Frequently Asked Questions

BidCheck.info is a free information service that aggregates salvage vehicle auction data from Copart and IAAI - the two largest US auto auctions. We let you check a vehicle's auction history by VIN: photos, final bid prices, damage reports, odometer readings, and seller information. We do NOT buy, sell, or broker vehicles - we only provide public auction data to help you make informed decisions.

Yes, 100% free. You can search by VIN, browse by make/model, and view full auction histories without registration or payment. We do not charge for reports, premium access, or any hidden fees.

Our database aggregates publicly available auction data from Copart and IAAI along with other publicly accessible sources. We are not affiliated with either Copart or IAAI - we are an independent aggregator.

We update our database regularly as new auction data becomes available. Most vehicles appear within 24-72 hours of auction closing, but we cannot guarantee real-time updates for every listing.

No. BidCheck.info is strictly an information service. We do not sell vehicles, place bids, handle payments, or arrange shipping. If you want to buy a car from Copart or IAAI, you need a licensed broker or dealer account. We only provide data to help you research before buying elsewhere.

You can check any 17-character VIN in our database. We focus on vehicles that have passed through Copart or IAAI auctions, so if a vehicle never went through those auctions, we won't have its history.

A typical report includes: VIN, make/model/year, trim and specifications, engine and transmission type, odometer reading, final bid price, auction date and location, primary and secondary damage descriptions, title status, seller type, and multiple photos of the vehicle from the auction.

Both Copart and IAAI operate as online salvage auctions. Insurance companies consign total-loss vehicles, and licensed dealers bid online. Auctions run daily across the US. To bid directly, you typically need a dealer license; most private buyers use a licensed broker. Once the auction closes, the winning bidder has a set time (usually 2 business days) to pay and arrange pickup.

In most US states, only licensed dealers can bid directly on Copart and IAAI. Private buyers typically go through a licensed broker who bids on their behalf and handles payment and logistics. Some states allow limited public access, but regulations vary.

Total import cost typically adds 60-100% on top of the auction winning bid. Main components: broker fee (5-10%), US inland transport ($300-1500), ocean shipping ($800-1500), import duty (10% in EU), VAT (19-27% depending on country), and homologation/registration fees. For a $10,000 car, expect $16,000-20,000 total cost.

Typical timeline: auction purchase → US inland transport (1-2 weeks) → ocean shipping (2-4 weeks) → customs clearance (3-7 days) → homologation and registration (2-6 weeks). Total: 6-12 weeks from winning the bid to driving legally in Europe.

A salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss - usually due to collision, flood, fire, hail, or theft recovery. Salvage vehicles cannot be legally driven until repaired and reinspected. Once repaired and inspected, they receive a 'rebuilt' title, which they keep for life.

You typically need: original US title (clean or salvage/rebuilt), Bill of Sale, Export Certificate (from US customs), EU customs clearance papers, proof of import duty and VAT payment, technical inspection certificate (homologation), and insurance. Requirements vary by country - check with your local DMV equivalent.

In the EU: 10% import duty on the vehicle value (purchase price + shipping). VAT is charged on the total value including duty (19-27% depending on country). In Poland, there's also 'akcyza' (excise tax): 3.1% for engines under 2.0L, 18.6% for engines 2.0L and above. These taxes are non-refundable.

Yes, both auctions have physical yards where you can preview vehicles before bidding - but only during specified preview hours. For remote buyers, auctions provide photos and basic damage reports, but no mechanical inspection. Third-party inspection services exist for major auctions if you can't visit in person.

Both are major US salvage auctions with similar inventory and processes. Copart (Copart.com) is slightly larger with more international buyer tools. IAAI (iaai.com) is owned by Ritchie Bros and has more exclusive contracts with certain insurance companies. Vehicle selection, fees, and policies differ slightly - it's worth checking both when shopping.

Use BidCheck.info: enter the 17-character VIN in our search box to see the full auction history. If the vehicle passed through Copart or IAAI, you'll see auction dates, final bid prices, damage reports, and photos. This is essential before buying any used vehicle from a private seller who may not disclose the salvage history.