Copart Common Misconceptions

At Copart, we strive to guarantee that our Members enjoy the ultimate buying experience, and leave completely satisfied with their purchase.

We are committed to conducting business properly, are passionate about making a positive impact, and most importantly, we strive to exceed expectations. If a Member is unhappy with the business, customer service or vehicle they received at Copart, we aim to ensure that the concern is immediately addressed.

Before bidding on a Copart vehicle, it is important to take advantage of Copart's resources to maximize your buying experience. Many problems our Members experience are the result of a misunderstanding of how the Copart buying process works, and we are here to debunk some popular myths and alleviate confusion. Let’s get started!

Myth #1: Copart Has Hidden Fees

While Member Fees do exist at Copart, no fees are hidden from our Members, and the list can be accessed at any time. It is important for Members to educate themselves on which fees are relevant to them and what to expect before placing a bid on a vehicle. Member Fees are based on payment method and the current business licensing a buyer has on file. Learn more about business licensing and the different payment options.

Fees are first determined by your classification as a Business or Consumer Member. What is the difference? A Business Member has a business license on file with Copart. This also pertains to Buyers with a non-U.S. address. A Consumer Member is classified as a Member with no business license on file.

Myth #2: Copart Sells New Vehicles

If the vehicle you won at Copart is not what you expected, we apologize for the confusion and want to ensure that your next buying experience is exactly what you are expecting.

While low-mileage, late year model gems with minimal damage do pass through Copart’s patented auction platform, it is important to remember that most vehicles at Copart are salvage title vehicles, and as detailed in our Member Terms and Conditions, every lot listed for auction is advertised and listed AS IS.

Remember: Copart is not a new or used car dealership and should not be treated as such. We encourage our Members and prospective Buyers to visit our physical locations to preview vehicles of interest prior to auction. Take steps to ensure your visit is seamless by giving us a call to determine the hours viewing is available—we look forward to meeting you! If you are unable to visit a Copart location in person, a third-party inspection service may be useful to help you make an informed buying decision. View our list of Copart approved inspectors.

Have questions? Learn more about the Copart buying process with our FAQs.

Myth #3: Copart Has Misleading Terms

Copart uses a unique vehicle terminology which can be confusing to a new Member or perspective Buyer, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie to the auto auction world. Understanding what some of the terminology used means will help you become a well-informed Buyer.

• Run and Drive: This is the most misunderstood Copart term. At the time a vehicle arrives at a Copart location, Copart verifies that the vehicle starts, can be put into gear and can move forward under its own power. There is no guarantee that this is still true by the time a vehicle is picked up on location. There is also no guarantee, representation or warrant that the vehicle is in roadworthy condition, or can be driven lawfully upon the highways of any state.

• Engine Start Program At the time a vehicle arrives at a Copart facility, Copart verified that the vehicle started and ran at idle. There is no guarantee, representation or warrant that the vehicle will start or run at idle at the time the vehicle is picked up at a Copart location.

• Seller Certified: It is important for Members to know that if they are not completely satisfied with their purchase, they have the right to decline to complete the purchase transaction without any penalties, fees or charges with the Seller Certified feature. This must take place before leaving Copart premises, or the Member must understand and agree that s/he accepts the vehicle AS IS pursuant to Copart’s Member Terms and Conditions.

• Current and Pre-Bid: What about bidding lingo? A “Current Bid” at Copart is the highest price offered for a lot at a specific time. There may be a higher maximum bid being represented by VB3 BID4U. The current bid is always listed in the currency of the country of the location. A “Pre-Bid” is a bid placed during preliminary bidding, which takes place up to 1 hour before the Virtual “Live” Auction begins. Bids may be placed online or through computer terminals located in Copart locations.

Visit our Common Terms page for more Copart terms and definitions.