What Are the Risks of Importing Cars from the USA?

Importing cars from the USA offers great value, but it also comes with real risks. These include hidden damage, incomplete paperwork, higher-than-expected costs, or shady intermediaries. Fortunately, most of these risks can be reduced by checking the car’s history, choosing reliable sellers, and working with experienced companies. The key is awareness, smart planning, and caution

Buying a car from the USA — especially from auctions like Copart or IAAI — can be a smart move, but it’s not without challenges. Below we break down the biggest risks of importing a car from the US and explain how to avoid costly mistakes.

1. Unknown Actual Condition

One major risk is that you can’t inspect the car in person before buying. You’re relying solely on auction photos, damage descriptions, and vehicle history reports. Hidden issues — like frame damage, engine problems, or electronic faults — may only become obvious once the car arrives.

How to reduce the risk:

• Only buy cars with complete photo documentation
• Use trusted third-party inspectors or experienced import companies
• Always check the car’s history via CARFAX or AutoCheck
• Avoid vehicles listed as “runs and drives: no” unless you're prepared for major repairs

2. Title Washing and Hidden Damage

Some cars appear to have a clean title but were previously involved in serious accidents or disasters and re-registered in a different state. This practice, called title washing, can hide damage from floods, fires, or major collisions.

How to reduce the risk:

• Understand US title types: Salvage, Rebuilt, Flood, Junk — each has specific meaning
• Cross-check vehicle history reports to spot discrepancies between titles from different states

3. Incomplete or Problematic Documentation

Certain vehicles may come without the required documents for registration in the EU. This can delay or even prevent legal registration.

How to reduce the risk:

• Confirm the title type is valid for import and registration in your country
• Only work with reliable brokers or companies that guarantee full documentation
• Avoid cars marked as “Parts only” or “Certificate of Destruction” — these cannot be registered

4. Underestimated Total Costs

Many buyers miscalculate the full cost of importing a car. Auction fees, inland transport in the US, port charges, customs duties, VAT, excise tax, homologation, and repairs can significantly increase the final price.

How to reduce the risk:

• Use a full “door-to-door” cost calculator
• Work with experienced importers who disclose all costs upfront
• Avoid bidding at the edge of your budget — leave room for unexpected expenses

5. Fraud and Scams

The auctions themselves are relatively secure, but the real risk lies with dishonest intermediaries — people or companies that take deposits and disappear or hide crucial information about the car.

How to reduce the risk:

• Check reviews on Google, Facebook, and car forums
• Never pay upfront without a signed agreement
• Choose partners who share full documentation and history before purchase

6. Choosing the Wrong Seller Type

On Copart and IAAI, cars are listed by various sellers: private individuals, dealers, and insurance companies. Insurance companies are typically the safest bet because:

• Their listings are more accurate (detailed damage reports)
• History is usually verifiable
• Odometer rollbacks are less common
• They're less likely to have hidden repairs

Dealers and private sellers may list cosmetically repaired or manipulated vehicles with unknown issues.

How to reduce the risk:

• Filter auctions by “Seller Type: Insurance”
• Prefer large insurance companies (e.g. GEICO, State Farm, Progressive)

7. Transport Damage During Shipping

Shipping a car from the USA to Europe involves several steps — loading, container transport, unloading, customs, and delivery. Damage can occur during any stage: scratches, dents, broken windows, or underbody hits during loading.

How to reduce the risk:

• Choose companies that provide full cargo insurance
• Ask for photo documentation after loading and after unloading
• Make sure the transport partner is experienced with damaged vehicles