IAAI fees explained

IAAI auction pricing can look attractive—until you add fees, storage timing, and transport. The right way to bid is to estimate your all-in cost first, then set your maximum bid based on repairs and resale goals.

Summary
  • Bid is not final: buyer/service fees + yard/pickup + taxes + transport.
  • Timing matters: storage can swing the economics if pickup is delayed.
  • Verify the VIN: branded titles and history signals change your risk and resale value.

Common IAAI fee categories

  • Buyer/service fee: typically based on bid amount or a tiered schedule.
  • Internet/online fee: charged for online bidding/processing.
  • Yard/pickup charges: processing and handling at pickup.
  • Storage: fees after a grace period if pickup is delayed.
  • Taxes and documentation: depends on jurisdiction and buyer type.
  • Optional services: title processing, loading, etc.
  • Broker fees (if required): depends on inventory restrictions and your buyer profile.

A practical way to set your max bid

  1. Estimate repairs + parts: include labor and downside buffer.
  2. Add fees + taxes: use a conservative estimate if exact fees vary.
  3. Add transport: quote towing/shipping from the yard.
  4. Back into max bid: resale value minus all costs equals your max bid.

If your math only works when everything goes perfectly, it’s not a good auction plan.

Common mistakes that create “fee shock”

Auction economics break down when you ignore timing and logistics. These are the most common mistakes we see:

  • Not pre-quoting transport: shipping can rival auction fees, especially for long distances.
  • Missing pickup windows: storage fees can turn a marginal deal into a bad one.
  • Underestimating repairs: auction cars often need more work than the photos imply.
  • Ignoring title branding risk: salvage/rebuilt/flood branding changes insurance and resale.

VIN history is part of the cost

Think of the report as a risk-control cost. A small spend to verify title/mileage/major loss signals can prevent a much larger loss. For high-stakes purchases, cross-checking with multiple sources is often cheaper than discovering problems after you’ve paid auction fees and transport.

Cross-check the VIN before bidding

Auction inventory often has branded titles. Cross-check VIN history and compare sources when the purchase is high stakes.

Check a VIN in seconds

Run a VIN check to see key history signals before you buy.

Try: WA1DGAFE5CD003134

Tip: VIN is 17 characters (letters + numbers).

Related guides

FAQ

Buyers commonly pay fees beyond the winning bid, such as buyer/service fees, internet fees, yard/pickup fees, storage, taxes, and optional services. Exact fees vary by location and buyer type.

Some inventory is public and some is restricted. If you need a broker, broker fees become part of your total cost.

Plan pickup quickly, understand grace periods, and coordinate transport before you bid.

Fee schedules can vary by bid amount, membership, yard, and add-ons. Always estimate using a buffer and confirm fee rules for your location.

Yes. Transport often rivals fees in magnitude, especially for non-running vehicles or long distances.

Verify title branding and major history signals for the VIN, then inspect listing photos/announcements and budget conservatively.
Trademark notice: VINInfoHub is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by CARFAX, AutoCheck, Experian, Copart, IAAI, or Manheim. Trademarks belong to their respective owners.