Bought a Non-Running Car at Copart or IAA? Here is How We Get It Home
You just won the bid. The adrenaline is fading, and now the reality sets in: How do I get a non-running vehicle out of a muddy auction yard and into my driveway? Most standard tow companies won’t touch auction vehicles. They don’t have the patience for the gate paperwork, or they show up, realize the car doesn’t start, and leave you with a “Dry Run” fee because they don’t have the right equipment.
At La Chingona Trucking, this is our specialty. We are “The Transporters” for Texas auction buyers because we come prepared.
We don’t need the car to start; we just need it to roll and steer.
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Winch-Out Service: We safely pull the vehicle onto the deck without using forklifts that can damage the oil pan, bumper, or suspension.
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Gate Access: We visit Copart and IAA yards (Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Houston) weekly. We know the clerks, we know the “Gate Pass” app, and we know how to get in and out fast so you don’t pay storage fees.
Financing Your Build We know that building a project car is expensive. That is why we are one of the only Texas hotshot haulers to offer Buy Now, Pay Later financing.
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Klarna & Affirm: Select these options at checkout to split your transport bill into manageable monthly payments. Get your project car home today, and pay for the shipping while you work on it.
Important “Inop” Rules To ensure a smooth pickup, please follow these rules for non-running vehicles:
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Keys: The vehicle must have keys available (even if it doesn’t start) so we can unlock the steering column.
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Wheels: The vehicle must have 4 inflated tires. If it is missing a wheel or has a broken suspension control arm, you must tell us before booking so we can arrange for forklift assistance (additional fees may apply).
Texas Vehicle Registration: Step-by-Step
If you have recently purchased a vehicle or moved to the state, follow these steps to obtain your Texas plates and registration:
Step 1: Vehicle Inspection
Your vehicle must pass a safety inspection before it can be registered. If you live in a designated “Initial Emissions County” (like Travis or Williamson), you will also need an emissions test.
- Find a station using the Official DPS Station Locator.
- The inspector will provide a Vehicle Inspection Report (VIR), which is uploaded digitally to the state database.
Step 2: Texas Insurance Coverage
You must show proof of insurance that meets the Texas Minimum Liability Requirements ($30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage).
Step 3: Application for Title (Form 130-U)
You must visit your County Tax Assessor-Collector office to complete the registration. Bring the following:
- Your current out-of-state or auction title.
- A completed Form 130-U Application.
- Proof of the safety inspection and insurance.
- Payment for the 6.25% sales tax and registration fees.
Special Requirements for Salvage Titles
Purchasing a vehicle with a Salvage or Non-Repairable title requires an extra step. These vehicles are not road-legal until they pass a specialized Rebuilt Salvage Inspection.
Since these vehicles often cannot be legally driven to the inspection station, **La Chingona Trucking** specializes in transporting these units to the required facilities so you can get your “Rebuilt” title and back on the road.
Major Texas Auction Locations We Service
We provide priority transport to and from all major salvage and insurance auction yards across the Lone Star State. If you have won a vehicle at any of these locations, we can handle the recovery.
Copart Texas Locations
- Copart Austin – 201 Jackson Ln, Manor, TX 78653
- Copart San Antonio – 11510 Bulverde Rd, San Antonio, TX 78217
- Copart Dallas – 505 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75061
- Copart Houston (North, South, and Central)
- Copart Corpus Christi – 303 Archer Rd, Robstown, TX 78380
- Copart Fort Worth – 4501 N Beach St, Fort Worth, TX 76137
IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) Texas Locations
- IAA Austin – 2100 Patterson Industrial Dr, Pflugerville, TX 78660
- IAA San Antonio – 11049 I-35 N, San Antonio, TX 78233
- IAA Dallas – 3720 Dalworth St, Arlington, TX 76011
- IAA Houston – 16602 East Fwy, Baytown, TX 77521
Independent & Specialty Auctions
- ADESA Austin – 2101 Ferguson Ln, Austin, TX 78754
- Manheim Texas Hobby – 8215 Kopman Rd, Houston, TX 77061
- Alliance Auto Auction Austin – 15500 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, TX 78660
