Frequently Asked Questions

No — anyone can browse and search every live and upcoming auction for free. You only need a free account to place a bid, save vehicles, or set alerts.

Create a free account with your email, add your phone, and complete a quick identity check. Most buyers are verified and bidding within the hour.

None. Creating an account, browsing, watching lots, and setting alerts are all completely free. You only pay if you win.

A valid U.S. driver’s license, state ID, or passport. Verification is handled securely and usually reviewed within minutes.

Yes — DriveSmart BuySmart serves buyers in all 50 states, with nationwide delivery to your door or local pickup.

Enter your maximum bid and our system bids on your behalf in set increments up to that amount. You’re notified the moment you’re outbid so you can respond before the timer ends.

Auto-bid places the smallest bid needed to keep you in the lead, up to the maximum you set — so you don’t have to watch every second.

Bids are binding and can’t be retracted. Always review the vehicle, fees, and your maximum before confirming.

The earliest bid at that amount holds the lead. To take it back, the other buyer must bid higher.

Yes — a bid in the final 5 minutes extends the auction by 5 minutes, giving everyone a fair chance to respond.

A flat 2% buyer fee is added to the hammer price. It’s shown in the full-cost breakdown on every lot before you bid — never a surprise.

No. Every cost — auction fee, documentation, and estimated shipping — is displayed on the lot page before you place a bid.

A flat $199 covers title transfer and paperwork processing. It’s included in every full-cost breakdown.

Only if you win. The fee is added to your invoice alongside the winning bid — nothing is charged for bidding or losing.

Shipping is quoted separately based on your delivery ZIP and shown as an estimate before you bid. Local pickup is always free.

Bank wire and approved escrow for the vehicle balance. Fees can be paid by card. Full details appear on your invoice after winning.

Full payment is due within 3 business days of winning. Your vehicle is released once funds clear.

Yes. All payments run through PCI-DSS compliant, encrypted processing — your financial data is never exposed.

Winning bids are binding. Non-payment may result in fees and suspension of your bidding privileges.

Yes — door-to-door delivery to all 50 states through bonded, insured carriers, tracked from the lot to your driveway.

Most vehicles arrive within 5–10 business days depending on distance. You’ll get carrier tracking the moment it ships.

Absolutely. Every lot supports free local pickup from its listed location on a schedule that works for you.

The buyer covers shipping, quoted transparently before you bid. Choose delivery or free local pickup at checkout.

Yes — every vehicle is fully insured in transit through our vetted, bonded carrier network.

Our team manually checks VIN, title, history and condition on every vehicle before it’s approved for the auction floor.

A clean title means the vehicle has no salvage, rebuilt, or branded history. Any non-clean status is clearly labeled on the lot.

Every lot includes a full inspection report and detailed photos. On-site visits are arranged through your agent after purchase.

If a vehicle is ever misrepresented, our buyer protection guarantee makes it right — no runaround, no fine print.

Occasionally — and always clearly labeled with full disclosure so you know exactly what you’re bidding on.

A signed bill of sale, the title, a CARFAX report, your auction receipt, and shipping paperwork — all available in your dashboard.

Title processing typically takes 3–5 business days after payment clears. You’ll be notified the moment it’s ready.

All liens are cleared before delivery. Title status is verified on every listing and disclosed up front.

No — a CARFAX or equivalent history report is included free with every winning purchase.

Reach us by live chat, phone, or email seven days a week. Our team responds in under 2 hours.

Support is available 7 days a week, including weekends, during posted phone hours.

Yes — save any lot to your watchlist and get an alert the moment it’s ending soon or gets a new bid.

Save a search or watch a lot, and we’ll notify you by email the instant a match goes live or a price changes.

DriveSmart BuySmart partners with licensed dealers and fleet sellers. Reach out to our team to learn about listing with us.