IAAI Fees Calculator: Instantly calculate total auction costs, including buyer fees, internet bid ($49), service ($95), and environmental charges for 2026.
IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) charges multiple fees when purchasing salvage and repairable vehicles, including buyer fees, internet bid fees, service fees, and environmental charges. The total cost calculation depends on the final sale price, buyer license type, bidding method, and payment timing.
Total Fees Breakdown
| Fee Component | Licensed Buyer | Non-Licensed Buyer | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buyer Fee | Varies by sale price tier | Higher than licensed | Calculated based on final sale price |
| Internet/Proxy Bid Fee | $49 per vehicle | $49 per vehicle | Applied when bidding online |
| Service Fee | $95 per unit | $95 per unit | Vehicle handling and loading |
| Environmental Fee | $15 per unit | $15 per unit | Environmental compliance handling |
| Title Handling Fee | $20 per vehicle | $20 per vehicle | Applied to all purchases |
High-volume buyers with business licenses, 25+ units purchased, and $75,000+ in total sales over 12 months qualify for reduced buyer fees according to IAAI’s official fee structure.
Sales Tax on Salvage Vehicles
Sales tax on salvage vehicles is mandatory in most states where IAAI operates. Tax rates and calculation methods vary significantly by state, with some states calculating tax based on the sale price while others use fair market value. Virginia DMV requires a $15 titling fee plus applicable sales and use tax when declaring a vehicle salvage. Colorado defines salvage vehicles as those where repair costs exceed retail fair market value and requires salvage certificate applications through their DMV. Washington DC DMV requires insurance companies to apply for a salvage title within 30 calendar days of settlement for damaged vehicles. Taxpayers can deduct state and local sales tax on vehicle purchases when itemizing deductions on Schedule A, subject to a $10,000 cap according to the IRS Sales Tax Deduction guidelines.
Additional Tips for Bidding
Tips for Buyers
- Book transport immediately after winning to avoid daily storage fees that accumulate quickly
- Review branch-specific storage rates before bidding, as fees vary by location and start within days of purchase
- Consider Buy Now options for immediate purchase at fixed prices instead of waiting for live auctions
- Verify vehicle operability before purchase, as non-running vehicles incur higher transportation costs
- Plan for high-volume status if purchasing regularly, as 25+ vehicles per year qualifies for reduced buyer fees
Payment Fee Comparison
| Payment Method | Speed | Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Card | Instant | Processing fees apply | Small transactions under $10,000 |
| Bank Transfer | 1-2 business days | No additional fees | Large purchases, established buyers |
| Bill Payment | Next business day | No additional fees | Canadian buyers with good standing |
| Wire Transfer | Same/next day | Bank fees may apply | International or urgent payments |
Payment methods must be verified before they can be used for vehicle purchases through the IAAI platform.
Higher Bids Buyer Fee Table
| Sale Price Range | Standard Licensed Fee | High-Volume Licensed Fee | Non-Licensed Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 – $99.99 | Lower percentage | Reduced further | Higher flat fee |
| $100 – $499.99 | Tiered percentage | Volume discount | $125+ range |
| $500 – $999.99 | Tiered percentage | Volume discount | $185+ range |
| $1,000 – $1,499.99 | Tiered percentage | Volume discount | Higher percentage |
| $1,500 – $2,999.99 | Tiered percentage | Volume discount | Percentage-based |
| $3,000+ | Lower percentage | Lowest percentage | Standard percentage |
Licensed buyers consistently pay lower fees than non-licensed buyers across all price brackets according to IAAI’s buyer fees page.
Online vs Kiosk Bidding Fee Table
| Bidding Method | Additional Fee | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online/Internet Bid | $49 per vehicle | Internet access, registered account | Remote buyers, convenience |
| Proxy Bid | $49 per vehicle | Pre-set maximum bid amount | Buyers unable to attend live |
| Live Auction (In-Person) | $0 additional | Physical presence at location | Local buyers avoiding internet fees |
| Buy It Now | Included in listing | Immediate purchase decision | Buyers wanting instant acquisition |
Bidding in person at auction locations eliminates the $49 internet bid fee but requires travel to the facility.
How to Pay at IAA
How to Add Payment Methods
- Login to your IAA account and navigate to the payment settings dashboard
- Select “Add Payment Method” and choose from credit card, bank account, or other available options
- Enter payment details including card number, expiration, billing address, or bank routing information
- Verify and save the payment method for future transactions
- Set default payment option for streamlined checkout on won vehicles
Payment methods must be verified and approved before they can be used for vehicle purchases.
Additional Fees
- Late payment fees apply when payment isn’t received within the specified timeframe at each branch
- Storage fees accrue daily after the free storage period expires, with rates varying by location
- Gate/pull-out fees are charged for moving vehicles from storage positions within the yard
- Transportation fees through IAA Transport™ depend on distance, vehicle size, and destination
- Documentation fees may apply for title processing beyond the standard $20 title-handling fee
Each IAAI branch location page lists specific rates for late payment and storage fees.
Is the virtual bid fee charged for buy it now vehicles?
