Q&A for How to Buy Police Impounded Cars

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Can civilians go to police auctions?

Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

Bryan Hamby

Professional Auto Broker

Expert Answer

It depends on if it's open to the public or not. Some auctions are only available for dealers. It should say "open to the public" somewhere on the auction listing.

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Question

Are online police auctions legit?

Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

Bryan Hamby

Professional Auto Broker

Expert Answer

I personally wouldn't suggest buying a car online without inspecting it in person. You should take a close look at a vehicle to see what kind of quality it's in before you put any money down on it.

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Question

Why do people buy cars at police auctions?

Bryan Hamby
Professional Auto Broker
Bryan Hamby is the owner of Auto Broker Club, a trusted auto brokerage in Los Angeles, California. He founded Auto Broker Club in 2014 out of a passion for cars and a unique talent for customizing the car dealership process to be on the buyer’s side. With 1,400+ deals closed, and a 90% customer retention rate, Bryan’s focus is to simplify the car buying experience through transparency, fair pricing, and world class customer service.

Bryan Hamby

Professional Auto Broker

Expert Answer

It's possible to find a deal at an auction, although prices typically end up being higher on average than they would be at a dealership. The really good reason to go to an auction is if you're looking for something really specific, and it happens to be going up for sale at that auction.

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Question

Where are police auctions located?

Community Answer

Some are held at actual licensed auction sites, others are done on city property or at the impound lot itself.

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Question

How can I find out about the auctions?

Community Answer

Search online in the target city or county. You could also try inquiring at the impound locations.

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Question

What type of government card is needed for this, and where could I obtain one?

Community Answer

Police impounds, in most states, MUST be disposed of at a public auction. You will need to be pre-approved for your top dollar bid in advance.

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Question

Where are police auctions located?

Community Answer

Generally at the individual tow shops that tow the cars. Each state has a site. Just type in police car auctions for your area in the search bar.

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How do I get a title for cars purchased at a police auction?

Kris

Community Answer

The auction company will take care of the title and charge a dealer admin fee for it. After you complete your portion of the paperwork, you'll get your title from the DMV, which usually takes less than 30 days.

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