Copart Auction Fee Calculator
Estimate your total cost before bidding
Standard Member
Premier Member
Internet Bid / Broker
Kiosk / In-Person
Secure Funds (Wire, Cash, Money Order)
Credit Card / Debit Card / PayPal
Sale Price: $0.00
Buyer Fee: $0.00
Virtual Bid Fee: $0.00
Gate Fee: $79.00
Environmental Fee: $10.00
ESTIMATED TOTAL: $0.00
*This is an estimate based on Standard Vehicle fee schedules. Storage, taxes, and shipping are not included.
Understanding Copart Fees
When you win a vehicle at a Copart auction, the final bid price is only the beginning. Copart charges several additional fees that can significantly impact your total investment. Understanding these costs is essential for any professional buyer or individual looking to save on a salvage or clean-title vehicle.
The Main Fee Components
- Buyer Fee: This is the primary fee, which scales based on the vehicle's final sale price. The fee is higher for non-secure payment methods (like credit cards).
- Virtual Bid Fee: If you place your bid online or via a broker (rather than a physical kiosk at the yard), a "Virtual Bid" fee is applied based on the sale price.
- Gate Fee: This is a flat fee (typically $79) charged for the movement of the vehicle from the auction area to the loading area.
- Environmental Fee: A standard $10 fee applied to all vehicles to cover environmental handling and compliance.
Payment Method Impact
One of the most common mistakes new bidders make is using a credit card. Copart provides a discount for "Secure Funds" which includes wire transfers, cashier's checks, and cash. Using a non-secure method usually results in a 2% to 3% increase in the Buyer Fee tier.
Example Calculation
If you win a car for $5,000 using an online bid and pay with a Wire Transfer:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sale Price | $5,000.00 |
| Buyer Fee | $600.00 |
| Virtual Bid Fee | $89.00 |
| Gate Fee | $79.00 |
| Environmental Fee | $10.00 |
| Total Cost | $5,778.00 |
Standard Vehicle Fee Schedule (Estimate)
For most standard vehicles, the buyer fee follows a tiered structure:
- $0.01 – $99.99: $1 – $5 fee
- $500.00 – $999.99: $175 – $250 fee
- $2,000.00 – $2,999.99: $400 – $500 fee
- $5,000.00 – $9,999.99: $600 – $800 fee
- $15,000+: Approximately 4-5% of the sale price
Always check the official Copart website for the most up-to-date fee schedule, as rates can vary by yard location and vehicle type (e.g., Heavy Equipment or Powersports).