IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions Inc.) is the second-largest salvage auction platform in the US. Their fee structure is similar to Copart but with some key differences. Here's what you need to know before bidding.

IAAI Fee Overview

When you win at IAAI, you'll pay:

• Your winning bid
• Buyer fee (their version of buyer premium)
• Gate fee
• Internet bid fee
• Service/Environmental fees
• Title/Document fees

Buyer Fee Structure

IAAI's buyer fees follow a similar tiered model to Copart. For public members bidding online:

• $0 - $99.99: $1 minimum
• $100 - $499.99: $45 flat
• $500 - $999.99: $85 flat
• $1,000 - $1,499.99: $165
• $1,500 - $1,999.99: $210
• $2,000 - $3,999.99: 10.5%
• $4,000 - $5,999.99: 8.5%
• $6,000 - $7,999.99: 7.5%
• $8,000+: 6.5%

Notice that IAAI's percentages are slightly lower than Copart's on higher bids—about 0.5% less at most tiers.

Gate Fee

IAAI charges a $89 gate fee per vehicle. This is $10 more than Copart's $79 gate fee.

Internet Bid Fee

Online bidding costs $119 at IAAI, which is $10 less than Copart's $129 fee.

Other Fees

• Environmental/Service Fee: $15
• Title/Document Fees: Vary by state ($35-75 typical)

IAAI vs Copart: Fee Comparison

On a $5,000 winning bid, here's how the fees compare:

Copart (Public/Online)

• Buyer premium (9%): $450
• Gate: $79
• Internet: $129
• Environmental: $10
• Title: ~$50
• Total fees: $718

IAAI (Public/Online)

• Buyer fee (8.5%): $425
• Gate: $89
• Internet: $119
• Environmental: $15
• Title: ~$50
• Total fees: $698

On this example, IAAI saves you $20. The savings increase on higher bids due to lower percentage fees, but decrease on lower bids due to the higher gate fee.

Payment & Pickup

One advantage of IAAI: you get 5 business days to pay and pick up your vehicle, compared to Copart's 3 days. This extra time can be helpful when arranging transport or payment.

Membership

IAAI offers free basic membership for public buyers, while Copart charges $99 (though they often waive this with promotions). Both offer free dealer memberships with valid license documentation.

Bottom Line

IAAI's fees are slightly lower on mid-to-high priced vehicles, and the free membership is a nice perk for occasional buyers. However, the difference isn't dramatic—focus on finding the right vehicle at the right price, regardless of platform.

Our calculator lets you compare Copart vs IAAI max bids side-by-side so you can see exactly what you can afford on each platform.