Public Auto Auction Buyer’s FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Public car auctions can be a lot of fun!

 
What is the benefit of buying from an auto auction instead of other sources?



Buying a car or truck from a public auto auction can be a great way to save money on your next vehicle. Most auctions sell cars that are off-lease vehicles, new car trade-ins, and dealer overstock. This means that the dealers do not have much money invested in the cars and are willing to sell them cheap at an auction for a quick sell. This is where you, the auto auction buyer, benefits from the savings.

Other sources for cheap used cars, such as Craigslist, can be much more time consuming and even dangerous. At a public car auction, you can inspect hundreds of vehicles in one day and cherry pick the one you want the most. When contacting private sellers on the internet, you can waste a lot of time running around and looking at only a single vehicle at a time. Also, as anyone who follows the news knows, Craigslist meetings often result in theft or other violent crimes. Be safe and visit your local public auto auction for your next used vehicle.

Do I need a special license to purchase a car at an auto auction?



No – As long as the car auction is open to the public, you are not required to have a dealer’s license or anything else. You will need a valid Driver’s License in order to purchase a car and insure the vehicle after the auction.

When will I receive the title for the car I buy?



Typically, you will receive the title from the seller within 30 days of the auction sale date. Sometimes, if the seller has the title “in-hand” the night of the auction, you will receive it that night or the next day, depending on the auction’s policies. In Georgia, you are given a temporary tag that is legal for up to 30 days. So once you win the bid and pay for the vehicle, you will be legal to drive it right away(after insuring it, of course).

Will I be able to get the vehicle insured right away?


Yes – as soon as you pay for the auction vehicle and finish the paperwork, you can call your insurance company with the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number – printed on the Bill of Sale) and get it insured right away.

Can I inspect the vehicles prior to the auction starting?

This depends on the auction’s policies. Most auctions will allow you to inspect the vehicles a few hours prior to the sale, but some do not allow this. You should call the auto auction ahead of time to find out their policy on this. If they do allow pre-auction inspection, you should hire a mechanic to accompany you to help inspect the auction cars.

Can I bring children to auto auctions?

This is highly inadvisable – Most auctions do not allow anyone under the age of 16 to attend the actual car auction, but some may have nurseries or lounges indoors for small children.