Buying a car from Copart and IAAI: A step-by-step guide

Copart and IAAI are the two largest vehicle auction platforms in the US — selling mostly insurance total-losses, lease returns, and dealer-consigned vehicles. Getting started can look intimidating at first, but it's manageable once broken into steps.

1. How to get access

Neither platform is directly open to individual buyers — both are primarily built for licensed dealers. As an individual, you'll typically need a broker or intermediary company, who bids on your behalf and often handles logistics too.

2. Read the listing carefully — and check the VIN

Every listing shows photos, a damage description, and a title status — like "Salvage," "Rebuilt," or "Clean." But that short description isn't enough. Before you bid, it's worth pulling the full VIN history — prior accidents, ownership history, and odometer data only show up in a full report.

To understand title statuses and damage terminology, check our report term glossary — every term explained in plain language.

3. Bidding

Both platforms run live online auctions. Setting a maximum bid for yourself in advance helps — getting caught up in the moment and going over budget is one of the most common mistakes.

4. Payment and paperwork

Once you win, payment and paperwork begin — usually handled with your broker's help. Getting the title document processed correctly here matters a lot, since without it, registering the car in Azerbaijan won't be possible.

5. Shipping

The vehicle typically goes to a local warehouse first, then to a port, and travels to Azerbaijan by sea container. This stage can take several weeks.

6. Customs clearance

Once the car arrives in Azerbaijan, customs procedures begin. Plan ahead using our customs calculator to know the real costs before you even bid.

The single most important tip

Of all these steps, the VIN check is where the real time and risk savings come from — because it's the only step that happens before you pay. Don't rely on listing photos alone; get the full report and know the real history first.