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Auction Fee Calculator
Calculate Copart and BCA buyer fees, VAT on hammer, and total all-in cost before you bid.
Fee tiers are approximate and include VAT. Verify current rates on the auction platform before bidding.
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Current Buyer Fee Tiers
Both Copart and BCA charge a tiered buyer's premium on top of the hammer price. All fees shown include VAT. Most lots also attract 20% VAT on the hammer price itself if sold by a VAT-registered vendor.
Copart Buyer's Premium
| Hammer Price | Buyer's Fee (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Under £1,000 | Flat £240 (inc. VAT) |
| £1,000 - £2,999 | 18% (inc. VAT, rounded to £50) |
| £3,000 - £5,999 | 16% (inc. VAT, rounded to £50) |
| £6,000+ | 14% (inc. VAT, rounded to £50) |
BCA Buyer's Premium
| Hammer Price | Buyer's Fee (inc. VAT) |
|---|---|
| Under £1,000 | Flat £180 (inc. VAT) |
| £1,000 - £3,999 | 13% (inc. VAT, rounded to £50) |
| £4,000+ | 11% (inc. VAT, rounded to £50) |
Understanding Auction Fees
What is VAT on hammer at Copart?
When an insurance company, fleet operator, or other VAT-registered business sells a vehicle through Copart, the lot is "VAT qualifying." This means you pay 20% VAT on the hammer price in addition to the buyer's fee. On a £5,000 bid, that's an extra £1,000 before fees. It is the single biggest cost most new buyers underestimate.
Lots sold by private individuals are not VAT qualifying. Copart marks each lot clearly. Always check before bidding.
Copart vs BCA: which is cheaper for buyers?
BCA's buyer's fee tiers are slightly lower than Copart's at most price points (13% vs 18% in the £1,000-£3,000 range). However, Copart typically has more salvage stock and direct insurance disposals, while BCA skews more toward trade and fleet.
Both charge VAT on buyer's fees. Both have VAT-qualifying lots. Factor in transport, storage, and repair before comparing headline fee rates.
Hidden costs most buyers miss
Storage: Copart starts charging storage fees quickly after the auction closes. If you can't collect within a few days, it adds up.
CAT S re-registration: Structurally damaged write-offs require a DVLA inspection and re-registration before they can return to the road. Budget £300-500 for this.
Low-loader transport: Non-runner lots need a flatbed, typically £250-400 rather than £150-200 for a drive-away collection.
How to set your maximum bid
Start with the post-repair retail value of the car. Subtract your repair estimate, buyer's fee, VAT on hammer if applicable, and transport. Take a further 10% off as a safety buffer for unexpected costs.
The number you're left with is your ceiling. Bid above it and you risk buying a problem, not an opportunity. CarMate's auction report calculates this automatically for any Copart or BCA lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Copart charge VAT on top of the hammer price?
Yes. Most Copart UK lots are sold by insurance companies and fleet operators who are VAT-registered. This means 20% VAT is added to the hammer price. Copart marks these as "VAT qualifying" lots. The calculator above accounts for this. Private seller lots are usually not VAT qualifying.
Is the buyer's fee at Copart charged with VAT?
Yes. The buyer's fee itself also attracts 20% VAT. The figures shown in the calculator already include VAT on the buyer's fee (the fee is shown inclusive of VAT).
What other costs should I factor in for a Copart lot?
Beyond the hammer price, VAT on hammer, and buyer's fee: transport (typically £150-£350 depending on distance), any storage fees if you don't collect promptly, a new MOT test (£54.85), and for CAT S cars, DVLA re-registration (around £300-500). Factor all of these in before setting your maximum bid.
Does BCA charge VAT on the hammer price?
BCA lots vary more than Copart. Fleet and manufacturer disposal lots are usually VAT qualifying. Trade-in lots from private sellers may not be. Check the lot description for "VAT qualifying" before bidding.
What is a CAT S car and can I buy one at Copart?
CAT S means the car's structural integrity was damaged in an accident but it can be repaired and returned to the road. After repair, it must be inspected and re-registered with DVLA before it can be driven legally. CAT S cars can be good value if the repair cost is well understood. CAT N means non-structural damage only, so no re-registration is needed. CAT A and CAT B must be crushed and cannot be driven again.
How accurate are these fee calculations?
The Copart and BCA fee tiers are based on published rates. However, auction houses occasionally update their fee structures. Always verify the current rates on the platform before bidding. This calculator is a guide to help you plan your maximum bid, not a guarantee of exact charges.
Ready to analyse a specific lot?
Paste a Copart or BCA URL into CarMate and get a full report: damage assessment, repair estimate, all-in cost at your target bid, and a go/no-go recommendation.