Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer Questions

Prior to Bidding

• What are the fees for the buyer on Cars & Bids?

  In addition to the final purchase price paid to the seller, buyers pay a 4.5% buyer’s fee to Cars & Bids. The buyer’s fee has a minimum of $225, and a maximum of $4,500.

• How do I register to bid?

  In order to register, first sign up by clicking the “Sign In” icon in the upper right corner of the screen – then click “Sign up here” in the box that subsequently pops up. Once you create a username and password, you’ll be prompted to verify your email address. After you’ve done that, you can return to Cars & Bids and you’ll be prompted to register to bid.

  If you don’t want to register just yet, no problem – you can do it later. Once you find a car you want to bid on, click “Place Bid” on the car’s listing page, and you’ll be prompted to register before you can bid. You will have to enter your credit information, as we place a hold on each bidder’s credit card until the conclusion of the auction.

• How do I place a bid?

  In order to place a bid, you first have to register, which we’ve explained above. Once you’ve registered and you’ve found a car you’re interested in buying, bidding is easy – just click the “Place Bid” icon on a vehicle’s listing page. Then, you’re prompted to enter your bid amount.

  Your bid must be higher than the previous bid, of course – and depending on the current bidding level, there may be a minimum increase over the previous bid. Once you’ve submitted your bid, we place a hold on your credit card for 4.5% of your bid amount until the duration of the auction, in case you end up as the winning bidder.

• How do bid increments work?

  Bid increments increase as follows:

  • Minimum bid of $100 to start the auction
  • $100 increments up to $14,999
  • $250 increments from $15,000 to $49,999
  • $500 increments from $50,000 to $199,999
  • $1,000 increments at or above $200,000

• What currency does Cars & Bids use?

  All bids on Cars & Bids are in United States Dollars (USD), including on vehicles located in Canada.

• Can I bid if I live outside of the United States or Canada?

  Yes, however you will need to pay in full for the vehicle promptly following the close of the auction, just like all other buyers. Additionally, any logistics, import fees, transportation, legal dues, and/or other items needed to export/import the vehicle are entirely the buyer’s responsibility. Please ensure you’re aware of all these rules and you have everything fully in place prior to bidding. The close of the auction is not the time to begin researching transportation logistics and import regulations.

During the Auction

• How do I contact a seller privately?

  You can contact the seller privately through the auction description page for the seller’s vehicle. Just click the “Contact the seller” link next to the seller’s name, and you’ll be able to send the seller a private message that won’t appear on the auction itself.

• How can I tell if a car was inspected?

  If a car was inspected, you’ll see an “Inspected” tag near the listing title. The listing page will have a link to view the inspection report under the main listing image, next to the Carfax logo.

• What is covered in an inspection?

  Inspections are performed by Lemon Squad and include details of the car’s exterior, interior, and running condition. View a sample inspection report here. Additional details are available at https://lemonsquad.com/used-car-inspections/compare.

• Are inspected cars test driven?

  Inspectors will test drive the vehicle as long as it is street-legal, safe to drive, and the seller allows them to drive it. In some instances, an inspector may not be able to test drive a vehicle, due to size constraints or liability issues. The vehicle may be test driven by the seller or seller's representative in these instances.

• Is there proxy bidding?

  No. If you are outbid, you will need to manually input your next bid. Note that the price of the vehicle will immediately progress to your bid amount. For example, if the current high-bid is $30,000 and you input a $35,000 bid, the current high bid will immediately go to $35,000.

• Why do you place a hold on my credit card when I bid?

  We place a hold on your credit card when you bid in order to account for the possibility that you may have to pay the buyer’s fee, should you end up as the winning bidder. The hold is for 4.5% of your initial bid amount, with a minimum of $225 and a maximum of $4,500. If you aren’t the winning bidder, the hold is released from your credit card at the conclusion of the auction.

• What’s the reserve price of the car I want to buy?

  If a listing doesn’t have a reserve, you’ll see a “No Reserve” tag along with a “No Reserve” text near the bidding box. If you don’t see this text, that auction has a reserve price. Reserve prices are not published, and we ask that buyers refrain from asking sellers about reserve pricing during the auction. The only time you’ll know if the reserve is met is if the car sells at auction close.

• How do I make sure the vehicle is as described?

  While we’ve tried to make buying a car online as safe and easy as possible, it’s ultimately your responsibility to perform your own due diligence and make sure that the car you’re considering is right for you – prior to placing a bid.

  • Review the listing thoroughly, including known flaws, the vehicle history report, the vehicle inspection report (if applicable), recent maintenance, comments, questions, photos, etc.
  • Ask the seller – via comments, Seller Q&A, or the “Contact” feature – any questions that you may have about the vehicle.
  • Arrange to inspect the vehicle in person, or work with the seller to schedule a detailed pre-purchase inspection (“PPI”) at a reputable shop in their area or via a mobile inspector such as Lemon Squad (at your cost). Live auctions will include a green “Contact” button next to the seller’s username. You can utilize this feature to get in touch with them and set up an inspection.

• Can I retract a bid if I change my mind?

  Bids are binding, so only bid if you fully intend to purchase the car and you have performed the requisite due diligence/planning. Buyer’s fees are not refundable after winning an auction. It’s important to consider this before participating in the bidding process.

