Essentials
Car search
Bidding process
Transport to the EU
Customs clearance
Most Popular Online Car Auctions in the USA
If you plan to import cars from the USA, focus on Copart and IAAI. These are the largest, reliable auction platforms with an enormous selection of vehicles, especially those from insurance companies. You can access the auctions through a licensed broker. Importing via these platforms is a proven and effective way to purchase a car from the other side of the world.
When importing cars from the USA, you need to know two key auction platforms: Copart and IAAI. These are where the vast majority of damaged vehicles, repossessed cars, or cars written off by insurance companies or taken out of leases end up. Both platforms operate online and are also available for buyers outside the USA.
More → Ways to Search for Cars from the USA
1. Copart – Market Leader in Salvage Vehicles
Copart is the largest player in the market for damaged cars. The platform has over 200 locations in the USA and lists tens of thousands of vehicles every day. This is where cars involved in accidents, floods, hail damage, or with mechanical issues are sold.
- Types of vehicles: mainly damaged (salvage), but also clean title cars, motorcycles, vans, trucks
- Main sources: insurance companies (best selection), dealers, private individuals
It’s worth noting that the best cars typically come from insurance companies—these vehicles have documented damage histories, often with minor damages and regular servicing.
2. IAAI – Transparency and Quality Information
IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) is the second-largest auction platform in the USA. It also specializes in damaged vehicles but stands out due to greater transparency in listings and often better quality photos and vehicle information.
- Types of vehicles: damaged (salvage), lease, fleet, clean title cars
- Main source: insurance companies
Like Copart, IAAI focuses on collaborating with large insurance companies. As a result, much of the inventory consists of so-called total loss vehicles—those deemed uneconomical to repair in the USA but still attractive to international buyers.
3. Other Auctions – Less Popular Options
Apart from Copart and IAAI, there are other auctions, such as Manheim (for dealers) and ACV Auctions, but they are less relevant for importing damaged cars. Their offerings are generally aimed at the domestic market and fleet clients in the USA.