Buying a Salvage Car at Auction: VIN, Condition and Transport Checks
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Buying a salvage vehicle from an auction
A salvage or damaged vehicle can require more planning than an ordinary vehicle purchase. Before arranging collection, understand what you have bought, whether it has been released, where it is located and whether it can roll, steer and brake.
Check the vehicle identity
Compare the registration, make, model and VIN information available with the auction or seller documentation. If important details conflict, resolve them before collection rather than assuming the transporter can sort them out at the gate.
Understand the condition
Ask whether keys are present, whether the engine runs, whether the transmission can select neutral and whether wheels are free. Accident damage, deployed airbags, collapsed suspension, seized brakes and missing wheels can change the loading requirements.
Write-off category matters
Insurance write-off categories describe the insurer's assessment of damaged vehicles. Category A and B vehicles cannot return to the road as complete vehicles; Category S and N vehicles can potentially be repaired and returned to use if roadworthy. The category does not by itself tell a transporter how easily the vehicle will load.
Arrange the right transport
See auction, garage and dealer transport, non-runner transport and seized-wheel recovery.