Copart vs IAAI: Which US Auto Auction Is Right for You?

Copart and IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) dominate the US salvage and used-car auction market. Together they list millions of vehicles a year. For someone importing to Georgia, the two are more alike than different — but the details matter.

Inventory

Both source most of their stock from insurance companies, rental fleets, banks, and dealers. You'll find everything from lightly damaged late-model SUVs to clean-title fleet cars. Copart is generally the larger of the two, with more yards and a slightly bigger selection of European and luxury vehicles.

Fees

Both charge a buyer fee that scales with the winning bid, plus a fixed gate/handling fee and internet bidding fees. The fee tables differ slightly, but for most cars the total is comparable. Always factor the fee into your maximum bid — on a $10,000 car it can be $600–$900.

Title types

Both platforms label each lot's title clearly: clean, salvage, rebuilt, or a non-repairable certificate. The labels mean the same thing on either site. (See our guide on understanding US titles.)

Photos and condition reports

IAAI tends to provide more photos per lot and offers detailed condition reports on many vehicles, including engine-start videos. Copart's photo sets are solid but sometimes thinner. For a car you can't see in person, more images is always better.

So which should you choose?

Don't pick a platform — pick a car. Decide what you want, then search both auctions and compare the specific lots available. A good broker like 4Dealer bids on both, so you're never limited to one inventory pool. Search our combined catalogue to see live lots from both.