Question 1

Who is Salvato Auctions?

Accepted Answer

Salvato Auctions is the smarter way to buy and sell insurance vehicles at auction. Selling vehicles direct from insurance companies to a global buyer base with fees that are at least 20% less than traditional auctions. Read more about Salvato Auctions here.

Question 2

Where does Salvato Auctions get its inventory?

Accepted Answer

All our vehicles come directly from U.S. sellers. We don't deal with abandoned vehicles or private sellers - we only sell fresh insurance vehicles.

Question 3

How is Salvato Auctions different from Copart and IAA?

Accepted Answer

We save you money and time in three key ways:- Our fees are at least 20% lower than what Copart & IAA charge- We bring vehicles to market faster by selling them where they sit, eliminating unnecessary transport and reducing damage.- We have no hidden fees - no gate fees, no internet fees, no environmental fees, just one simple buyer fee.

Question 4

How can I contact Salvato Auctions?

Accepted Answer

Our team is here to help. Submit your question here and we'll get back to you shortly.

Question 5

Who owns Salvato Auctions?

Accepted Answer

Salvato Auctions is independently owned and operated by its founding team, backed by Walkabout Ventures, Banter Capital, and leading business owners in the salvage vehicle recovery industry.

Question 6

Is there a limit to how many vehicles I can purchase?

Accepted Answer

Some states may limit the number of vehicles an individual can purchase without being a licensed business. Please check with your state.

Question 7

In what market/s does Salvato operate?

Accepted Answer

Salvato Auctions sells vehicles that are being sold by insurance companies in the U.S. to a global network of buyers. We are launching first in Texas before we expand to other markets.

Question 8

Does Salvato Auctions operate auction yards?

Accepted Answer

We do not operate auction yards. We sell vehicles right where they are, eliminating unnecessary transport and storage costs. This allows us to pass significant savings on to our buyers through lower fees.

Question 9

Are auctions market / city specific?

Accepted Answer

You can search for vehicles based on their distance from your location, rather than being limited to specific yards or cities. Vehicles stay where they are until sold, eliminating the need to move them to salvage pools and risk incremental damage from unnecessary movement.

Question 10

How can I update my Business License?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Salvato Buyer Account and select your Profile. Here, you can request to update select contact information, preferences and documents. A Salvato Buyer Support team member will confirm your updated Business License has been received, verified and accepted.

Question 11

How do I apply for tax exempt status?

Accepted Answer

If you are eligible to apply for tax exempt status, upload the sales tax exemption certificate for your business in the documents section of your Profile. You can find your Profile in your Buyer Account.

Question 12

How can I upload or update tax exempt status documents?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Salvato Buyer Account and select your Profile. Here, you can update your contact information, preferences, and documents. A Salvato Buyer Support team member will confirm your updated tax exemption documents were received, verified and accepted. If you are bidding on or purchasing a vehicle ahead of the verification of your paperwork, sales tax may be applied. Upon verification of your tax-exempt status, you can request a tax refund within 90 days of purchase for Salvato Buyer Support.

Question 13

As a business, what documents are required to register?

Accepted Answer

Business buyers must submit a copy of their business license and a government issued ID such as a drivers license or passport. Additional documents may be required to verify your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).

Question 14

Can a business have multiple registered bidders?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a registered business, and with your security deposit paid, you can add additional bidders to your Salvato account. After your additional bidder(s) is/are registered and approved, they can bid and purchase vehicles on your Account.

Question 15

Who can I contact for help registering?

Accepted Answer

Our support team is here to help. Submit your question through our Support form and we'll get back to you promptly.

Question 16

Why can't I see the VIN number of the vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Complete VIN numbers are available to approved bidders only. There's no cost to become an approved bidder - simply complete your Buyer profile to gain full access.

Question 17

Why can't I see where the vehicle is located?

Accepted Answer

Vehicle locations are visible to approved bidders only. Complete your free buyer profile to see exact pick-up locations and all vehicle details.

Question 18

What is the Watchlist?

Accepted Answer

You can add vehicles you're interested in to your Watchlist by clicking the Heart icon. You'll receive notifications about upcoming auctions for these vehicles and similar ones matching your preferences.

Question 19

How long does it take to get my registration approved?

Accepted Answer

Most accounts are approved within one business day. You can track your application status in your profile.

Question 20

Why was I not approved to buy?

Accepted Answer

Salvato reserves the right to approve auction participants per our terms and applicable local State licensing requirements. Not all potential bidders are approved to participate in Salvato auctions.

