US auction glossary
Plain-language explanations of Copart and IAA terms covering documents, condition, sale type, damage and estimated values.
Definitions are based on official sources; practical guidance is added by AutoStat.
Search the glossaryFound 52 terms
What this means in practice
It does not prove the vehicle was never damaged and does not show its full history.
What to check
Compare the current title with NMVTIS history, photos and a physical inspection.
What this means in practice
Repair, registration and insurance may require special procedures.
What to check
Check the issuing state, brand cause, export eligibility and Moldovan registration rules.
What this means in practice
A rebuilt brand does not erase salvage history or guarantee repair quality.
What to check
Request repair documents, pre-repair photos and an independent structural inspection.
What this means in practice
It is generally much more restrictive than a salvage title.
What to check
Before bidding, confirm in writing whether export or any future registration is permitted.
What this means in practice
Its exact name and effect vary by state.
What to check
Check the original document and whether destination authorities will accept it.
What this means in practice
It should not be treated like an ordinary salvage title.
What to check
Confirm export eligibility and whether road documents can ever be issued.
What this means in practice
Water can cause electrical failures and corrosion long after repairs.
What to check
Check water level and type, electronic modules, airbags and evidence below carpets.
What this means in practice
It does not necessarily mean crash damage, but it is a significant history signal.
What to check
Request the buyback reason, repair records and proof the defect was resolved.
What this means in practice
Export eligibility does not automatically mean registration eligibility.
What to check
Confirm the document’s legal use before payment.
What this means in practice
The document received may differ from a standard certificate of title.
What to check
Verify the exact papers, customs requirements and Moldovan acceptance.
What this means in practice
Release and export can be delayed until the document arrives.
What to check
Do not schedule transport without confirming document availability and timing.
What this means in practice
It does not by itself describe damage type or location and can apply even if the car starts.
What to check
Check the reason, repair estimate, later brands and pre-repair photos.
What this means in practice
It is not a guarantee that it will start at sale, is roadworthy or is safe.
What to check
Request current video and diagnostics, and budget for loading if it no longer runs.
What this means in practice
An engine start does not confirm transmission, cooling, brakes or mobility.
What to check
Request current confirmation and assume special loading may be needed.
What this means in practice
Treat it as immobile unless current evidence proves otherwise.
What to check
Budget for winch or forklift loading, special transport and full diagnostics.
What this means in practice
It does not mean repaired and does not improve mechanical status.
What to check
Judge the vehicle by photos and inspection, not by the word Enhanced.
What this means in practice
It does not confirm completeness, correct programming or that the vehicle starts.
What to check
Check the key photo and replacement/programming cost for that model.
What this means in practice
Diagnosis and movement may be harder, and some models require costly programming.
What to check
Budget for a key, programming, unlocking and non-running loading.
What this means in practice
It describes reading reliability rather than a complete history verification.
What to check
Compare it with chronological records, electronic modules and physical wear.
What this means in practice
It may indicate odometer replacement, tampering or a documentation discrepancy.
What to check
Do not price from this number; reconstruct mileage from available history.
What this means in practice
Exempt means the reading is not certified, not that it is necessarily true or false.
What to check
Check mileage history and the issuing state’s rules.
What this means in practice
Inspection, release and loading arrangements may differ.
What to check
Confirm the exact address, contact, release window and loading equipment.
What this means in practice
No later seller approval is required.
What to check
Set a total ceiling including fees and transport before bidding.
What this means in practice
The high bidder remains obligated if the seller accepts on time.
What to check
Understand the approval window and bid obligation before buying another lot.
What this means in practice
A bid below it may remain subject to approval or negotiation.
What to check
Check final status; being high bidder does not always mean the sale is complete.
What this means in practice
If unmet, the seller may review, reject or counter the result.
What to check
Do not confuse the current bid with a guaranteed sale price.
What this means in practice
The displayed price does not automatically include all fees, transport or documents.
What to check
Verify total cost and eligibility before confirming.