The virtual bid fee structure for Buy It Now vehicles depends on the purchase method. Buy It Now purchases are immediate transactions at fixed prices and typically include the internet platform fee since they’re processed through the online system. However, since no competitive bidding occurs, some locations may structure this differently than timed or live auctions. Buyers should verify the complete fee breakdown in their cart before confirming Buy It Now purchases to see all applicable charges.
Can you bid on IAAI for free?
No, IAAI requires payment of various fees to participate in auctions. While registration as a buyer may be free or require a membership fee depending on your buyer type, actual bidding and winning vehicles incurs mandatory charges. These include buyer fees calculated on the sale price, plus service fees ($95), environmental fees ($15), and title-handling fees ($20). Online bidding adds an additional $49 internet bid fee per vehicle. The only way to avoid the internet bid fee is bidding in person at physical auction locations.
How accurate are the fee estimates?
Fee estimates from IAAI calculators are generally accurate for standard fees but may not capture all location-specific charges. The buyer fee, internet bid fee, service fee, environmental fee, and title-handling fee are standardized and predictable based on the published fee schedules. However, estimates may not include sales tax (which varies by state), storage fees (which are branch-specific), transportation costs, or special handling fees. For the most accurate total cost, buyers should check the specific branch location page for local fee rates and factor in sales tax based on their state requirements.
What happens if I dont pay for a car I have won?
Failure to pay for a won vehicle at IAAI results in serious consequences including late payment fees and potential account suspension. IAAI branches impose branch-specific late payment penalties that accumulate over time, and storage fees begin accruing daily after the free period expires. Continued non-payment can lead to account restrictions, loss of bidding privileges, and potential legal action to recover the owed amount plus accumulated fees. These penalties damage your buyer reputation and may prevent future participation in IAAI auctions, making timely payment essential for maintaining good standing.
How much are IAAI buyer fees for a $5,000 car in 2026?
For a $5,000 salvage vehicle purchase at IAAI in 2026, non-licensed buyers face total fees of approximately $850-$950 before taxes and transportation. This includes the buyer fee (tiered percentage for the $5,000 bracket), internet bid fee ($49), service fee ($95), environmental fee ($15), and title-handling fee ($20). Licensed buyers pay significantly less with reduced buyer fees, potentially saving $100-$200 on the same vehicle. High-volume licensed buyers purchasing 25+ units annually receive the lowest fee structure. Sales tax adds 6-10% depending on state requirements, and storage fees accrue if the vehicle isn’t removed within the free period.
What’s the difference between IAAI and Copart fees in 2026?
IAAI and Copart use different tiered fee structures with IAAI typically charging flat service fees while Copart uses percentage-based brackets. IAAI charges a standardized $95 service fee and $15 environmental fee per vehicle regardless of price, plus tiered buyer fees based on sale price. Copart uses a percentage-based buyer fee system ranging from 5% to 12.5% depending on the final sale price, with additional gate fees ($79) and environmental fees ($10) according to Salvage Reseller’s fee analysis. For vehicles under $3,000, IAAI’s fee structure may be higher due to minimum fees, while Copart’s percentage system scales with price. For a $5,000 vehicle, Copart charges approximately $250 (5%) while IAAI’s structure may total more with fixed fees. Buyers should calculate total costs for their specific vehicle price range on both platforms to determine the better value.
Can I avoid IAAI storage fees completely?
Yes, IAAI storage fees can be completely avoided by removing the purchased vehicle within the free storage period specified by each branch. Most IAAI locations provide a grace period of 3-7 business days after payment for free vehicle pickup, though this varies by facility. To avoid storage fees, buyers should arrange transportation immediately after winning the auction and complete payment promptly to start the pickup clock. Booking a carrier within 24-48 hours of purchase prevents delays that lead to storage charges. Each branch location page lists the specific free storage period and daily storage rates, so reviewing these details before bidding helps with removal planning.
Are IAAI fees negotiable for high-volume buyers?
Yes, IAAI offers reduced fees for high-volume buyers who meet specific qualification criteria. The high-volume fee schedule applies to buyers with a business license on file who have purchased 25+ units with a combined sale price of $75,000+ in the past 12 months and maintain fewer than 5 bidder accounts. These buyers receive discounted buyer fees across all price brackets compared to standard licensed buyers. However, the fixed fees including service fees ($95), environmental fees ($15), title-handling fees ($20), and internet bid fees ($49) are not negotiable regardless of volume. High-volume status is automatically applied when qualification thresholds are met, requiring no special negotiation. Buyers consistently purchasing large quantities should track their annual volume to ensure they’re receiving applicable discounts.
How do I calculate shipping costs from IAAI auctions?
Calculate IAAI shipping costs by considering distance, vehicle operability, transport method, and timing. The primary factors include mileage from the auction yard to your destination (typically $0.50-$1.50 per mile), whether the vehicle runs (non-running adds $100-$300), transport type (open vs. enclosed), and vehicle size/weight. IAA Transport™ provides integrated shipping services with quotes directly through the platform. Third-party transporters often offer competitive rates, especially for buyers who can compare multiple quotes. Storage fees become critical in the calculation—booking immediately after winning prevents daily charges that accumulate quickly. Open transport is significantly cheaper than enclosed for standard vehicles, while specialty or luxury vehicles may require enclosed protection at 40-60% higher cost. Consolidating multiple vehicle shipments on a single transport load dramatically reduces per-vehicle costs.