How do I get the car after I win an auction?

Introduction

Winning an auction for a car on an app is an exciting moment, but it's just the first step. The next, and very important, step is getting the car from the auction lot to your home. This process is different from a normal dealership purchase where you just drive the car away. With Online Auto Auctions on the App Store, you have to handle the transportation yourself, or through a service.

The process usually happens in a few stages:

1. Pay for the Car

The first thing you must do is pay the full amount for the car, including all fees. Most auction apps give you a short time to pay, often just a few business days. If you don't pay on time, you could face late fees or even lose the car and any money you've already put down. The app will have specific instructions for how to pay, which can include bank wire transfers, or other online payment methods.

2. Get the Car's Documents

After you pay, the auction company will prepare the vehicle's documents, especially the title. The title is the legal paper that shows you are the new owner. They will often mail this to you, but it can take some time. You will need this document to register the car in your name.

3. Arrange for Pickup or Delivery

This is the most important part of the process. You have two main options for getting the car:

• Self-Pickup: If you live close to the auction location, you can go and pick up the car yourself. However, you often cannot just drive the car away. Many of the cars sold at auction are not in working condition or are not safe to drive on the road. For this reason, you almost always need to bring a tow truck or a flatbed trailer to move the car. The auction lot will have specific rules and hours for picking up vehicles.

• Shipping and Delivery Services: This is the most common choice, especially if you bought the car from a location far from your home. The big Online Auto Auctions on the App Store, like Copart and IAAI, have their own transportation services or work with third-party shipping companies. You can usually get a quote for delivery right from the app or website.

Using a shipping service is convenient because they will handle everything. They will pick up the car from the auction lot and deliver it right to your home or a different location you choose. There are a few things to consider with this option:

• Cost: The cost of shipping depends on the distance, the size of the car, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport. Open transport is cheaper but leaves the car exposed to the weather. Enclosed transport is more expensive but offers more protection.

• Timing: Shipping can take a few days to a few weeks, depending on the distance. Be aware that most auction yards have a limited number of "free" storage days. If the car is not picked up by the shipping company within that time, you might have to pay daily storage fees.

The final step is to wait for your car to arrive. Most shipping services will give you tracking information so you can see where your vehicle is and when it will be delivered. Once it arrives, you can finally take possession of your new car.