Add the buyer fee and fixed fees to a winning bid to see the true total cost of an IAAI auction purchase.
IAAI charges a buyer fee that rises with the bid, plus fixed fees such as internet bid, gate and environmental charges. Enter your winning bid, the buyer fee percentage from the current fee chart, and the fixed fees to get the true total. A $5,000 bid with an 8 percent fee and $200 in fixed fees totals $5,600.
Total to pay
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What Are IAAI Buyer Fees?
Insurance Auto Auctions (IAAI) adds fees on top of your winning bid, so the price you pay is always more than the bid itself. The main charge is a buyer fee that rises with the bid amount, and there are also fixed fees such as an internet bid fee, a gate fee and an environmental fee.
This calculator adds those charges to your bid so you can see the true total before you commit. Because IAAI updates its fee chart over time, you enter the current figures rather than relying on a built-in table.
How to Work Out the Total Cost
Total = Winning bid + Buyer fee + Fixed feesEnter your bid, the buyer-fee percentage for that bid tier from the current fee chart, and the fixed fees. A $5,000 bid with an 8% buyer fee and $200 of fixed fees comes to $5,600.
How to Read Your Result
The main figure is the total you would actually pay. The buyer-fee box shows the percentage-based charge in dollars, and the fixed-fees box confirms the flat charges. Add any transport and title costs separately to get your all-in cost.
More detail
Finding the Current Fee Rate
IAAI publishes its fee schedule, and buyer fees are tiered, so a higher bid usually means a higher fee in dollars but a lower percentage. Always read the percentage for your bid band from the current chart, since the numbers change and vary by buyer type and payment method.
If you are financing the purchase, add the loan cost with the auto loan calculator, and use the dealer margin calculator if you plan to resell.
The True Cost of an Auction Car
The hammer price is only the start. Beyond IAAI fees, budget for transport, title and registration, and any repairs, plus sales tax where it applies, which you can estimate with the sales tax calculator. Adding these up front avoids an unwelcome surprise.
What fees does IAAI charge on top of the bid?
A buyer fee that increases with the bid amount, plus fixed fees such as an internet bid fee, a gate fee and an environmental fee. Payment-method and processing fees can also apply.
Why does this calculator ask me to enter the fee percentage?
Because IAAI updates its fee chart over time and the buyer fee is tiered by bid amount. Entering the current percentage keeps the estimate accurate rather than relying on an outdated built-in table.
Is the buyer fee a flat percentage?
No. It is tiered, so the dollar fee rises with the bid while the percentage often falls at higher bands. Read the rate for your bid tier from the current fee chart.
What other costs should I budget for?
Transport from the auction, title and registration, any repairs, and sales tax where it applies. These are separate from IAAI fees and can add up quickly.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculation runs in your browser and nothing you enter is stored.
Sources
- IAAI (Insurance Auto Auctions) (official site; see the current fee chart).
- Vehicle complaints and buyer help (USA.gov, U.S. government).
- Understanding cost (Corporate Finance Institute).
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The formula and worked example on this page are checked for accuracy against standard references. View profile
This calculator is for general information and planning only and is not financial, tax, insurance or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the figures you enter and do not replace a formal quote. Confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. Spotted an error? Let us know.
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