Won an Auction? Here is How to Avoid Copart & IAA Storage Fees in Texas
1: The “Ticking Clock” Hook – Avoid Copart storage fees Congratulations on winning your bid! But don’t celebrate too long—the clock is already ticking. Most people don’t realize that Copart and IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) operate on strict timelines. If you don’t move that vehicle within their free window (usually 3 to 5 days), they start charging storage fees ranging from $40 to $85 per day. At La Chingona Trucking, we hate seeing our customers waste budget on storage. Here is how to get your vehicle out fast and keep that money in your pocket. Avoid Copart storage fees.
1. Know Your “Free Days” Every auction yard is different.
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Copart: Typically gives you 3 business days (including the day of the sale) to pick up the vehicle for free.
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IAA: Usually offers a similar window, but weekends often count against you depending on the specific branch.
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The Trap: If you win on a Friday and don’t book a transporter until Monday, you might already be owing fees by the time we arrive on Tuesday.
2. Pay the Auction Immediately We cannot pick up your car until the vehicle is paid for in full.
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The Mistake: Many buyers wait to pay until they find a transporter. This delays the release process.
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The Fix: Pay the auction house via wire transfer or their app the same day you win. This clears the “Payment Hold” so we can schedule the pickup instantly.
3. Download the “Gate Pass” This is the golden ticket.
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Once you pay, the auction will generate a Gate Pass (or Release Ticket).
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Email this to us immediately. We cannot enter the yard without it. The sooner we have the Gate Pass, the sooner we can route a driver to that location.
4. Book a “Hot Shot” (Not a Big Carrier) This is where La Chingona saves you money.
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Big Carriers: They wait 5-7 days to fill a massive 9-car trailer. By the time they show up, you’ve racked up $300 in storage fees.
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La Chingona Hot Shot: We run smaller, faster setups. We are in the Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas yards almost every day. We can often grab your car within 24-48 hours. Avoid Copart storage fees
5. What If I Already Owe Fees? If you are already past the deadline, don’t panic.
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Pay the Storage First: You must pay the storage balance directly to the auction (via their app) before our driver arrives. If there is a balance due at the gate, they will turn us away, resulting in a “Dry Run” fee for you and more storage fees for the car. Avoid Copart storage fees
Conclusion Don’t let storage fees eat up your profit margin. If you have a Gate Pass ready, we have a truck ready. Enter your auction location below to get an instant quote and stop the clock.
Avoid Copart storage fees – Ready to move your vehicle? Get a price in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auction Fees
Q: How much does Copart charge for storage per day? A: Copart storage fees vary by location but typically range from $40 to $85 per day once your free window expires. The longer the vehicle sits, the higher the daily rate often climbs.
Q: How many free days do I get at Copart? A: Most Copart locations offer 3 free business days, including the day of the sale. Some locations may offer up to 5 days, so always check the specific branch policy.
Q: Can I pick up my car from Copart without a Gate Pass? A: No. You must pay for the vehicle and all fees in full to generate a Gate Pass (Release Ticket). Transporters are not allowed to enter the yard or load the vehicle without it.
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. Avoid Copart storage fees
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
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.
