How do I get access to bid on Copart?

In most states, you need a dealer license for full access. Without one, use a registered Copart broker who bids on your behalf for $200-$500 per vehicle. Some states allow public bidding on clean title vehicles through Copart's Basic Membership.

What does "Run and Drive" mean on Copart?

Run and Drive indicates the vehicle starts and operates. This is verified by Copart staff. These are the safest vehicles for flipping - you know the major mechanicals work. They typically command 20-30% higher bids than non-running equivalents.

How long do I have to pick up a Copart vehicle?

You have 3 business days after receiving payment confirmation to pick up your vehicle. After that, storage fees of $20-$40 per day apply. If you don't pick up within 30 days, Copart can resell the vehicle and you lose your money.

What is a Copart "Buy It Now" vehicle?

Buy It Now vehicles can be purchased immediately at the listed price without bidding. These are typically higher-priced clean title vehicles. The convenience comes at a premium - you'll usually pay 10-20% more than you would winning an auction.

Should I flip salvage or clean title Copart vehicles?

Start with clean title vehicles. They're easier to sell, don't require rebuilding inspection, and command higher resale values. Salvage titles require mechanical expertise, state inspections, and sell at 20-40% discount to clean titles.

How do I calculate profit on a Copart flip?

Retail Value - (Bid + Buyer Premium + Gate Fee + Transport + Repairs + Title Costs + Your Time) = Profit. Example: $10,000 retail - ($4,000 bid + $500 fees + $400 transport + $1,000 repairs + $200 title) = $3,900 profit.

AutoHunter Blog | Used Car Market Insights & Guides

Why Copart is the Flipper's Gold Mine

Copart is the largest online vehicle auction platform in the world, with 200,000+ vehicles available at any time. Insurance companies, fleet operators, dealers, and banks sell their vehicles here - often at 30-60% below retail value. For flippers who understand the system, Copart is the most consistent source of high-margin inventory.

The catch: Copart has a steep learning curve. Misunderstand the fee structure, overbid on damaged vehicles, or ignore red flags, and you'll lose money fast. This guide shows you how experienced flippers consistently profit from Copart.

Understanding Copart Fees

Copart's fee structure is complex. Your actual cost is significantly higher than your winning bid:

Copart buyer fees by bid amount (rates as of 2025)
Bid Amount	Buyer Premium	Gate Fee	Total Fees
$0-$99	$1 (min)	$79	$80
$100-$499	$49	$79	$128
$500-$999	$49	$79	$128
$1,000-$1,499	$99	$79	$178
$1,500-$1,999	$125	$79	$204
$2,000-$3,999	$150-$250	$79	$229-$329
$4,000-$5,999	$300-$400	$79	$379-$479
$6,000+	10-18% of bid	$79	Varies

Fee Reality Check

A $5,000 winning bid typically costs $5,600-$5,800 after fees - that's a 12-16% markup. Always calculate total acquisition cost, not just your bid amount, when projecting profit.

Decoding Damage Types

Every Copart listing includes a damage description. Understanding what each means is critical:

Copart damage types and their flip potential
Damage Type	What It Means	Flip Potential	Risk Level
Run and Drive	Vehicle operates, minor damage	Excellent	Low
Front End	Hood, bumper, radiator area	Good if no frame damage	Medium
Rear End	Trunk, bumper, tail lights	Good - usually cosmetic	Low-Med
Side	Doors, fenders, quarters	Depends on severity	Medium
Mechanical	Engine/trans issues	Poor for beginners	High
Flood	Water damage	Avoid completely	Extreme

Red Flags to Always Avoid

Flood damage: Electrical problems forever, mold, corrosion - never worth it
Enhanced damage: Copart's way of saying “worse than photos show”
Fire damage: Rarely repairable, nearly impossible to resell
Stripped: Missing parts, often stolen recovery
Biohazard: You don't want to know - just avoid

The Profitable Copart Strategy

Step 1: Filter for Opportunity

Use Copart's search filters strategically:

Set “Run and Drive” to Yes
Filter to “Clean Title” vehicles (easier to resell)
Limit to vehicles under 100,000 miles
Focus on popular makes: Toyota, Honda, Ford F-150
Search yards within 200 miles to reduce transport costs

Step 2: Research Before Bidding

For every vehicle you're interested in:

Run a VIN check for complete history
Check KBB and NADA for realistic retail values
Search Facebook Marketplace for comparable asking prices
Get repair estimates for visible damage
Calculate total acquisition cost including all fees

Step 3: Inspect In Person When Possible

Copart yards allow preview inspections. Use them:

Verify damage matches listing photos
Check for hidden damage not photographed
Start the engine if marked “Run and Drive”
Look under the vehicle for frame damage
Check interior for flood indicators

Inspection Tip

Bring a magnet to the inspection. If it doesn't stick to body panels, they've been repaired with filler - indicating previous damage more significant than disclosed.

Step 4: Set Max Bid and Don't Exceed It

Calculate your maximum bid:

Max Bid = Retail Value - Repairs - Total Fees - Transport - Target Profit

Enter this as your proxy bid and walk away. Auction fever kills profits. If you win, great. If not, another vehicle is coming tomorrow.

Clean Title vs. Salvage Strategy

Clean Title Flipping (Recommended for Beginners)

Vehicles with minor damage and no total loss history
Easier to sell - no buyer hesitation about salvage brands
No state inspection required
Typically 15-25% profit margins

Salvage Title Rebuilding (Advanced)

Requires mechanical expertise or repair shop partnerships
Must pass state rebuilt title inspection
Sells at 20-40% discount to clean title equivalents
Higher profit potential (30-50%) but much higher risk

WATCH

Copart is essential for serious flippers.

If you want to flip cars at volume with consistent margins, Copart mastery is required. The learning curve is real - expect to lose money on your first few purchases. But once you understand the system, Copart offers the best inventory source in the flipping business.

Pros

Massive inventory - 200,000+ vehicles available
True wholesale pricing, 30-60% below retail
Consistent deal flow for volume flippers
Clean title options available, not just salvage

Cons

Requires dealer license or broker fees
Complex fee structure adds 10-18% to bids
Cannot test drive before purchase
Steep learning curve with costly mistakes

Recommendation

Complete at least 10 successful marketplace flips before attempting Copart. Start with clean title, Run and Drive vehicles under $5,000. Budget for 2-3 learning curve losses before becoming profitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compare Copart to Marketplace Prices

AutoHunter shows you what Copart vehicles sell for on Facebook Marketplace. Know exactly what your profit margin will be before you bid.

Start Free Trial

Advanced Flipping

Car Auction Flipping Guide