After the Auction

• I didn’t win the auction, why do I still have a hold from Cars & Bids?

  We cancel holds for non-winning bidders immediately upon the conclusion of the auction. Depending on your bank, it may take a few days - or up to 7 business days, in rare cases - for the hold to appear removed; please contact your card issuer directly with any questions about the timeline and process.

• What if the reserve isn’t met?

  If you’re the high bidder on a car where the reserve isn’t met, we’ll work with you and the seller to find a sale price suitable for both parties. If we can reach an agreement, we’ll put the high bidder and seller in contact – and our fee drops to 2.5%.

  Only the high bidder is eligible to make a post-auction deal. Bid as high as you are comfortable during the auction, as this is the best way to ensure you end up with the car you want.

• Once the auction is over, how do I complete the transaction?

  Buyers and sellers can choose to use Cars & Bids SafePay or complete their transaction manually. At the conclusion of the auction, both the buyer and seller are given each other’s contact information to complete the transaction. Read more about Finalizing the Transaction.

• How do I arrange financing?

  We’ve teamed up with LightStream to offer seamless and quick financing options. With low rates, funding available as soon as the same day**, funds deposited directly to your account, and excellent customer service, a LightStream loan makes buying a car through Cars & Bids even easier.

  Check out the loan options - and apply - directly from each auction. Have questions? Click here to learn more. We may be compensated through links on this site.

  It’s crucial to secure loan approval in advance for a smooth experience. If you’re considering alternative financing options, remember that approval should be obtained prior to bidding. The information in the listing is usually enough for pre-approval, but if your lender requires more details, use the "Contact" button to reach out to the seller directly. This ensures a streamlined process and avoids complications during/after the auction.

• How do I pick up the vehicle?

  Transportation costs are always the buyer’s responsibility, so we recommend gathering personal travel and/or shipping cost estimates before bidding. There are many options for how to collect your new vehicle, such as booking a one-way flight and driving home, or going with a trailer to pick up the car. However, we always suggest shipping as an easy and often more affordable option.

  You can get instant shipping quotes directly in the auction for most vehicles, and winning bidders can often book shipping directly through Cars & Bids Shipping.

  If you are unable to instantly quote or book shipping through Cars & Bids Shipping, contact our shipping team directly at [email protected] or (978) 955-2355 for a quick and easy quote.

  Please be sure to verify that a general timeline would work for the seller before bidding. Some sellers may be happy to store the car briefly to allow you time to pick it up, and may also be willing to bring the car to a nearby location for it to be loaded onto a shipping truck. Note that title transfers, paying off loans, etc. may take a little bit of time. When in doubt, contact the seller and make sure the timing works for them!

• How do I pay the seller safely?

  The safest and easiest way to complete your purchase, including sending payment, is through Cars & Bids SafePay.

  If you choose to pay the seller directly, we recommend wire transfers or cashier’s checks for payment, but there are many possible options. We do recommend discussing the potential timeline with the seller as early as possible to ensure that you’re both comfortable with the timing and steps.

  Note that some states can take several weeks to reissue a title once the loan has been satisfied. Additionally, some states require titles to be notarized by the seller before it can be transferred to you, so pay attention to those rules – and reference state DMV websites – before sending important documents.

  Read more about Finalizing the Transaction.

• Can I retract my bid if I am no longer willing or able to purchase the vehicle?

  We understand that circumstances may change, but it’s essential for bidders to conduct thorough research, due diligence, and to only bid if they are 100% prepared to move forward. All auctions are conducted on an "as-is" and "where-is" basis, meaning the responsibility lies with the bidder to inspect the car in person, consider pre-purchase inspections (PPIs), and communicate with the seller to address any concerns prior to placing a bid.

  Once a bid is placed, it represents a binding commitment to purchase the vehicle. Therefore, failing to complete a purchase could lead to serious consequences, including forfeiture of the buyer’s fee and permanent removal from the Cars & Bids community.

• What should I do if someone else (e.g., sibling, parent, child, co-worker) used my account to place bids on a vehicle that I ended up winning?

  As the account holder, you are ultimately responsible for all activities associated with your account, including bids made on vehicles. Each bid constitutes a binding commitment to purchase the vehicle, and failure to follow through on the purchase would lead to forfeiture of the buyer’s fee and permanent removal from the Cars & Bids community.

Seller Questions

Prior to Listing

• How much does it cost to sell a car on Cars & Bids?

  Listing a car on Cars & Bids is completely free — and sellers receive 100% of the final sale price!

• How do you choose which cars you’re looking for?

  We’re focused on cool cars, trucks, and SUVs from the modern era – which we’re defining as the 1980s through the present day. If you’re looking to sell a cool car from the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, or 2020s, we might be interested in listing it. Our definition of “cool” ranges from traditional sports cars (Mazda MX-5 Miata, Porsche 911) to oddball vehicles (Subaru BRAT, Infiniti M30, Volvo 850R) to more obvious high-performance sports cars (Porsche Cayman R, Ferrari 360 Modena) to special trucks and SUVs (Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Land Rover Defender). We don’t list every car we’re offered, but we’re certainly interested in your submission to see if it’s a good fit for Cars & Bids.

