Copart or IAAI: the differences and what auction fees cost
Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) are the two largest US auctions, where insurers, rental companies and dealers sell cars. Our search shows both in one list.
What they have in common
- Both sell cars as is, often after accidents.
- Both start with preliminary bidding, followed by a live online auction.
- Both publish photos, the damage type, the title type, the mileage and whether the car starts.
Differences
- Numbers: a Copart car has a LOT number, an IAAI car a Stock number.
- Yards: both have hundreds of yards across the USA, but in different places – the location sets the cost of transport to the port.
- Fees: for the same price IAAI fees are usually a little higher.
What the auction fees come to
The auction adds buyer fees to the winning price. They depend on the price and are higher, in percent, for cheaper cars. For example, roughly:
- for a 2,000 USD car – about 600–700 USD;
- 5,000 USD – about 900–1,000 USD;
- 10,000 USD – about 1,100–1,200 USD.
Fees change, so the most accurate amount is always on the vehicle page under "Price in Lithuania" and in the calculator.
Which to choose
Choose the car, not the auction: what matters is the condition, the documents and the full price to Lithuania. In the search you can choose both auctions at once.