Copart & IAA Fee Calculator

Know your real out-the-door cost before you bid. Updated for 2026.

How Copart and IAA Auction Fees Work

The winning bid at a salvage auction is never your final cost. Both Copart and IAA add multiple fees on top of your bid — buyer premiums, gate fees, internet bid fees, environmental fees, and title processing fees. These fees typically add 15-25% to your winning bid, and they vary based on the platform, your bid amount, and whether you have a dealer license.

This calculator gives you the exact out-the-door number for any bid amount on either platform, so you can set your max bid knowing your real total cost.

Copart Buyer Premium Tiers (2026)

Copart's buyer premium is a tiered percentage that scales with your winning bid. It's the largest fee you'll pay:

Winning Bid	Premium Rate
$0 - $99.99	18% ($2 min)
$100 - $499.99	18%
$500 - $999.99	14%
$1,000 - $1,499.99	12%
$1,500 - $1,999.99	11%
$2,000 - $3,999.99	8.5%
$4,000 - $5,999.99	7%
$6,000 - $7,999.99	6%
$8,000+	5%

On top of the buyer premium, Copart charges a $79 gate fee, $169 internet bid fee, and a $10 environmental fee on every transaction.

IAA Buyer Premium Tiers (2026)

IAA uses a 35-tier flat-fee schedule instead of percentages. The buyer premium is a fixed dollar amount based on bid range, which makes IAA cheaper at higher bid amounts but more expensive on low bids.

IAA also charges a $79 gate fee, $169 internet bid fee, and a $10 environmental fee — the same as Copart. The key difference is how the buyer premium scales.

Copart vs IAA: Which Has Lower Fees?

For bids under $2,000, Copart and IAA are roughly the same. For bids between $2,000 and $6,000, IAA is typically cheaper because their flat-fee tiers don't scale as aggressively. Above $6,000, Copart's 5-6% premium starts to win since IAA's flat fees can exceed the percentage-based amount.

Use the calculator above to compare both platforms for your specific bid amount. The difference can be hundreds of dollars on a single car.

For a deeper comparison, read our full Copart vs IAA breakdown.

Additional Costs Beyond Auction Fees

The fees in this calculator are just the auction costs. Your real total cost also includes:

Shipping/transport — $150-$800+ depending on distance. Use our shipping estimator.
Repair costs — varies wildly by damage. Read our repair cost estimation guide.
Title and registration — $50-$500+ depending on state. Check title laws by state.
Rebuilt title inspection — $100-$300 in most states if you can't do it yourself.
Storage fees — Copart and IAA charge $50+/day after the pickup deadline (usually 3-5 business days).

How to Calculate Your Maximum Bid

Work backwards from the numbers. Start with what the car is worth with a rebuilt title (typically 20-30% below clean title value). Subtract your repair estimate, auction fees, shipping, title costs, and your target profit margin. What's left is your max bid.

Or skip the spreadsheet — paste any Copart or IAA listing into sendit scan and get fees, repairs, comps, and a profit verdict in 30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Copart charge in fees?

Copart charges a buyer premium (5-18% depending on bid amount), a $79 gate fee, a $169 internet bid fee, and a $10 environmental fee. On a $3,000 winning bid, total fees are typically around $550-600, making your out-the-door cost roughly $3,550-3,600.

Are IAA fees the same as Copart?

The gate fee ($79), internet bid fee ($169), and environmental fee ($10) are the same. The buyer premium is different — IAA uses flat-fee tiers instead of percentages, which makes them cheaper on some bid ranges and more expensive on others.

Do dealer buyers pay lower fees?

Yes. Licensed dealers get reduced buyer premiums at both Copart and IAA. Copart's dealer rate is roughly 3-4% lower across all tiers. If you buy 25+ cars per year, consider getting a dealer license to save thousands in fees annually.

What happens if I don't pick up my car on time?

Both Copart and IAA charge daily storage fees starting 3-5 business days after purchase. Rates vary by yard but typically run $50-100 per day. Some yards charge less for the first week and then increase. Always arrange transport before bidding.

Fees are just the start. Get the full picture on any listing.

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