• Can I sell a vehicle if I still have a loan on it?

  Yes, you can! Cars & Bids SafePay makes loan payoff and title transfer easy and secure.

  If you choose to complete the sale manually, before the start of your auction, review the process for transferring vehicle titles in your state – and contact your lender regarding the pay-off process (if your buyer can pay your lender directly, or if payment must go through you), the timeline for paying it off/receiving the title, and confirm your loan balance. Sellers are responsible for covering the difference if the winning bid is less than the loan balance.

• Can I sell a vehicle if I live outside of the United States or Canada?

  Currently, Cars & Bids only offers vehicles for sale located in the US and Canada. We may look into adding international sellers in the future, so please check back often!

• Can I sell a vehicle if I live in Puerto Rico?

  Currently, Cars & Bids does not offer vehicles for sale in Puerto Rico, but we may expand to vehicles here in the future.

• How do I submit my car for sale?

  To submit your car for sale, go to the “Sell a Car” link in the header. In order to sell your car, you’ll need to provide us with some important information – like the make, model, year, VIN, a few photos, and some other relevant details. If we’re interested in selling your car, we’ll get in touch with you. Then we’ll ask you for a more detailed set of questions so we can make sure our auction description is accurate.

• What information do I need to provide in order to sell my car?

  We start with just the basics: we can let you know if we’ll accept your car if you just give us the make, model, year, VIN, some photos, and a few other details. If we accept your car based on this information, we’ll then need to gather more details – we’ll ask about your history with the car, features, and other items that help us craft our listing.

• How should I prepare for selling my car?

  We recommend preparing your sale in a few easy steps:

  • Submit your car – use the Sell a Car link in the header to start your submission.
  • Clean your car – remove any personal items and consider a detail to make your car look showroom fresh.
  • Take great photos – see our photo guide or book a professional photographer on our photography page.
  • Prepare documentation – research the timeline and steps for title transfers in your State/Province and be ready to discuss these with potential bidders during the auction.

  Cars & Bids SafePay is an easy and secure way to complete your payment and title transfer.

• What do I need to know about title transfer?

  Cars & Bids SafePay handles payment and title transfer for you, 100% online.

  If you choose to complete your sale manually, we recommend researching the timeline and steps for title transfers in advance of the auction to ensure that you know the appropriate selling process. Note that potential buyers are encouraged to reach out to discuss the post-sale arrangements, in case they are the top bidder. Please engage with them to develop a suitable plan, and be up-front about your expectations!

  If there is a loan on a vehicle, please research the necessary steps to pay off the loan and transfer the title, and have a plan ready to do so upon the close of the auction – the more prepared you are, the more efficiently you can sell the car!

  Note that some states can take several weeks to reissue a title once the loan has been satisfied. Additionally, some states require that you notarize the title before it can be transferred to the buyer, so pay close attention to those rules – and reference state DMV websites – before sending important documents.

• Can I put a reserve price on my auction?

  Yes, we offer sellers the choice between a “reserve” and a “no reserve” auction. A “reserve” is a minimum price that a seller is willing to accept for a car, which is unknown to buyers during the auction. A “no reserve” auction has no minimum price, meaning the car will sell for the amount of the high bid.

  Moving forward with a no-reserve auction can be an excellent strategy to generate excitement and attract more bids for your vehicle. While this may sound scary or daunting, it’s important to note that a significant portion of our 20,000+ auctions follows this approach. Only a small number of sellers have expressed dissatisfaction with the results, while the majority have been appreciative of the recommendation. Many sellers have even shared positive feedback, expressing pleasant surprise with the outcomes of their no-reserve auctions.

  If you choose a reserve auction, we will ask you to suggest a reserve price – but we may ask for a lower one before we’re willing to list the car for sale. If we can’t agree on a reserve price, no hard feelings – of course, you’re free to sell the car elsewhere.

  If you decide later that you want to adjust your reserve, you can lower it at any point during the auction. Simply click the “Lower reserve” icon in your auction listing page, and enter your new reserve. Of course, we only allow sellers to use this tool to lower their reserve price, so the new reserve you enter must be lower than your current reserve price.

• Can I add a reserve during the auction if I originally selected no reserve?

  Once an auction begins with "no reserve," it is not possible to add a reserve price to the listing.

  The "no reserve" option means that the item will be sold to the highest bidder regardless of the final bid amount. If you wish to set a minimum price for your vehicle, it must be done during the initial submission by selecting the appropriate reserve option and discussing it with our expert Intake and Valuation team. Keep in mind that our data show that no reserve auctions get the most interest and bids – so no reserve is almost always the best choice!

The Listing Process

• How do I take the best pictures of my car?

  We can’t emphasize enough how important photos are for a successful auction! With this in mind, go check out our photography page to get tips and tricks, download our detailed photo guide, or even hire a professional photographer to come shoot your car.

• Should I take a video?

  Yes! We’ve found that taking a video detailing the exterior condition, interior, engine bay, and also showing the engine start and run, really raises interest and increases buyer confidence. This can be broken up into several videos, or all in one.

  We suggest filming in landscape mode, with the phone held horizontally, not vertically, and using YouTube or Vimeo to host the video. Want an example? See here!

