See the real cost of a car auction bid before you buy.
A winning bid is only part of the price. Buyer fees, gate fees and tax get added on top. Enter your numbers below and get the full total in seconds.
Optional. Tax rules vary by state, so check with your local DMV.
Why the bid isn’t the final price
Copart and IAAI both add a tiered buyer fee on top of your bid, plus a gate fee, an environmental fee and, if you bid online, a bidding fee. None of these scale down for cheap cars, which is why a low bid can still end up costing more than expected. This calculator applies the real fee tier your bid falls into so the number is close to what you would actually see on your invoice.
Common questions
Is this connected to Copart or IAAI?
No. This is an independent tool built from publicly published fee schedules. It is not affiliated with either auction house, so treat it as a planning estimate rather than a final invoice.
Why is my real invoice slightly different?
Fee schedules change over time and can vary by branch, state or account type. Use this to budget, then confirm the exact figure on your auction account before paying.
Can I use this for a local or independent auction?
Yes. Choose “Other auction” and enter the buyer’s premium percentage plus any flat fees the auction lists.
Does it include shipping or towing?
No, since that cost depends on distance and carrier. This calculator focuses on the auction’s own buyer fees, gate fees and tax.
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Ultimate Auction Pro’s Car Auction Software lets you launch a site like Cars & Bids or Bring a Trailer on WordPress, with real time bidding built in.
