Hidden commissions of American auctions (Auction

One of the most frequent "surprises" for novice buyers when buying a car from America is the so-called Auction Fees. When you bid at auction and win a car for, say, $4,000, you're actually paying a lot more. In 2026, the auctions changed their fee structure. This article will discuss these costs in detail.

Commission (Auction Fee) structure

Copart and IAAI calculate commissions based on the final winning price of the vehicle. The more expensive the car, the higher the fee, although this increase is not proportional (fixed percentage). It is divided into price categories. For example (approximate rates for 2026):

$500 - $999: Fees are around $200-$250.
$1,000 - $1,999: Fees range between $300-$400.
$2,000 - $3,999: Fees go up to $450-$600.
$4,000 and above: Commission may be 5-7% of the price plus a fixed base.

It is important to note that the fees differ depending on what type of account (Account Type) you have. Licensed business (Broker/Dealer) account holders pay much lower commissions than regular individuals (Public Buyers).

Other additional "hidden" costs

In addition to the basic Auction Fee, there are other mandatory fees:

Gate Fee / Loading Fee: This is the fee for removing/loading the car from the yard, which costs $50-$80 on average.
Internet Bid Fee: Because you are bidding online (rather than physically in the auction room), an online bidding fee is added , $50 to $120 (depending on the price of the car).
Late Fee: If you don't pay the amount within 2-3 business days after winning, you will be charged $50 for each day of delay.
Storage Fee: If the logistics company fails to remove the car from the auction yard on time (usually 3-5 days), you will be charged a parking fee of $20 to $40 per day.

How to save auction costs?

To avoid high Public Buyer fees and late fees, the best way is to use the services of a licensed dealer. Our company gives you access to low dealer rates and ensures timely vehicle removal so you don't incur a Storage Fee. See our service: Auction Logistics and Marketing. Find out about other costs: How much does it cost to import a car from America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the fee higher than Copart or IAAI?

Fees on both platforms are almost identical and change frequently. The difference is mostly minimal and depends on the specific price category.

2. Can I know the exact fee in advance?

Yes, both Copart and IAAI have hidden fee calculators for logged in users. When you place a bet, the system will show you the estimated fee.

3. Does the fee depend on the damage to the car?

No. The commission depends only on the winning bid and your account type. The degree of damage (Salvage or Clean Title) does not affect the Auction Fee.

4. Is the auction fee taxed at customs clearance in Georgia?

Yes, the Georgian customs requires an invoice, which shows both the price of the car and the auction fee. When calculating the import tax (if you have to pay it), this total amount is taken as the customs value.