Buying a car from the U.S. on platforms like Copart or IAAI is a challenge for private individuals — most listings require a dealer account. Therefore, using a broker's services is not only necessary but often a more cost-effective solution. Brokers have access to the full range of listings, lower auction fees, and know the procedures. Traditional brokers offer full-service, but they tend to be more expensive and less flexible. Modern online platforms allow users to select and order a car purchase independently, shortening the time and reducing commissions. This is an ideal solution for those who know what they're looking for and want to act quickly.
Purchasing a car from U.S. auctions such as Copart or IAAI is not fully accessible to individuals. Although these platforms may seem open and intuitive, in practice, most vehicles require a dealer's license, known as a broker's license. Without it, buyers cannot bid on more than 90% – 95% of the vehicles listed. Only cars marked as "Public" are directly available to private users, which is a small fraction of the entire offering.
Bidding through a broker is often more cost-effective than doing it independently, as brokers have dealer accounts on Copart and IAAI, which provide access to lower auction fees and other preferential terms. This is mainly due to scale — brokers complete many transactions each month, which allows them to negotiate better rates and take advantage of discount programs. As a result, the final amount a client pays may be lower than when purchasing independently, even though the broker charges a commission. This solution is particularly advantageous for individuals buying single vehicles and without access to professional accounts.
Moreover, even if a car is theoretically available publicly, it is often still necessary to use a broker's services to finalize the purchase due to formalities and payment issues.
Import brokers from the U.S. are companies that hold the necessary licenses and full access to all vehicles on the Copart and IAAI auctions. Their role is not only to bid on vehicles but also to provide comprehensive handling of the entire import process. They act on behalf of the client and typically offer a "door-to-door" or "turnkey" service package.
The advantage of using a broker is convenience — the client does not need to know the procedures or risk making mistakes. The downside can be the higher cost, as full-service typically comes with a commission, often ranging from several to a dozen percent of the vehicle's value. Additionally, the time needed to find the car may be longer, as the import manager must work with multiple clients and may not always quickly and effectively understand each one's needs.
Online auction platforms are a very effective tool for individuals who know what they’re looking for and want to act quickly. With direct access to listings from Copart and IAAI and the ability to bid independently, users save a lot of time in the car search process since everything happens without the involvement of a dedicated advisor. However, if needed, users can still get assistance — platforms typically offer live chat for support and advice regarding the purchase process. Additionally, the user pays a smaller commission since they do not cover the advisor's labor costs. The process is simplified and fully digital — from selecting the car to payment and ordering transport.
In conclusion, the difference lies in the fact that through auction platforms, users search for the car themselves, saving time and money. The rest of the process — placing the bid, transport to Poland, and other import formalities — remains similar.
| Auction platform | Traditional importer | |
|---|---|---|
| Requesting a car search on auction platforms | No | Yes |
| Tool for independent searching | Yes | No |
| Checking history – CARFAX, AutoCheck | Yes | Yes |
| Requesting bidding | Yes | Yes |
| Requesting transport from the U.S. to Poland | Yes | Yes |
| Handling formalities – customs, VAT, excise, documents | Yes | Yes |
| Commission cost (gross) | 2000 – 2500 PLN | 3000 – 4000 PLN |
| Time for car search (on average) | 2 – 10 days | 10 – 30 days |
It’s important to note that these solutions are primarily designed for more experienced clients who can assess the risks of purchasing a damaged vehicle. For such users, platforms represent the most convenient and cost-effective way to import a car from the U.S. For beginners, they may be less intuitive and riskier without additional support.