Beyond Copart: How to Score Deals at HiBid, City Surplus, and Texas Impound Auctions (And Get Them Home)
1: The Secret Market Everyone knows about Copart and IAA. That’s why the bidding wars there are insane. Smart Texas buyers know the real deals are hidden on platforms like HiBid, Rene Bates, and local Wrecker Lien Sales. This is where you find:
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City & County Fleets: Well-maintained F-150s and Tahoes retiring from service.
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Unclaimed Impounds: Cars abandoned at tow yards that sell for pennies on the dollar.
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State Surplus: The massive “Yellow Iron” and fleet disposals.
The prices are lower, but the rules are stricter. Here is how to navigate the Texas surplus market without losing your shirt.
1. Know Who You Are Buying From (It Matters) On HiBid, you aren’t buying from “HiBid.” You are buying from a specific seller using their platform.
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City/County/ISD Auctions: usually the safest bets. These are fleet vehicles with maintenance records. They often run and drive but have high mileage.
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Wrecker/Impound Lots: These are “Lien Sales.” The car was towed, never claimed, and the tow yard is selling it to cover the bill. Warning: These often have no keys, flat tires, and dead batteries.
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Police Seizures: High risk, high reward. These cars were seized in crimes. They might be pristine, or they might be stripped.
2. The “Pickup Window” Trap This is where 90% of buyers fail. Unlike Copart (which gives you 3-5 days), many HiBid and Surplus auctions have brutal pickup windows.
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Example: “Item must be removed by 3:00 PM Thursday.”
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The Penalty: If you are late, you don’t just pay a fee—sometimes you forfeit the vehicle and your payment.
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The Fix: Do NOT book a national broker. They cannot guarantee a specific hour. You need a local Hot Shot (like La Chingona) who can make a specific appointment.
3. Expect “Zero Help” Loading At a dealership, they toss you the keys. At a City Yard or Impound Lot, you are on your own.
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Dead Batteries: Almost guaranteed.
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No Keys: Common with impound units.
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Buried in Mud: Often sitting in a field for months.
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The Reality: If your transporter shows up without a 12,000lb Winch, Skates, and Jumper Cables, they aren’t getting that car loaded. The city employees are forbidden from helping for liability reasons.
4. Paperwork is King (The VTR-71-A) Buying a “Blue Title” car is easy. Buying a “Wrecker Lien” or “Government Surplus” car requires specific paperwork to get a title.
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Ensure the seller provides the Auction Sales Receipt and the VTR-71-A (Surplus) or Form 68-A (Law Enforcement).
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Important: We cannot pick up the vehicle without the “Paid in Full” invoice sent to our dispatch email. The yard will not release it to a driver without proof.
5. Why La Chingona is the “Surplus Specialist” We started in this business recovering hard-to-reach vehicles. We aren’t scared of a dead battery or a grumpy impound yard manager.
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We Have the Gear: Our 2500HD is equipped for “Non-Runners.”
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We Know the Hours: We know that the City of Austin surplus yard closes for lunch and that the San Antonio impound requires 24-hour notice.
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We Move Fast: When you win on Tuesday and must pick up by Thursday, we are your “Emergency Button.”
Just Won a HiBid or Surplus Auction? Don’t risk forfeiting your win. Upload your “Paid Invoice” below, and let La Chingona Trucking handle the recovery. Get A Quote for Surplus Recovery – Fill out the form on your right.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Surplus Auctions
Q: How do I pick up a car from a HiBid auction in Texas? A: Most HiBid and surplus auctions in Texas require pickup within 48 hours of winning. You must provide a “Paid in Full” invoice to the yard. If you are hiring a transporter, ensure they are equipped to load non-running vehicles (winch and skates), as most government surplus yards are forbidden from assisting with loading.
Q: Can I drive a car home from a surplus auction? A: It is risky. Surplus and impound vehicles are sold “As Is” and often sit for months. They frequently have dead batteries, flat tires, or bad fuel. We strongly recommend towing or hot shot transport to avoid being stranded on the side of the highway.
Q: What happens if I don’t pick up my HiBid win on time? A: You risk forfeiting the vehicle and your payment. Unlike Copart, many government and private surplus auctions do not offer extended storage options; they simply resell the item if it is not claimed by the deadline.
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
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.
