IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) in California | Salvage & Insurance Vehicles

What Is IAA?

IAA (Insurance Auto Auctions) is one of the largest insurance vehicle auction platforms in North America. In California, IAA specializes in:

Insurance company total loss vehicles
Salvage and rebuilt title vehicles
Non-repairable vehicles (for parts/recycling)
Flood and weather-damaged vehicles
Accident and collision damage vehicles
Lease and rental returns

For salvage dealers, dismantlers, and specialty rebuilders in California, IAA is a primary sourcing channel for high-volume, low-cost inventory with consistent quality and documentation.

Getting Started with IAA in California

Step 1: Determine Your Dealer License Type

IAA accepts multiple California dealer license types:

Auto Dismantler License — For parts and recycling
Salvage Dealer License — For rebuilding and resale
Retail/Wholesale License — For some repairable vehicles

Step 2: Register with IAA

Complete the IAA dealer registration process:

Visit IAA.com and select "Dealer Registration"
Provide your California dealer license number and proof of status
Upload proof of bond and insurance (dismantler's or salvage coverage required)
Provide business address, contact, and banking information
Complete identity verification (2–3 business days)

Step 3: Set Up Payment and Logistics

Register payment method (ACH, credit card, or floorplan)
Arrange transport or confirm pickup availability
Verify title and documentation transfer procedures

Step 4: Start Bidding Online

Access IAA's online bidding platform 24/7
Browse auctions by vehicle type, damage, location
Place bids in real-time or use automatic bidding
Arrange immediate pickup after winning

IAA Locations and Facilities in California

IAA operates multiple salvage yards across California:

Region	Facility Location(s)	Specialty
Northern California	Sacramento, Vallejo	General salvage, insurance returns
Bay Area	Hayward, San Jose	High-volume insurance vehicles
Central Valley	Fresno, Visalia	Agricultural fleet, general salvage
Southern California	Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino	High-volume, all vehicle types
San Diego	San Diego County	General salvage, insurance returns

Pro Tip: Check IAA's yard map for the location closest to your business to minimize transport costs.

Understanding IAA Fees and Costs

Budget for all costs associated with IAA purchases:

Fee Type	Typical Range	Notes
Buyer Fee	$100–$500	Tiered by vehicle price and damage type
Processing Fee	$25–$100	For documentation and title transfer
Storage Fee	$15–$30/day	After pickup deadline expires
Yard Pickup	Free–$50	Depends on yard and vehicle type
Transport (if arranged by IAA)	$0.70–$1.50/mile	Optional; self-transport is cheaper

Maximize Margin: Self-transport is often cheaper than IAA's transport service. Arrange your own hauler when possible.

IAA Vehicle Condition and Damage Types

Common Damage Categories

Repairable Salvage: Damaged but can be rebuilt and resold
Non-Repairable (Parts Only): Totaled; only suitable for dismantling
Flood Damage: Water-damaged; often requires extensive drying and repair
Collision Damage: Frame or structural damage from accidents
Fire Damage: Burned vehicles; typically for parts

IAA's Inspection and Documentation

Detailed photos of exterior, interior, and damage
Odometer reading and title status
Auction description includes damage type and severity
Video walk-around available for many vehicles
Insurance company report included with listing
No "as-is" returns—inspect carefully before bidding

Bidding Strategy at IAA

Before You Bid

Understand the damage type and severity
Research parts value if dismantling
Calculate repair costs if rebuilding
Review insurance company assessment
Set your maximum bid based on intended use

During the Auction

Use IAA's automatic bidding to avoid overpaying
Don't get caught up in bidding wars
Remember: salvage vehicles are "as-is" with no returns
Walk away if the price exceeds your margin target

After You Win

Payment is due within 24 hours
Arrange pickup immediately (typically 3–7 days)
Inspect the vehicle thoroughly at the yard
Document any discrepancies or additional damage

IAA Title and Documentation

Understanding IAA Title Status

Salvage Title: Vehicle is totaled; can be rebuilt with proper documentation
Rebuilt Title: Previously salvage; has been repaired and passed inspection
Non-Repairable (Parts Only): Cannot be titled; only for parts/recycling
Insurance Retention: Insurance company retains ownership; you get parts access only

Title Transfer Process

IAA handles title transfer to your name
Processing typically takes 5–10 business days
You receive title documentation via mail or pickup
For non-repairable vehicles, you receive bill of sale only

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Bidding on "as-is" without inspecting: IAA vehicles have no return policy; inspect before bidding
Underestimating repair costs: Get quotes from shops before bidding on repairable vehicles
Forgetting storage fees: Pick up vehicles promptly; storage adds up quickly
Not understanding title status: Know whether you'll get salvage, rebuilt, or parts-only status
Missing pickup deadlines: Arrange transport immediately; storage fees penalize delays

Key Takeaways

✓ IAA specializes in insurance and salvage vehicles—ideal for dismantlers and rebuilders
✓ Registration requires appropriate license (dismantler, salvage, or retail)
✓ Multiple California locations minimize transport costs
✓ All vehicles are "as-is" with no return policy—inspect carefully
✓ Self-transport is usually cheaper than IAA's transport service

Ready to Source Salvage Inventory?

IAA is a premier platform for salvage and insurance vehicles in California. Understand damage types, inspect carefully, and develop a disciplined bidding strategy to maximize parts value or rebuild profitability.

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