What this means in practice
It may become the opening bid and may win if not exceeded, depending on sale type.
What to check
Set a total limit rather than reacting only to the current bid.
What this means in practice
Fast pacing can cause overspending, and some bids cannot be withdrawn.
What to check
Set your maximum and total landed cost before joining.
What this means in practice
Your maximum is not necessarily shown immediately but can be used if competition rises.
What to check
Enter it only after calculating fees and total budget.
What this means in practice
It is not the complete final purchase cost.
What to check
Subtract fees, transport, documents and repairs before setting it.
What this means in practice
It can change quickly and does not show final price, reserve or all fees.
What to check
Treat it as a temporary status, not an estimate of total cost.
What this means in practice
At Copart, primary does not guarantee it is the only or most severe damage.
What to check
Review Secondary Damage, every photo and an independent inspection.
What this means in practice
It may be as important as the primary damage and should not be ignored.
What to check
Cost it separately and inspect hidden areas.
What this means in practice
It may involve structure, cooling, airbags, sensors and driver-assistance systems.
What to check
Check rails, radiators, airbags, geometry and sensor calibration.
What this means in practice
It may affect the trunk floor, rails, suspension, exhaust and some hybrid or EV batteries.
What to check
Check geometry, sealing and components below the floor.
What this means in practice
It may involve sills, pillars, doors, curtain airbags and body geometry.
What to check
Request square-on photos and structural measurements, not just a door check.
What this means in practice
Normal listing photos may hide suspension, oil pan, battery or floor damage.
What to check
Request lift photos and check leaks, geometry and the traction battery.
What this means in practice
It does not identify the component, cause or cost and may coexist with other damage.
What to check
Get diagnostics and current video, and budget for a severe scenario.
What this means in practice
Depth, duration and water type radically change risk, and failures can appear later.
What to check
Check connectors, modules, fluids, airbags, corrosion and event origin.
What this means in practice
Heat, smoke and extinguishing agents can affect areas that look unburned.
What to check
Check wiring, structure, interior, fluids and the fire origin.
What this means in practice
Cosmetic appearance can hide high roof, hood and aluminium repair costs.
What to check
Count affected panels, inspect glass and price PDR or replacement.
What this means in practice
The code does not automatically show its extent.
What to check
Review every photo, parts inventory and electrical systems.
What this means in practice
It may create health risks and require specialist cleaning or interior replacement.
What to check
Do not inspect without protection; identify the contaminant and professional remediation cost.
What this means in practice
Geometry and repair quality affect safety, tyre wear and resale value.
What to check
Require frame-bench measurements, underbody photos and structural evaluation.
What this means in practice
It can combine impacts, hail, vandalism or other widespread issues.
What to check
Assess every panel and system separately; overview photos are not enough.
What this means in practice
It may combine roof, pillar, airbag, suspension and fluid-related engine damage.
What to check
Inspect the full structure, geometry, engine and all safety systems.
What this means in practice
It must not be interpreted as no damage.
What to check
Treat it as unknown risk until inspection, additional photos and diagnostics.
What this means in practice
It is not a purchase offer and does not guarantee Moldovan market value.
What to check
Compare year, trim, mileage and the local market before calculating viability.
What this means in practice
The auction does not guarantee its accuracy and it may reflect a different market.
What to check
Use independent comparables and do not calculate profit from this number alone.
What this means in practice
It may omit market, trim, mileage and title-status differences.
What to check
Compare real listings for the same specification and deduct all risks.
What this means in practice
It may use US labour and parts pricing and omit hidden damage or Moldovan costs.
What to check
Build your own estimate for parts, labour, airbags, calibration and contingency.
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AutoStat note
Run & Drive does not mean roadworthy, and the current title does not automatically show the full history. Document rules vary by state and destination country.
AutoStat is independent of Copart and IAA. Platform names and trademarks belong to their owners.Next step
Compare the listing with the VIN, mileage history, title brands, insurance records and auction events.