• Why should I get my car inspected?

  Having your car inspected and providing bidders with the inspection report will get you top dollar for your car. When bidders know the current condition of a car, they have the confidence to bid, and to bid more. Remember, one additional bid generally pays for the entire cost of your inspection.

• What is covered in an inspection?

  Inspections are performed by Lemon Squad and include details of the car’s exterior, interior, and running condition. View a sample inspection report here. Additional details are available at https://lemonsquad.com/used-car-inspections/compare.

• Will the inspector test drive my car?

  We strongly recommend that you allow the inspector to test drive your car as part of the inspection. Inspectors will test drive the vehicle as long as it is street-legal, safe to drive, and you allow them to drive it. In some instances, an inspector may not be able to test drive a vehicle, due to size constraints or liability issues. The vehicle may be test driven by the seller or seller's representative in these instances.

• What if I don’t like the inspection?

  You don’t have to include your inspection report with your listing. We’ll email you when the report is available, and you can choose whether to include it or not. We always recommend including the inspection report, even with flaws noted, as bidders will feel more confident in your car with the third-party condition assessment.

  Note that if you choose to include your inspection report with your listing, or share any details of the inspection report with our team, we are obligated to include any flaws identified in order to present your car accurately and fairly.

• Why don’t I have the option to book an inspection?

  Unfortunately, not all cars are eligible for an inspection through Lemon Squad at this time. We are unable to offer inspections on vehicles located in Canada, vehicles with substantial modifications, and other vehicle-specific exceptions. If you have any questions about your specific car, please email us at [email protected] for more information.

• Who writes the listing description for my car?

  After you provide us with all of the pertinent information about your car, we’ll write the actual auction description. We won’t go live without your approval, and we do our best to make our auction descriptions simple, objective, and direct, focusing on only the most important details to help bidders make their decisions.

• How do I contact you about my listing?

  You’ll have access to chat with us as soon as you submit your car. From the Seller Dashboard page, click on the listing and then on the chat bubble to contact us directly.

  We strive to respond to chat messages as quickly as possible, and always within one business day.

• Can I schedule when my car’s auction starts?

  Although we don’t offer the ability to precisely schedule your auction, we allow our sellers to provide preferences. If you’d prefer a certain start date, or if you’d prefer if your auction wasn’t live during a certain week (for example, due to a vacation or business trip), let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

• How long does an auction last?

  All auctions last for seven days. However, the exact duration can fluctuate. That’s because within the last minute of an auction, each new bid resets the auction clock to one minute remaining. This simulates a traditional auction, where bidding continues until bidders stop – rather than some online auctions, which end at a set time and favor last-second bids.

During the Auction

• Can I edit my auction once it’s live?

  You can’t edit your auction yourself – but throughout the duration of your auction, you’ll be in touch with Cars & Bids. If you need to edit your auction, just reach out and let us know what you need to have changed. You can also leave comments, which include additional photos – and you can answer questions to help improve the clarity of your listing.

• How do I respond to questions/how should I engage during the auction?

  We strongly recommend being an active participant in the comments section, and we ask that you respond to any questions submitted there, in your auction’s Q&A section, or directly from users through the Contact Seller option. Sellers who participate actively are the most successful. As always, staying positive and constructive with your answers will only increase confidence from potential bidders.

  Keep in mind that the buyer is a car enthusiast just like you, and they likely wouldn’t be asking unless they’re seriously interested in your car!

• Can I change the reserve price on my auction?

  If you decide that you want to adjust your reserve, you can lower it at any point during the auction. Simply click the “Lower reserve” icon on your auction listing page, and enter your new reserve. Of course, we only allow sellers to use this tool to lower their reserve price, so the new reserve you enter must be lower than your current reserve price.

• Should I disclose my reserve price?

  We recommend never revealing your reserve, especially in the public comments or Q&A sections. We’ve found that disclosing a reserve price almost always slows down bidding, especially as the auction nears or reaches that value.

• Who can bid on my car?

  Anyone who has registered to bid on Cars & Bids. They must have a verified email address and valid credit card on file. All bidders are expected to pay in full within one week of the auction close date.

  Your buyer may be from outside of the United States or Canada. International buyers are expected to pay in full for the vehicle promptly following the auction, just like all other bidders. Additionally, any logistics, import fees, transportation, legal dues, and/or other items needed to export/import the vehicle are entirely the buyer’s responsibility.

• Can I try to make a deal outside of the auction?

  No – vehicles listed on Cars & Bids are for sale exclusively through the auction. If a buyer or seller attempts to make a deal in an attempt to subvert the auction, we will permanently ban you from the site. Instead, if you want to buy a car on Cars & Bids, simply bid the maximum you’re willing to pay – it’s the best way to ensure you’ll end up with the car you want.

After the Auction

• What if my reserve isn’t met?

  If your reserve isn’t met, we’ll get in touch with you and with the high bidder on your auction, and we’ll try to negotiate a price that will satisfy both parties. If we reach an agreement, we’ll put you and the buyer in contact – and we’ll drop our buyer’s fee to 2.5%.

  Only the high bidder is eligible to make a post-auction deal. Bidders are encouraged to bid as high as they are comfortable during the auction, as this is the best way to ensure they end up with the car they want.

