How to pay for an auction car and take delivery

Step 1: the invoice

When bidding closes and you are the high bidder, we send an invoice within minutes. Because we charge no buyer fees, the invoice shows your winning bid and any transport charge. State tax and registration are not collected by us; you pay those to your state when you title the car. Review the invoice and check that the VIN, price and delivery address are correct. If anything is wrong, contact us immediately.

Step 2: the 48-hour payment window

Payment is due within 48 hours of the invoice. This timeline keeps the car available and lets the seller close the sale. If you may need more time, tell us before the window ends, because a late payment can lead to the sale being canceled. Plan ahead: if you will need a bank transfer, call your bank on the day you place a large bid, so you know any limits and cut-off times.

Step 3: choose how to pay

• Wire transfer: the usual method for larger amounts. Wires from most banks arrive the same day when sent before the cut-off. Always verify our wire instructions by calling the phone number on our website before sending money, and never act on bank details sent in an unexpected email.
• Card: convenient for smaller amounts, but check your card limit and daily cap before you bid.

Pay only to the instructions on your invoice. Do not pay with gift cards or to a personal account, and do not pay anyone who claims to be an agent of the auction on a social media channel.

Step 4: paperwork you should receive

After payment clears, you should receive the following:

1. The title, signed over by the lender or consignor. We guarantee clear title.
2. A bill of sale showing buyer, seller, VIN, date and price. Your state will want it, especially for tax.
3. An odometer disclosure statement, where the law requires one for the vehicle's age.
4. Keys and any documents that came with the car.

Check the VIN on each document against the car. If you are buying from out of state, confirm what your DMV requires for titling. Our state pages summarize common requirements, and your state DMV has the final word.

Step 5: pickup or transport

You have two options. Pickup is at our warehouse at 7901 4th St N, Ste 300, St. Petersburg, FL 33702. Bring photo ID and the confirmation, and plan to inspect the car and sign off before you drive away. Check that you have insurance, and ask your state about a temporary tag if you plan to drive home.

Delivery is free within 1,000 miles of the warehouse and $0.70 per mile beyond that. A car delivered 1,300 miles away would add about $210. Carriers schedule delivery windows, usually a few days wide, so give an address where someone can meet the driver.

Open versus enclosed transport

Open carriers are the standard and less expensive, and cars ride on a multi-car trailer exposed to weather and road debris. Enclosed carriers protect the car from weather and debris and are often chosen for high-value, rare or classic vehicles. If you want enclosed transport, ask for a quote before you bid so you can include it in your maximum. Either way, confirm that the carrier has cargo insurance.

Delivery day checklist

1. Meet the driver in daylight at a safe spot with room for a truck.
2. Walk around the car with the driver and compare it with the listing photos.
3. Note any new damage on the delivery receipt before you sign. A signed clean receipt makes a claim harder.
4. Check the odometer and photograph it.
5. Confirm you have keys, title, bill of sale and the odometer statement.
6. Photograph the VIN plate and the car's condition before the truck leaves.

After delivery

Insure the car, then title and register it with your state. Bring the title, bill of sale, odometer statement, ID and proof of insurance. Plan time for any inspection your state requires. During your first days with the car, check the fluids, brakes, tires and warning lights. You have a 30-day money-back return, so if the car does not match the listing, contact us promptly rather than waiting. The inspection checklist shows what to review.