Question 21

How can I update my contact information?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Salvato Buyer Account and select your Profile. Here, you can easily update select contact information, preferences, and documents.

Question 22

How can I update my ID?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Salvato Buyer Account and select your Profile. Here, you can request to update select contact information, preferences and documents. A Salvato Buyer Support team member will confirm your updated ID was received, verified and accepted.

Question 23

How can I update my proof of address?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your Salvato Buyer Account and select your Profile. Here, you can request to update select contact information, preferences and documents. A Salvato Buyer Support team member will confirm that your updated address verification document (such as tax or utility bill), was received, verified and accepted.

Question 24

Does Salvato Auctions charge an annual membership fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike other auction sites, we don't charge any membership fees. We do require buyers to submit a fully refundable security deposit before being allowed to participate in an auction.

Question 25

How much is the security deposit?

Accepted Answer

The security deposit is $300. The security deposit must be in place before submitting bids. The deposit is fully refundable.

Question 26

As an individual, what documents are required to register?

Accepted Answer

Individual buyers must submit a copy of a government issued ID such as a drivers license or passport. Additional documents may be required to verify your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).

Question 27

How can I become a broker?

Accepted Answer

Contact our Head of Global Buyer Development here.

Question 28

What brokers do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Brokers are registered buyers who can help you purchase a vehicle if you lack the required business license to bid in a particular location or if you want help with the purchase and delivery process. Brokers charge for their services and operate under their own terms and conditions. A list of available brokers can be found here.

Question 29

Can I add additional bidders to my Salvato Auctions account?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as a registered business, and with your security deposit paid, you can add additional bidders to your Salvato account. After your additional bidder(s) is/are registered and approved, they can bid and purchase vehicles on your Account.

Question 30

How do Business Accounts add or remove bidders?

Accepted Answer

Business Account owners can add or remove bidders from the Buyer Account page.

Question 31

How can Business Accounts monitor additional bidder activity?

Accepted Answer

Business owners can monitor purchases by bidders within their Salvato Buyer Account. Businesses can easily make payments, secure pick up details and manage paperwork within their account.

Question 32

How are bidders added to an account?

Accepted Answer

To add a bidder to your Buyer Account, registered Business Account owners can follow these steps:- Log-in to your Salvato Buyer Account- Select the 'Additional Bidders' tab- Select 'Invite Additional Bidders' and enter email addressAdditional bidders will receive a secure link to register as a bidder under your account. Once registered and approved, the Business Account holder will receive an email to approve the additional bidder. Once approved, bidders will be able to bid and purchase vehicles on the Business Account.

Question 33

What is the fee to add an additional bidder to a Business Account?

Accepted Answer

$0. It's free for Business Accounts to add bidders.

Question 34

Will additional bidders be required to provide a security deposit?

Accepted Answer

No, additional bidders are not required to submit a separate security deposit. The Business Account owner's fully refundable security deposit will apply to all bidders on the account.

Question 35

Can additional bidders invite other other bidders to join the Business Account?

Accepted Answer

No, only the Business Account owner can invite additional bidders to join their account.

Question 36

Can I change my maximum bid after the auction starts?

Accepted Answer

You can increase your maximum bid at any time. Maximum bids cannot be decreased.

Question 37

Does Salvato have an app?

Accepted Answer

Not currently. Our mobile-optimized website works on all devices.

Question 38

What happens after I win a vehicle at auction?

Accepted Answer

Winning bidders have 6 days (including the day of sale) to pay for and pick up the vehicle.Before PaymentIn your Buyer Account you will see:- Your won vehicle(s)- Invoice for payment- Vehicle storage locationAfter PaymentOnce payment is received, your Buyer Account will include:- Vehicle Release Code (generated automatically, required for pick up)- Option to share pick up instructions with your transporter- Bill of Sale- Digital Title available for download (if the original title was digital), with the option to request a Paper Title. If the original title was paper, you will need to request a Paper Title.

Question 39

Can I receive alerts via email?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can select and manage communication preferences in your Buyer Account.

Question 40

Can I receive alerts via text?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can select and manage communication preferences in your Buyer Account.

Question 41

What is a Salvato Certified odometer reading?

Accepted Answer

A Salvato Certified odometer reading means the odometer has been inspected by Salvato with photo evidence included and is covered by the Salvato Buyer Promise. The title will be branded Not Actual Mileage per state DMV requirements.

Question 42

When is payment due?

Accepted Answer

Payment is due within 6 calendar days of the auction (including auction day). A late payment fee of $40 per day will be applied starting on day 7.

Question 43

What fees does Salvato Auctions charge?