• Once the auctions over, how do I complete the sale?

  Buyers and sellers can choose to use Cars & Bids SafePay or complete their transaction manually. At the conclusion of the auction, both the buyer and seller are given each other’s contact information to complete the transaction. Read more about Finalizing the Transaction.

• Why did my vehicle sell for less than my reserve?

  If the highest bid for your car falls below the reserve price you set, Cars & Bids may, at its sole discretion, pay you the difference between the highest bid and the reserve price. Once the vehicle transaction is finalized, Cars & Bids will proceed to pay you the difference between the highest bid and the reserve price as agreed.

• How do I get paid safely?

  The safest and easiest way to complete your sale, including taking payment, is through Cars & Bids SafePay.

  If you choose the take payment directly, Cars & Bids recommends wire transfers and cashier’s checks as the safest form of payment, although each transaction is unique and other strategies may be preferable to you. If the buyer is local, for example, meeting at their local bank branch to draft a cashier’s check, withdraw the funds directly, or complete an electronic money transfer are also common practices. In each of these cases, please perform your due diligence, potentially including verifying a cashier’s check with your bank, or waiting until funds are received before signing over the title.

  If the buyer is a dealer, they may require the title before they can issue payment.

• Do I need a Bill of Sale?

  We always recommend drafting up a Bill of Sale that describes the Make/Model/VIN of the vehicle being sold, the purchase price, and the terms of the transaction (i.e. date(s), if any additional items come with the car, etc.). Both the buyer and seller should sign and date the Bill of Sale and each should keep a copy for their records.

  Completing your sale through Cars & Bids SafePay is an easy and cost-effective way to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation, including a Bill of Sale.

  Your state’s DMV website may have vehicle Bill of Sale templates. Additionally, we recommend a simple and free service such as https://eforms.com/bill-of-sale/.

• What if the winning bidder doesn’t follow through with the purchase?

  It’s very uncommon that a winning bidder fails to follow through on Cars & Bids. In the unusual event that it occurs, the winning bidder forfeits their 4.5% buyer’s fee — and they’re permanently banned from Cars & Bids.

  If your buyer fails to follow through, we’ll immediately work with the next-highest bidder(s) in an attempt to sell your vehicle at an agreed-upon price. In the event that we can’t strike a deal, we may offer to re-list your car free of charge, or we will pay you half of the collected buyer’s fee after 90 days.

• How long do you keep past auctions available for review?

  In contrast to some of our competitors, we keep all auctions perpetually available for all to see regardless of their outcome. We do this because we feel it’s essential to be transparent in order to build trust within the enthusiast community.

• If I’m unhappy with the outcome of a "no reserve" auction, can I choose not to sell my vehicle?

  In a "no reserve" auction, you are obligated to sell your car to the highest bidder, regardless of the bid amount. As a result, you won’t have the ability to decline the final offer.

  It’s our belief that vehicles tend to generate more interest and achieve better prices in no-reserve auctions. Nevertheless, if you have a specific minimum price in mind that you require for your vehicle, we recommend inquiring about setting a reserve price as part of your initial submission.

SafePay Questions

• What is Cars & Bids SafePay?

  SafePay, powered by KeySavvy, is a 100% online platform that securely processes the payment from buyer to seller and handles title transfer from seller to buyer. Learn more about SafePay.

• How do I contact SafePay if I have questions?

  You can email the SafePay team at [email protected]. We’re happy to answer any questions that may arise.

• Can I use SafePay if I’m not in the US?

  At this time, SafePay is only eligible for vehicle purchases from Private Parties where both the buyer and seller are located in the United States. If you have any questions about this policy, contact us at [email protected].

  Please note that Cars & Bids Shipping may be able to help you import your new car. Contact [email protected] if you have any questions about importation processes.

• How does SafePay work?

  SafePay, powered by KeySavvy, acts as a dealer between the buyer and seller. KeySavvy will collect payment from the buyer and the title from the seller, then reassign the title to the buyer and send payment to the seller when the vehicle is picked up. As a licensed dealer, KeySavvy protects buyers from title fraud, and ensures that sellers receive prompt and valid payment.

• How much does it cost to use SafePay?

  Buyers pay just $198. If the vehicle has a loan, there is an additional $99 charge to pay off the loan as part of the sale.

  Buyers and sellers can split the fees evenly or have one party pay all the fees. Fees are paid when the transaction completes and there is never a cancellation fee.

• How is the title transferred?

  If the seller has their title, KeySavvy will provide detailed instructions for signing and mailing the title to KeySavvy. Upon receipt, KeySavvy will reassign the title and ship with tracking to the buyer’s mailing address.

  If the seller does not have their title, KeySavvy will mail the seller a power of attorney form and a return envelope. This allows KeySavvy to sign the title on behalf of the seller after they receive the title from the seller’s leinholder. KeySavvy will then reassign the title and ship it with tracking to the buyer’s mailing address.

• Why don’t I have a SafePay option?

  SafePay is only available on cars sold by private parties in the United States. If you would like assistance with completing your transaction from a dealer or from outside the country, contact KeySavvy support at (855) 917-2889 or click here to get started.

