Understanding Copart's fee structure is essential before bidding. Many first-time buyers are shocked when their "great deal" costs hundreds more than expected. This guide breaks down every fee you'll pay so you can calculate your true cost.

Overview of Copart Fees

When you win a vehicle at Copart, your total cost includes:

• Your winning bid amount
• Buyer premium (percentage-based)
• Gate fee
• Internet bid fee (if bidding online)
• Environmental fee
• Title/document fees
• Optional: Late fees, storage fees

Let's break down each one.

Buyer Premium: The Big One

The buyer premium is Copart's primary revenue source. It's calculated as a percentage of your winning bid, using a tiered structure. The higher your bid, the lower the percentage—but the higher the dollar amount.

2024-2025 Buyer Premium Tiers (Public/Member)

For non-dealer members bidding online:

• $0 - $99.99: $1 minimum fee
• $100 - $499.99: $49 flat
• $500 - $999.99: $99 flat
• $1,000 - $1,499.99: $179
• $1,500 - $1,999.99: $224
• $2,000 - $3,999.99: 11%
• $4,000 - $5,999.99: 9%
• $6,000 - $7,999.99: 8%
• $8,000+: 7%

Note: These rates may change. Always verify current fees on Copart's website.

Dealer Rates

Licensed dealers with a Copart dealer account pay reduced buyer premiums—typically 2-4% less across all tiers. This is one reason serious flippers often get their dealer license.

Gate Fee

The gate fee is a flat charge added to every purchase. As of 2024, it's $79. This fee helps cover yard operations—the cost of receiving, storing, and processing vehicles through the facility.

This fee is non-negotiable and applies whether you're buying a $500 car or a $50,000 car.

Internet Bid Fee

If you bid online (which most buyers do), you'll pay an internet bid fee of $129 per vehicle. This applies to both live virtual auctions and preliminary (pre-bid) auctions.

The only way to avoid this fee is to bid in person at a Copart location, which isn't practical for most buyers and has geographic limitations.

Environmental Fee

A small environmental fee of $10 is charged on every vehicle. This covers hazardous material handling and compliance with environmental regulations.

Document/Title Fees

Title processing fees vary by state but typically range from $30-75. Some states have additional fees for out-of-state buyers or specific title types.

Fees You Can Avoid

Storage Fees

After your payment clears, you have 3 business days to pick up your vehicle (in person or via transport). After that, storage fees kick in:

• Days 4-7: ~$25/day
• Days 8+: ~$50/day

These fees add up fast. Always have transport arranged before you bid.

Late Payment Fees

Payment is due within 3 business days of winning. Late payments incur a fee of $50/day and can result in loss of bidding privileges or forfeiting the vehicle.

Example: Real Cost Calculation

Let's calculate the real cost of a $5,000 winning bid for a public member bidding online:

• Winning bid: $5,000
• Buyer premium (9%): $450
• Gate fee: $79
• Internet bid fee: $129
• Environmental fee: $10
• Title fee (example): $50

Total: $5,718

That's $718 in fees—over 14% on top of your bid. On lower bids, the percentage is even higher.

How Our Calculator Helps

Our salvage auction calculator automatically factors in all standard Copart fees when calculating your max bid. Enter the vehicle value and repair estimates, and we'll tell you the maximum you should bid to hit your profit target after all fees.

No more spreadsheets or surprises—just enter your numbers and bid with confidence.