Accepted Answer

Pricing information can be found here. Salvato charges one flat Buyer's Fee and only charges additional fees if you fail to pick up or pay for your vehicle or if you select an additional service.

Question 44

What are storage fees?

Accepted Answer

Storage is free for 6 days including the day of auction. A daily storage fee of $20 will begin day 7.

Question 45

Is there a fee for paying with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Undiscounted payment methods, such as a credit card, are charged a non-discounted rate. The discounted rate is typically 4% lower. Buyer fees can be found here.

Question 46

What is a discounted vs undiscounted payment?

Accepted Answer

Click here to see a complete list of discounted and undiscounted payment types.

Question 47

What payment methods does Salvato accept?

Accepted Answer

For security deposits: Wire or credit/debit cardsFor vehicle purchases: Wire transfer, credit/debit cards. Link here to see all Payment Methods.

Question 48

Does the deposit get applied to the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

No. The $300 security deposit remains separate and refundable.

Question 49

How soon after the auction is payment required?

Accepted Answer

Full payment required within 6 Calander days including day of auction close. Full payment terms can be reviewed here.

Question 50

Is there a limit on how many vehicles I can bid on at once?

Accepted Answer

No limit for approved buyers.

Question 51

Is the form of payment used for my security deposit the same payment method used to pay for a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

No. You can choose different payment methods for vehicle purchases. Approved payment methods can be found here.

Question 52

How do credits work?

Accepted Answer

Salvato Auctions can issue buyers two types of credit: Account credit and Promotional credit.Account credits can be applied to the final purchase price of a vehicle including buyer fees and applicable taxes.Account credits can also be applied to additional services or fees.Promotional credits can be applied to the final purchase price of a vehicle, including buyer fees and applicable taxes. Promotional credits are not refundable in cash. Other terms and conditions such as expiration dates or minimums may apply to promotional credit.Account and Promotional credit balances are located in your Buyer Dashboard.

Question 53

How do I redeem a credit?

Accepted Answer

At the time of payment, you can choose to redeem promotional and/or account credit balances at time of payment.

Question 54

Can I redeem more than one credit at a time?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 55

Are credits redeemable in cash?

Accepted Answer

Account credit is refundable.Promotional credit cannot be redeemed for cash or transferred to another account.

Question 56

Who do I contact about a missing credit?

Accepted Answer

Contact Buyer Support here and select Account or Promotional Credit from the drop down menu. A team member will get back to you shortly.

Question 57

Are credits applied before auction fees?

Accepted Answer

No, credits are applied to the full purchase price of the vehicle including vehicle price, buyer fee, and applicable taxes.

Question 58

Where can I see my credit balance?

Accepted Answer

You can see your available promotional and account credit balances on your Buyer Dashboard.

Question 59

Does Salvato Auctions charge sales tax?

Accepted Answer

Yes, buyers are responsible for payment of applicable sales tax.Licensed businesses are generally exempt from paying sales tax. Individuals may be charged sales tax according to state laws governing automotive purchases. Please check state requirements before bidding.

Question 60

Does Salvato offer financing?

Accepted Answer

No, Salvato does not offer vehicle financing at this time.

Question 61

What if I need a paper title?

Accepted Answer

Log In to your Buyer Account. On your Buyer Dashboard, you'll be able to access your digital title or request a paper title for a specific vehicle by submitting the required information and payment. See Buyer Fees for information on the title shipping fee for paper titles. Once the request is submitted, the digital title becomes void and will no longer be accessible in your Buyer Account. Paper titles typically take 2 - 3 weeks to receive.

Question 62

What titles do Salvato Auctions' vehicles sell with?

Accepted Answer

After winning a vehicle and payment is made, you will receive the Digital Title in your Buyer Account after your payment has been successfully processed. Digital Titles are typically available within minutes of your payment processing but could take up to 48 hours. Digital Titles will reflect the status of the vehicle, Clean, Salvage or Junk, and you will have the option to request a physical title.

Question 63

What is a digital title?

Accepted Answer

A digital title, like a paper title, is a valid current vehicle ownership record. It includes the following information: · VIN, Year, Make, Model· Title State, Title Number, and Issue Date· Current Owner Name· Any Active Liens· Title Brands· Odometer Reading· Odometer Brand

Question 64

Are digital titles and paper titles the same?

Accepted Answer

From a legal standpoint, there is no difference. Both digital and paper titles represent the same legal record of vehicle ownership.Both digital and paper title data is stored electronically in the State's DMV system, and some of that data is also stored in NMVTIS at the national level. There is no difference in the data that is stored in the system.