• How long does it take to buy or sell with Cars & Bids SafePay?

  Buyers and sellers can complete the initial steps and identity verification in 5-10 minutes. If the seller has a loan, KeySavvy will contact the lender, which can delay the transaction.

  Most payments are verified immediately, even on nights and weekends, but can take up to one business day, depending on the buyer’s bank. If the sale price is more than $50,000, the buyer is required to pay using a wire transfer. After payment is verified and both parties have e-signed the bill of sale, the transaction is usually approved within 15 minutes.

• Why should I trust SafePay and KeySavvy?

  Cars & Bids is the most trusted online enthusiast auction, and KeySavvy is the most trusted online vehicle transaction platform. Check out the many positive reviews on Google, Trustpilot, Reddit, and various other online forums for more information.

• Does SafePay create a bill of sale?

  Yes, KeySavvy generates a bill of sale for e-signature automatically that you can download from your dashboard at any time in the future. The bill of sale will state that the vehicle is sold in “as is” condition.

• When does the buyer pay for the car?

  After the buyer and seller agree to use SafePay, they will each need to verify their identities and the seller must verify ownership of the vehicle. Verifying identity and ownership usually takes just a few minutes. Only after these items are verified is the buyer asked to pay for the vehicle.

• When does the seller get paid?

  The seller is paid when the vehicle leaves their possession and KeySavvy has their title or loan payoff.

• What if the car is shipped?

  If the car is being shipped, we’ll ask the seller to upload a picture or PDF of the signed bill of lading to confirm the vehicle was picked up. A bill of lading is a standard document that all vehicle transporters should provide, and you can be assured is always provided when using Cars & Bids Shipping.

• How is SafePay different from escrow?

  Similar to an escrow service, payment is collected from the buyer and then paid to the seller when the vehicle is picked up. However, SafePay is specifically designed for vehicle sales. Since KeySavvy is a licensed dealer, they can verify the seller’s ownership to protect buyers from title fraud, work with banks to pay off the seller’s loan, issue temporary permits so it’s legal to drive the car immediately, and answer specific questions about vehicle transactions.

• Do I have to pay taxes and registration fees if I use SafePay?

  Yes, all applicable taxes and fees are due to your local DMV in order to register your vehicle. Minnesota residents will pay their taxes and fees through KeySavvy, and KeySavvy will register your vehicle for you.

  Some states exempt certain private party sales from tax and KeySavvy will notify you if they see you’ll pay more in taxes as a result of them processing your transaction as a dealer.

• Can I get a refund if I don’t pick up the car?

  Yes, your payment is 100% refundable (including our fee) until you pick up the vehicle from the seller or it is picked up by the shipper.

• Are EV purchases through SafePay eligible for EV Tax Credits?

  Potentially, yes. When you complete your purchase through SafePay you are buying the car from our Minnesota dealership. Other restrictions on EV tax credits still apply, so contact us at [email protected] with the vehicle you’re looking at and we’ll be more than happy to clarify eligibility.

• Does SafePay provide a vehicle warranty?

  No, neither Cars & Bids nor KeySavvy guarantee the condition of the vehicle. KeySavvy guarantees the secure transfer of funds from buyer to seller and vehicle ownership and title verification. Buyers are encouraged to perform all due diligence, including any pre-purchase inspection, prior to placing a bid on the vehicle.

• Can I finance with my own bank or credit union?

  Yes! KeySavvy works with most local banks or credit unions, even those that don’t typically finance private party sales, as KeySavvy is a licensed dealer. KeySavvy will generate a Purchase Order that the buyer can take to their bank for financing, if necessary.

• How are sellers paid?

  Sellers can choose to get paid by direct deposit (ACH), check, or in some cases, Zelle. The person receiving the payment must be the legal owner of the car.

• When do I release my car?

  After KeySavvy verifies payment and approves a sale, SafePay will email the seller letting them know it’s okay to give your car to the buyer. Do not give your car to the buyer before KeySavvy has verified the buyer’s payment.

• Why would I give up the car without the money?

  We understand not wanting to release the car without the money in hand. KeySavvy verifies the buyer’s payment and sellers are guaranteed to get paid. If the buyer’s payment is reversed for any reason after the vehicle is picked up, it is KeySavvy’s responsibility to collect payment from the buyer.

  When you use SafePay, you’ll sign a purchase agreement that outlines KeySavvy’s obligation to pay you for your vehicle.

• Can I use SafePay if I still have a loan?

  Yes! You don’t need to pay off your loan before you sell your car – KeySavvy will pay it off as part of the sale process, and send you the proceeds beyond your payoff amount.

Shipping Questions

• How do I contact Cars & Bids Shipping?

  Our shipping team is available any time at [email protected]. You can also call our team at (978) 955-2355 during regular business hours.

• I’ve just won an auction and want to ship the vehicle. Now what?

  Congratulations! You can get a quote and book shipping directly from your winner’s page.

• Can I change or cancel my shipping after it's been ordered?

  Yes. Changes and cancellations are allowed until a driver is en route to pick up the vehicle. Contact us at (978) 955-2355 or [email protected] if you need to cancel or change your shipment.

• Can I ship a car I didn’t win on Cars & Bids?

