Side by side
| Copart | IAAI (IAA) | |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Largest US salvage inventory, many yards | Large, strong on insurance vehicles, fewer dealer consignments |
| Public buyers | Yes, with a “No Business License Required” filter; state rules apply | Yes, Public Buyer account with “Available to Public” filter; state rules apply |
| Licensed inventory | Business license, broker or dealer account | Licensed business account, broker or dealer account |
| Buyer fee | Tiered, e.g. $750 at $4,500–$5,999.99; 7.25% from $15,000 (clean, secured) | Tiered by price, published per branch and buyer type |
| Other fees | $79 gate, $39–$149 bid fee, $50 late fee | Branch fees, internet bid fee, storage after deadline |
| Payment deadline | 3 business days incl. sale day | 2 business days (US), 4 (non-US) |
| Bidding | Pre-bid + live virtual auction | Pre-bid + live auction, Buy Now on some lots |
Where Copart is stronger
- Volume: with more lots, the chance of finding your exact model, trim and damage level is higher.
- Clear fee tables published on one page.
- Buy Now and Make an Offer on part of the inventory.
Where IAAI is stronger
- Condition data and photos on many insurance lots.
- IAA Transport gives a delivery quote right on the lot page, useful for budgeting.
- Slightly less bidder competition on some lots, which can mean lower hammer prices.
One account for both
With BasicMobile your bidder account covers Copart, IAAI and Manheim. You compare the same model across auctions in our live catalog or the auction sites, then bid where the total cost is lower. Deposit rules are the same for both: 10% of your bid limit, $600 minimum, with your first $100 counting toward it. Service fee from $200 when you win.
Questions about copart vs iaai
Is Copart or IAAI cheaper?
Hammer prices depend on the lot. Copart’s fee schedule is public and tiered; IAA fees vary by branch and buyer type. Compare the full cost per lot, not the auction.
Can I buy from both without a dealer license?
Both have a public pool that needs only an ID in eligible states. For the licensed pool on either auction you need a business license, a broker, or an account under a licensed dealer such as BasicMobile.
Which one has more cars?
Copart lists more vehicles overall. IAA is strong on insurance vehicles. Our catalog shows both so you can compare.
Get your auction account today
Direct access to Copart, IAAI and Manheim with your own bidder account under our Florida dealer license. One-time $100, credited to your car. Account issued within 12 hours, usually within minutes.
Related guides
Copart and IAA fee and licensing details are taken from copart.com and iaai.com as of October 2026 and can change; the auction’s own page is the final word. BasicMobile fees and deposits are as published on this site.