
Want to find some rebuildable project cars and trucks? Or just some parts cars? Insurance companies all over the US auction off wrecked vehicles every year.
The insurance company might say it’s a total loss, but a lot of times these vehicles are easy to fix up and can be a steal.
I’ll be straight with you – insurance company auctions aren’t for newbies. If you’ve never been to a car auction before, or you don’t know much about cars, you might want to hold back.
But if you’ve got some experience and aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty, you can find some great deals on all sorts of salvage vehicles, even luxury cars.
See Also: My Car Junk Yards Guide
Salvage Car Auction Fee Calculator
Copart Buyer Fee Calculator
1. Enter final bid price
2. Select title type
3. Select state for tax calculation
Includes all Copart fees and applicable taxes
Base Fee: $0.00
Gate Fee: $79.00
Internet Bid Fee: $19.00
Transaction Fee: $5.00
Copart Fees Total: $0.00
Estimated Tax: $0.00
Total Cost: $0.00

How to Buy Wrecked Insurance Cars
Do insurance companies sell totaled cars?
You might be surprised to hear that a “total loss” doesn’t always mean a car is completely trashed. Insurance companies call it a “total loss” when fixing the car would cost more than the car is actually worth.
It might need a new bumper or some serious engine work – the reason doesn’t really matter. If the repairs cost more than the car’s value, they’ll send it off to auction. You can find these cars at auction sites all over the US.
Can I bid on insurance total loss cars at salvage auctions?
You will often need a dealer’s license [Read My Auction License Guide] to get in on the action. Just head to an auction website or straight to the auction location. Some places might ask for a 10% deposit before you can start bidding, but that’s all it takes.
What types of vehicles are available at insurance auctions?
All types of vehicles are declared a “total loss” by insurance companies. Therefore, you can bid on everything from popular selling cars, trucks and SUVs to luxury vehicles and even exotic cars. Chances are that the exact type of vehicle that you are looking for is being auctioned by an insurance company.

What are the advantages of buying a car at a salvage auction?
Why should you think about bidding at these auctions? Let me give you three good reasons:
First off, you can find some seriously low prices. Since it’s an auction, you might be able to get a car for less than its Blue Book value, especially if not many other people are bidding. I’ve seen people get amazing deals this way.
Second, once the auction’s over, you can get the car right away. Just pay for it and it’s yours.
And finally, you’ll find all sorts of vehicles at these auctions. They’ve got all kinds of makes and models, so you’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Where can I bid on insurance cars in the USA?
Auction Site | Details |
---|---|
Copart | Copart has been around since 1982 and offers non-repairable, clean title, and salvage vehicles. They’ve got over 200 locations across the United States. I love that the bidding nationwide is entirely online, but their fees are much higher than they used to be. |
ACV Auctions | ACV Auctions provides full vehicle condition reports, which I think adds excellent transparency. Auctions only last 20 minutes, which keeps things fast. The downside for me is that you can’t inspect the vehicle in person before the auction. |
IAAI | IAAI is run by Insurance Auto Auctions and offers online and in-person auctions at 190 locations nationwide. I find their variety of payment options really helpful, especially for newer bidders like me. |
Auto Auction Mall | Auto Auction Mall often has about 200,000 live auctions happening at any time. They give the public access to exclusive dealer salvage auctions through a broker. While it’s not my top pick, it’s a solid option for buying wrecked cars. |
Autobidmaster | Autobidmaster is a registered Copart broker, which means a free membership gives you access to all of Copart’s auctions. They’ve got over 162,000 vehicles available for purchase, making it a great choice for me. |
My Tips for Getting a Deal on Insurance Auction Cars
Look, you can definitely find some amazing deals on cars at these insurance auctions. I’ve seen it happen myself. But I’ve also seen people get in over their heads. Just because it’s a luxury car doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.
Sometimes those cars need special parts or tools to fix, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, you could end up losing a lot of money.
So do your research, check out the cars carefully, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.
Watch a Walk-Through Video of an Insurance Auction Car Lot
In this video below, you’ll get an up-close look at a salvage car auction lot in New Castle, Delaware. The video showcases 254 cars in varying conditions, from heavily damaged wrecks to vehicles that could soon be road-worthy again.
It provides a comprehensive view of what’s available in the salvage car market, making it a nice auction video for anyone interested in salvage car auctions.
Last updated on January 28th, 2025 at 06:56 pm