How Much Are Copart Buyer Fees? How Much Are You Really Paying?

Copart buyer fees are commissions charged for purchasing a vehicle through their auctions, calculated based on the winning bid amount, buyer type (licensed or non-licensed), and vehicle type (standard or heavy-duty). These fees are in addition to other charges like gate fees, environmental fees, and taxes.

When bidding at a Copart auction, the buyer’s fee is an important cost to consider. The buyer’s fee, also known as the buyer’s premium, is added on top of the final winning bid. Copart’s buyer fees vary depending on the final price of the vehicle, and understanding how these fees work will help you better calculate your total cost.

Below is an overview of Copart’s buyer fees as of February 2025, based on available information. Buyer Fee Structure

• Standard Vehicles (e.g., cars, SUVs): Fees are tiered by the final sale price. Copart provides a fee schedule for non-licensed buyers, licensed dealers, and international buyers. For example:
  • $0–$999: Approximately 10% of the bid (e.g., $500 bid = $50 fee).
  • $1,000–$4,999: Fees range from $100 to $450, depending on the exact bid.
  • $5,000–$9,999: Fees range from $450 to $700 (e.g., $5,000 bid ≈ $500 fee).
  • $10,000 and above: Fees increase incrementally, often capped at a percentage or fixed amount (e.g., $1,200 for a $50,000 bid).
• Heavy-Duty Vehicles (e.g., trucks, RVs, equipment): Fees are higher due to additional handling costs. For example, a $5,000 bid might incur a $600–$800 fee.
• Non-Licensed Buyers: Typically pay higher fees than licensed dealers. For example, a $5,000 bid might cost $500 for non-licensed buyers vs. $400 for dealers.
• International Buyers: Fees vary by country (e.g., UK, Canada) and may include additional export-related charges.

How to Find Exact Fees

• Copart’s Official Fee Schedule: Visit Copart’s website and check the “Member Fees” or “U.S. Non-Licensed Fees” pages for detailed tables.
• Copart Fee Calculator: Use tools like CopartCalculator . Input the bid amount, buyer type, and vehicle type to get precise fees.
• Broker Fees (if applicable): Non-licensed buyers in some states need brokers, adding $100–$500 depending on the broker and vehicle price.

Example: For a $5,000 bid on a standard vehicle (non-licensed buyer):

• Buyer Fee: ≈$500 (based on tiered schedule).
• Note: This excludes other fees like the $95 gate fee, $15 environmental fee, $25 internet bid fee, or taxes.

Copart Buyer Fees Breakdown

Here’s a clear breakdown of the buyer’s premium based on the vehicle’s final bid:

Winning Bid	Buyer’s Premium
Up to $1,000	$79
$1,000 – $1,999	$199
$2,000 – $4,999	$299
$5,000 – $9,999	$399
$10,000 – $24,999	$499
Over $25,000	$599

Example of Buyer’s Fee Calculation

• If you win a car for $6,000, the buyer’s premium is $299.
• If you win a vehicle for $20,000, the buyer’s premium will be $499.

Why Do Copart Buyer Fees Vary?

The reason for the variation in buyer’s fees is that Copart adjusts its premium based on the value of the vehicle. Higher-priced cars usually come with higher fees. This structure helps Copart manage the costs associated with processing the vehicle sales and auction services.

What You Need to Know About Copart Fees

• Buyer’s fee is paid in addition to the winning bid.
• The fee increases as the vehicle’s price goes up.
• Be sure to calculate the buyer’s fee before bidding to avoid any budgetary surprises.