Every Copart and IAAI lot has a Primary Damage field and often a Secondary Damage one too. These labels are the first thing to look at, because they hint at how much the repair will cost. Here is how to read them.
The most common labels
- Front End — a frontal impact: bumper, headlights, hood, radiators. The most common type. What matters is whether the frame rails are affected and whether the airbags deployed.
- Rear End — an impact from behind: bumper, tailgate or trunk lid, tail lights. Often easier to fix than the front.
- Side — damage to doors, sills and pillars. A hit to a pillar is a complex and expensive repair.
- All Over — damage on several sides, for example after a rollover. Needs a very careful assessment.
- Minor Dent/Scratches — small dents and scratches. Often an almost intact car.
- Hail — lots of small dents on the roof and hood; the mechanics are usually fine.
- Water/Flood — the car was flooded. A risk for the electrics and electronics, so only buy after a detailed check.
- Mechanical — a problem with the engine, transmission or other components; the body may be intact.
- Burn — fire damage, full or partial.
- Vandalism — broken glass, scratches, a damaged interior.
- Undercarriage — damage to the underbody.
- Normal Wear — ordinary wear with no accident, often an off-lease car.
- Rejected Repair — someone already tried to repair the car, but the repair was not accepted. It can hide surprises, so the photos deserve an especially thorough look.
Run and Drive, Starts, Stationary
Besides damage, the auction shows the car's condition when it arrived at the yard:
- Run and Drive — the car started and moved under its own power;
- Engine Starts — the engine starts, but driving was not checked;
- Stationary / Doesn't start — it does not start.
This is not a guarantee — the label records the condition on one particular day. But Run and Drive noticeably lowers the risk of an expensive mechanical problem.
How to assess a lot
- Look at every photo, not just the main one: airbags, the instrument cluster (warning lights), the interior, the engine bay.
- Check the mileage and its status — Actual, or Not Actual / Exempt.
- Check for keys — replacing a missing key costs extra.
- Compare the price with the repair cost, not only with the market price of an undamaged car.
In short
The damage type is just a hint. The same "Front End" can mean a scratched bumper or a serious crash. That is why our manager reviews the photos and the lot's history with you before you bid. Find a car in the catalogue and work out the full delivery and customs cost in the calculator.
Auction damage descriptions are indicative and do not replace an inspection.