"Run and Drive," "Enhanced," "Starts": What Copart and IAAI Condition Codes Actually Mean

Ever scrolled through a Copart or IAAI listing and stopped on a phrase like "Run and Drive," "Enhanced Vehicle," "Starts," or "Stationary"? These codes describe the vehicle's physical condition — not its legal title status (clean, salvage, rebuilt) — and they're some of the most misread labels on any auction listing. Here's what each one actually means, straight from the auctions' own definitions.

What "Run and Drive" means on Copart

Per Copart's own definition, "Run and Drive" means that when the vehicle arrived at the facility, a specialist was able to start the engine, shift it into gear, and move the car forward under its own power for a short distance. That's it — it is not a roadworthiness guarantee. Copart itself notes this assessment may have been made weeks or even months before the sale, and there's no assurance the car will start or move the same way when you pick it up.

Don't confuse it with "Enhanced Vehicle"

A lot of buyers mix up "Enhanced Vehicle" with "Run and Drive" — that's a costly mistake. "Enhanced" only means the seller authorized Copart to perform a cosmetic service — a wash, a vacuum, or a protective cover. It says nothing about whether the engine runs. Unless the listing separately says "Run and Drive," don't assume the car is mechanically functional.

IAAI uses similar, but distinct, codes

IAAI relies on three primary start codes, and their definitions differ slightly from Copart's:

• Run & Drive: the engine started (with or without a jump), idled, both forward and reverse gears engaged, and the steering wheel completed a full rotation in each direction.
• Starts: the engine started and idled upon arrival at the yard, but gears and steering were not tested — meaning the engine turns over, but the ability to actually move hasn't been confirmed.
• Stationary: the vehicle will not start, has engine damage, or simply wasn't tested when it arrived.

Notice the gap: "Starts" is a weaker claim than "Run and Drive" — you hear the engine, but there's no confirmation the car can actually move.

Other terms worth knowing

Beyond condition codes, you'll run into three more terms constantly on auction listings:

• ACV (Actual Cash Value): the insurer's assessed pre-accident market value of the vehicle. Once repair costs exceed roughly 70-80% of ACV, the insurer declares it a total loss and sends it to auction.
• Repossession: vehicles reclaimed by a bank or lender after the owner missed payments. These usually have no accident damage and carry a clean title, though a mechanical check is still worthwhile.
• Hail Damage: extensive body dents from a hailstorm, while the engine and mechanicals are typically untouched — one of the more "cosmetic" salvage categories.

What to do before you bid

No condition code is a 100% guarantee — each one is a snapshot in time, and the car's state can change before it reaches you. So before bidding:

• Study every photo and the condition report in the listing closely.
• Always run the VIN — our VIN decoder tool surfaces both factory specs and accident/title history.
• Check our sample report page to see what a full history report looks like next to a "Run and Drive" label — comparing the two is how you catch a mismatch.
• For higher-value lots, consider a third-party in-person inspection service before you bid.

Bottom line: "Run and Drive" is a good sign, but it's not enough on its own. Read the code together with the VIN history and the photos, and you'll make a far more informed call.