  Absolutely! Unfortunately, online booking is only available for auction winners at this time. However, you can book through Cars & Bids Shipping by contacting us at [email protected] or (978) 955-2355.

• Should I choose open or enclosed shipping?

  This depends upon your budget, expectations, and timeline. Open shipping will expose your vehicle to the elements but is also less expensive. Enclosed shipping will protect your vehicle from the elements, but will cost more than using an open trailer.

  Not all options may be available for every vehicle, so if you have specific questions about our open and closed trailers, feel free to call us at (978) 955-2355 or email us at [email protected].

• Why can’t I get an online quote?

  Some vehicles aren’t eligible for instant online shipping quotes. We’re still here to help! Contact us at (978) 955-2355 or [email protected] to get a quick and easy quote.

  Below are some of the most common reasons instant shipping quotes are not available:

  • The vehicle is modified and will require special considerations in choosing a truck for shipment.
  • You need to ship the vehicle outside of the contiguous 48 United States, or it is located outside of the contiguous 48 states.
  • The car is unique, and we don’t have accurate measurements for automated shipping quotes.

  Shipping is available in all of these cases, contact us at [email protected] or at (978) 955-2355.

• Why don’t I see an option for open transport?

  Due to loading restrictions, some vehicles aren’t eligible for open shipping. Enclosed carriers are able to load vehicles with reduced ground clearance and better protect high-value vehicles from the elements. If you have questions about a specific vehicle, please contact us at [email protected] or at (978) 955-2355.

• Why isn’t my quote still available?

  Due to variability in fuel and other transportation costs, shipping quotes are valid for 14 days. If your quote has expired, simply re-enter your delivery zip code to get a new quote!

• Does Cars & Bids handle international shipping?

  We do, although several variables impact international transport. Fortunately, our experienced staff can walk you through each step. We can answer questions about customs, destination fees, and vehicle inspections. Call us at (978) 955-2355 or email us at [email protected] for more information. As a reminder, all logistics - including import, export, and transportation - are always the buyer’s responsibility, so please reach out before you bid.

• How will I be contacted by Cars & Bids Shipping?

  Our team will reach out to both the buyer and the seller via phone to arrange specific pickup and delivery details. After this initial contact, you can communicate with Cars & Bids Shipping via phone or email, whichever you prefer.

• Why do you need my full address to book shipping?

  Our delivery drivers need the exact address of where the car will be delivered. We will not share your address outside of our shipping team.

  If you are uncomfortable with providing your personal address and are willing to meet the delivery driver elsewhere, you can enter the address where you are willing to pick up the vehicle, such as a nearby grocery store or shopping mall.

• When will my car arrive?

  Once you’ve booked shipping through Cars & Bids, we will show you an estimated time of arrival (ETA) on your winner’s page. If you have questions about when the car will be picked up or its current status, contact us at (978) 955-2355 or [email protected].

• Do I have to be there when the car is picked up or dropped off?

  We strongly recommend that an individual is present both when the car is picked up and when it is dropped off. Our driver will complete a condition report including photos of the vehicle when it is picked up. This condition report is available after the vehicle is delivered.

  In the rare event that any new damage is found, we will open a claim and work with you to right the situation. See our Shipping Terms and Conditions for more information.

• I have a problem with my shipment, who do I contact?

  We are here to help! Contact our support team at [email protected] or our shipping team at [email protected] or (978) 955-2355.

• My car just sold and the buyer wants to ship it. What do I need to do?

  Congratulations on your sale! Transportation costs are the responsibility of the buyer and they can quote and book shipping directly from their winner’s page.

  If they book through Cars & Bids, we’ll send you an email confirmation immediately. Our team will also give you a call to arrange exact pickup details, including your address and the dates that you are available.

  As always, we ask that you be flexible with setting a pick-up time and location to ensure a seamless experience.

• Are shipments through Cars & Bids insured?

  Yes. Every carrier on Cars & Bids Shipping is fully-insured to cover your vehicle during shipping. Click here to learn more.

• Can I ship extra parts with the car?

  Yes, but we recommend you do so carefully. While insurance covers your car, it does not cover personal items or damage resulting from cargo that comes loose inside your car. Ensure that any extra parts you pack are securely stored in the vehicle before shipping. Parts that cannot be securely stored within the vehicle must be shipped separately. Contact us at [email protected] or (978) 955-2355 if you have any questions.

• Do I need to have the vehicle registered in my state prior to shipping?

  Your vehicle does not need to be registered while it is in transit. However, if you intend to meet the driver somewhere other than your residence, you may need to secure a temporary permit or complete your registration to drive the vehicle on public roads.

  We recommend contacting your local DMV for more information, as these requirements vary by state.

• Do I have to be there when the car is picked up?

  We strongly recommend that an individual is present when the car is picked up. Our driver will complete a condition report including photos of the vehicle when it is picked up. This condition report is available after the vehicle is delivered.

  In the rare event that any new damage is found, we will open a claim and work with you to right the situation. See our Shipping Terms and Conditions for more information.

Community FAQ

• Are there rules to follow in the comments, questions, and contacts?

