How to Find an Insurance Auto Auction

Finding automotive bargains and buying cheap cars are possible if you know where to look. One great place to score a deal is at an insurance auto auction.  Insurance auctions are held to sell cars that have been "totaled" that the insurance company sells in an attempt to recover some of the money that they have had to pay to the original owner.  The auctions are held in every state and most are open to the general public.

• Ask your insurance company which auction company they use.  Your agent may not be able to tell you but they should be willing to research it and get back with you. The cars are usually taken to several centralized locations in the state.


• Look online - Type in your state and "insurance auto auctions" in your search tool.  There are also several websites that may have some information for you on the location of the auctions.  Two of the largest ones are Ride Safely and Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA).  Some sites are now allowing you to register and bid online.  While this could save you time, it does not afford you the opportunity to see and examine the car with the exception of the photos that are posted online.


• Check out your local news - Many auctions are listed in the local news of the surrounding areas. They may post ads in the newspaper, on the radio or on television. Look for flyers on community bulletin boards. The auctions that you find openly advertised are generally opened to the public.


• Ask your local body shop or mechanic - Many of the staff at your local body shop can tell you the best place to find an insurance auto auction.  Not only will they be able to point you in the direction of the auction, they may be willing to accompany you and give you an idea of what the cost will be to make the necessary repairs to the vehicle that interests you.


• Ask your local salvage yard owner - Many of the salvage yards buy cars for parts from the insurance auto auctions.