There are many vehicles each year that are damaged in an accident and instead of being repaired these are auctioned off at a salvage auction. For vehicles with any form of structural damage it has been increasingly common for insurers to pay out for the claim and then sell vehicles on at an auction. For anyone with good mechanical skills this could be your chance to get your hands on a bargain. Let’s look at the top tips to make sure you get a great deal.
1. Arrive early
Remember the old saying, the early bird gets the worm, well the same is true for an auction. Getting there early gives you plenty of time to look around and see all of the cars on offer. This way you will have the time to identify ones that suit your need as well as having time to properly inspect the car.
2. Carry out a thorough inspection
Now’s the time to really examine any car that you are interested in, if you don’t know much about cars and repairs then it’s advisable to bring someone with you that does. Some areas to inspect include: tyres, bodywork, gaps between panels, structure, engine, electrics, and upholstery. While some vehicles may only have cosmetic damage, others may have structural damage that could be difficult to repair.
3. Find out about the auction
Don’t forget to take the time to find out about how the auction works before arriving. Each auction will have its own terms and conditions so take the time to read these and make sure you understand them. From payment terms to vehicle descriptions, all of this information will be available by the auction house.
4. Do your research
Just because something looks like a fantastic deal doesn’t mean it is. Make sure to check the paperwork that goes with the vehicle such as the V5C as well as carrying out DVLA and HPI checks to find out more about the vehicles history. You’ll also want to make sure you understand salvage codes to see why the vehicle is being salvaged.
5. Ask questions
Don’t be that person who is afraid to ask. Make sure you ask plenty of questions about any vehicles you are interested in to make sure you are getting a good deal. You’ll need to ask questions before the auction starts and its best to do this ahead of time. Take the time to view an auctions vehicle list online and give them a call to find out more about any of the lots you are interested in.
6. Arrange transport
In the majority of cases you’ll need to arrange a way to get your new salvage car home. Unless they are roadworthy with a valid MOT certificate that means you’ll need a recovery vehicle or suitable trailer. Whatever method you choose it needs to be safe and compliant with the highway code. Congratulations you’re now the owner of a new salvage car and you can get to work on lovingly restoring it and getting the car of your dreams for a discount price.