle Auctions and Night Cap Sales.

To find information about all our auction days and times, visit the Copart Auction Calendar under the Auctions tab on the Copart home page. You can also find more information about auctions at specific Copart locations at Copart.com/Locations.

A bid is a legally binding offer to buy a specific vehicle at a specific price. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for the details of Copart's bid policy.

Tips Before You Bid

Here are a few tips before you decide to bid in your first auction:

  • Consider using the Max Bid automatic bidding function if you are a new user.
  • Be sure to check the location of the vehicle you want to purchase. This can help you plan for shipping costs and other transportation related expenses.
  • Check your deposit, especially if you are a Basic Member. Remember, you’ll need 10% of the maximum total amount you plan to bid on a vehicle. Premier Members only need a one-time $400 deposit.
  • Check for licenses required and make sure you have the required documents.
  • Don’t forget about Copart’s fees when financially planning for your purchase(s).
  • Pay quickly and pick up your vehicles so you won’t have to pay storage fees.

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