IAAI – Car Auction

What is IAAI: Brief Overview of the Auction

IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) is one of the largest US online auctions specializing in the sale of used vehicles, mainly after insurance cases. Here you can find cars with minimal damage, technically sound vehicles, as well as total loss cars.

IAAI operates on a B2B (business to business) model, but with the help of intermediaries, private individuals can also buy cars here.

WESTMOTORS can help you with selection and delivery.

How IAAI Differs from Other Auctions (e.g., Copart)

IAAI is often compared to another popular auction — Copart. Main differences:

• IAAI is more focused on insurance companies, while Copart often works with private individuals and leasing companies.
• The level of damage at IAAI is often lower.
• IAAI has a stricter documentation process.
• The interface and bidding participation at IAAI may seem slightly less friendly for beginners.

What Types of Vehicles Are Sold at IAAI

Vehicles with the following statuses are available at IAAI:

• Salvage title — damaged vehicles deemed uneconomical to repair by the insurance company.
• Clean title — vehicles without serious accidents or damage.
• Rebuildable — vehicles suitable for restoration.
• Non-repairable — vehicles prohibited from restoration (for parts).

How to Register and Start Working at IAAI

For most lots at IAAI, a dealer license is required, especially for Salvage or Rebuildable vehicles. Therefore, private individuals most often work through official intermediaries who have the necessary permits.

Registering to participate in auctions and purchase vehicles is easy — both for individuals and legal entities. You will need the necessary documents, and just six simple steps.

• Create an account — provide your first name, last name, email and password. Fill out your profile: main activity, language, country and phone number.
• Choose buyer type — individuals can participate in open auctions, legal entities require a business license.
• Prepare documents — ID (driver's license, passport or state ID), proof of address (utility bill or tax return).
• Upload documents — via IAA Buyer App™ mobile application or on IAAI.com website (formats: JPG/PNG/GIF, up to 25 MB).
• Pay registration — fee $200 (credit/debit card).
• Account activation — after document verification, you will receive email confirmation.

Interface and Vehicle Search

The site search is convenient — you can filter by make/model, condition, title status, price, location, etc.

Each vehicle is accompanied by photos, a brief description and VIN number for history verification.

How Car Purchase Works at IAAI

Participation in bidding is step by step:

• Select the vehicle you are interested in.
• Submit a preliminary bid (Pre-Bid).
• At the scheduled time, Live Auction takes place where you can participate online.
• If your bid wins — you will be sent an invoice for payment.

Vehicle Payment

After winning, you have up to 2-3 business days to pay the full amount. Late fees are charged for delays. Payment is made via wire transfer or intermediary account (if participating through one).

Vehicle Condition Check (Photos, Description, Carfax Report)

IAAI provides basic information including:

• Detailed damage photos — up to 10+ high quality photos.
• Brief description of damage — extent of damage (mechanical, external, flood).
• Mileage and status.
• VIN (Carfax/AutoCheck: mileage history, accidents, repairs).

Delivery of Vehicle from USA with IAAI

Usually delivery is through intermediaries who pick up the vehicle from IAAI lot, send it to the port (New Jersey, Los Angeles, etc.), load it into a container and deliver it to the destination port.

Delivery and Logistics Cost, Vehicle Processing

Approximate delivery costs:

• To US port: $200–800 (depends on state).
• Sea transportation: $1000–2500 (container).
• Customs and duties: 15–30% of vehicle cost. Customs clearance includes: duty (depending on engine size and age), excise tax (for gasoline/diesel), recycling fee, VAT.

Advantages of Buying a Vehicle Through IAAI

Advantages of IAAI auction:

• Opportunity to buy a car below market value
• Large selection of models and configurations
• Access to cars with known history
• Clear rules and high competition among sellers

Possible Risks and How to Avoid Them

When buying at IAAI, it is important to consider:

• Unexpected damage if the car is not checked by VIN
• Additional expenses: logistics, downtime, fines
• Possibility of errors in processing if there is no experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I buy without an intermediary? Theoretically — yes, if you have a dealer license. In practice — most work through intermediaries.

How to find out the final cost of the vehicle? Add up: winning bid, auction fees, delivery cost, customs clearance and taxes.

What does salvage status mean at IAAI? This means that the vehicle is officially recognized as damaged and cannot be operated until it is restored and certified.

Purchase Through WESTMOTORS

IAAI is a reliable and proven platform with a huge selection of used vehicles. If you approach car selection correctly, use VIN verification and work with a reliable intermediary — you can profitably buy a car from the USA and save up to 30–50% compared to the local market.

WESTMOTORS is exactly such a company. Contact us for help in selecting and delivering your vehicle!

• Selection of cars for your budget and criteria
• Checking vehicle history by VIN (Carfax/AutoCheck)
• Participation in bidding on your behalf
• Organization of delivery from the USA to your country
• Full customs clearance support