  Yes! On Cars & Bids, while we enjoy a lively and relaxed comment section, we require comments to be polite to all other users, focused specifically on the vehicle at hand, and productive to the auction process. Aside from common-sense rules like language and personal attacks, the conversation should be focused on the vehicle being sold. We want to ensure the Cars & Bids community remains an open and positive place to spend time with fellow enthusiasts. A partial list of things that are frowned upon (and will be moderated accordingly) include:

  • Foul language
  • Personal attacks
  • Attempting to share your personal contact information
  • Spamming
  • Inappropriate images or descriptions in your profile
  • Plugging your personal business, website, social media handles, etc.
  • Sidetracking the conversation about other vehicles or topics unrelated to the community
  • Linking to inappropriate videos/webpages/content
  • Linking to for-sale ads for other vehicles

• What is a Reputation Score?

  The Reputation Score is an aggregate score of positive interactions on the site. You earn it by other users upvoting your comments and bids – adding helpful and constructive comments will grow your Reputation Score. You can find a user’s Reputation Score in their profile, as well as next to their name when they comment and bid.

• What is a community?

  Cars & Bids Communities are a place for enthusiasts to post, reply, and share their thoughts and experiences related to the automotive community.

• Are there rules to follow in the community?

  Yes! Aside from common-sense rules like language and personal attacks, the conversation should be focused on vehicles in the community. We want to ensure the Cars & Bids community remains an open and positive place to spend time with fellow enthusiasts. A partial list of things that are frowned upon (and will be moderated accordingly) include:

  • Foul language
  • Personal attacks
  • Attempting to share your personal contact information
  • Spamming
  • Inappropriate images or descriptions in your profile
  • Plugging your personal business, website, social media handles, etc.
  • Sidetracking the conversation about other vehicles or topics unrelated to the community
  • Linking to inappropriate videos/webpages/content

• Why won’t my photos upload?

  Aside from a poor internet connection, the most common causes of photo upload failure are improper file format and system date/time inconsistencies. We support png, jpg, jpeg, and HEIC image formats. If your photo is one of those formats, make sure your device is set to automatically set the date and time. Contact us at [email protected] if you continue to have trouble uploading.

• Why was my photo blocked?

  Photos are automatically and manually reviewed for sensitive content, and are moderated accordingly. If you have any questions about a photo that was moderated, please contact us at [email protected].

Account Questions

• How can I sign in?

  You can sign in using either an email address and password, or one of multiple Sign On platforms (Google, Facebook, or Apple). Simply click the “Sign Up” or “Sign In” button at the top right of your screen. If you see the Sign Up screen, click the “Sign in here” link to go to Sign In. There you can enter your email and password, or select the Sign On platform you have linked to your account.

• Why do you need my email address?

  All users need to provide an email address. This is the address where you’ll receive saved search notifications, communication from our team about your auctions or bids, and the address that is shared with the other party when you win an auction or sell your car.

• Can I change the email on my account?

  Yes! Please email our support team at [email protected] from the email address associated with the account with your request, and we can get that taken care of for you! Enter the email address of your account, and we will email you a link to set a new password. Make sure you have access to the email account, as this link expires 24 hours after we send it to you.

• What do I do if I forgot my password?

  Click the “Sign Up” or “Sign In” button at the top right of your screen. If you see the Sign-Up screen, click the “Sign in here” link to go to Sign In. At the bottom of the screen click the “Forgot your password?” link which can also be accessed here

• I logged in through a Sign On platform, why do you need my password?

  If you already have an account with your email and password, we require that you enter your password to link your Google, Facebook, or Apple account to your login. You will only have to do this the first time you log in through each provider, and is required for your security.

• How do I sign in with Google?

  Sign in with Google by clicking the “Continue with Google” button. If you already have a Cars & Bids account, be sure that your Google account has the same email address as the email you use for your Cars & Bids login. You cannot link a Google account to your Cars & Bids account if the email addresses do not match.

• How do I sign in with Facebook?

  Sign in with Facebook by clicking the “Continue with Facebook” button. If you already have a Cars & Bids account, be sure that your Facebook account has the same email address as the email you use for your Cars & Bids login. You cannot link a Facebook account to your Cars & Bids account if the email addresses do not match. Be sure to share your email address with Cars & Bids when logging in through Facebook, as all users must provide an email address.

• How do I sign in with Apple?

  Sign in with Apple by clicking the “Continue with Apple” button. If you already have a Cars & Bids account, be sure that your Apple ID has the same email address as the email you use for your Cars & Bids login. You cannot link an Apple ID to your account if the email addresses do not match. Be sure to share your email address with Cars & Bids when logging in through Apple, as all users must provide an email address.

• How do I update Apple to share my email?

  You can change your Apple permissions by managing your Apple ID. Go to appleid.apple.com and select “Sign in with Apple”. Select Cars & Bids, then “Stop using Sign in with Apple”. When you come back to carsandbids.com, log in through Apple again. When given the option, select “Share my email” and Apple will provide your email address to Cars & Bids.

• I messed up my login, who can help me?

  No worries! We’re here to help. Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll help you get to the bottom of it!

• Where can I find the Cars & Bids Terms of Use?

  The Terms of Use are located at the bottom of every page on Cars & Bids.

  You can also access the Terms of Use by visiting https://carsandbids.com/terms-of-use/.