How To Visit A Copart Yard

CoProxy Editors

Published in Buying on CopartJuly 10th 20245 min read

Copart has 200+ used and salvage vehicle yards that allow visits and vehicle views.

Why you should visit a Copart yard

Bidding on and buying a vehicle entirely online can be a daunting decision. Thousands of dollars for a complex machine and you know only what you can glean from the photos and inspection report. Visiting a Copart yard in person can help put the vehicles you’re interested in into context. Some details simply can’t be conveyed via photos or perhaps a significant detail was overlooked when taking photos, like premium parts not listed in the vehicle details. This can provide you an advantage when bidding. It can also help prevent overspending on a lemon.

What you need to visit a Copart yard

Licensed Basic and Premier Members can preview vehicles at no cost Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Non-Members must sign up as Guest Members and pay a $25 fee in order to preview.
Premier Members are eligible for one complimentary Copart safety vest per Membership year, along with a free bottled water at each yard visit.
All Members should contact any of our locations beforehand to determine previewing days and times for their particular location.

Skip the Line

A helpful tip for visiting a Copart yard is to use the visitor sign-in system. Avoid standing in line and simply wait for a text message to let you know when it’s your turn.Pick one of the following options to join the line:

Scan the QR code located at the entrance.
Visit Visitor-Sign-In.Copart.com
Select the Visitor Sign-In option in the Copart Member App or Copart Transportation App.

Remember, Premier Members go to the front of the line as one of the many perks they enjoy.

Register on the Copart Website

Before you visit a Copart yard, you need to register on their website. Register to get started on Copart. You can sign up for a free membership to get used to the site and requirements before upgrading your membership to expand bidding limits.

Non-Members must sign up as Guest Members and pay a $25 fee in order to preview.
Premier Members are eligible for one complimentary Copart safety vest per Membership year, along with a free bottled water at each yard visit.
Sign Up: Go register on Copart's website and create an account. You'll need to provide basic information and choose a membership plan. View Copart plan details. The basic membership is free, but a Premier membership offers additional benefits such as higher bidding limits and access to more auctions.
Verify Your Account: Depending on your location and the type of membership, you may need to verify your identity and provide additional documentation.

Schedule Your Visit

Copart yards are open to the public, but it’s wise to check their specific visiting hours. Some yards have specific requirements and it’s best to follow the rules to the letter and start on good terms with the yard personnel.

Locate the Yard: Find the Copart yard you plan to visit here. Each location has its own operating hours and days.
Contact the Yard: Call ahead to confirm visiting hours and ensure the vehicle you’re interested in is available for viewing. These yards can have dozens, if not more, of vehicles and there are a lot of moving parts to managing auctions and inventory. Buyers are allowed in designated sale rows only.
Plan Your Visit: Some yards may require an appointment, while others allow walk-ins. Check if there are any visitor restrictions or requirements due to health and safety regulations.

Prepare for the Visit

Inspection is limited to vehicles currently listed for sale. The condition report on Copart’s website is helpful but getting to know the details of a vehicle with your own eyes can make a big difference when it comes time to bid. Once at the yard, here’s how to inspect the vehicle.

Check the Exterior: Look for visible damage, rust, and mismatched paint. Take note of the condition of tires, windows, and lights. Consider parts that can be fixed or will need replacing.
Inspect the Interior: Check the condition of seats, dashboard, and electronics. Smell for any unusual odors that could indicate water damage or other issues. Look for water lines inside and out. Even general condition can give you an idea of the vehicle’s history and how well it was maintained.
Under the Hood: Look for signs of leaks, check the condition of the battery, belts, and hoses. If allowed, start the vehicle to listen for any unusual noises. Look for issues you know how to fix but other bidders may not. This can highlight vehicles you may be more competitive on when bidding.
Review the Auction List: Make sure the vehicle’s details match the listing information.
Do NOT attempt to turn on a vehicle: As a safety precaution, please do not attempt to start a vehicle without a Copart employee.
Vehicles cannot be test driven.

Picking Up Your Vehicle

Once you’ve won the auction and made the payment you can pick up your vehicle. Pay attention to the yard the vehicle is at and read the rules specific to that yard. In some cases specific processes must be adhered to.

Arrange Transportation: Depending on the vehicle's condition, you may need to arrange for towing or shipping. You will not be allowed to drive the vehicle off the yard even if it drives completely safely.
Pickup Instructions: Follow the yard’s instructions for picking up your vehicle. Bring all necessary documents and identification.
Avoid Fees: Follow the yard’s instructions for picking up your vehicle. Bring all necessary documents and identification.

Try visiting a Copart yard before you’re ready to bid just to learn more about the process and get a feel for the type of vehicles available in your area. You may be surprised by the options and prices. Pay attention to specific vehicles that match your interests and see how they perform in the auction. It’s valuable to learn a lot before you start bidding with thousands of dollars on the line. Preparation makes all the difference.

You can find additional information here: Visit A Copart Yard