Copart Storage Fees Guide

Copart charges daily storage fees if you do not pick up your vehicle within the free pickup window, which is typically 3 to 5 business days after the sale. Daily rates vary by yard location, but commonly range from $20 to $60 per day. These charges can add up quickly and significantly increase your total cost if you do not plan ahead.

When Do Storage Fees Begin?

After you win an auction and complete payment, Copart provides a free pickup window. This grace period is generally 3 to 5 business days, depending on the yard. The countdown typically starts from the date the sale is finalized or the date your payment clears, not from the date of the auction itself.

Once the free period expires, storage fees begin accumulating. This means that if you win a vehicle on a Friday and the yard offers a 3-business-day window, your free period may expire by Wednesday of the following week. Weekends and holidays may or may not count, depending on the specific yard's policy.

Typical Daily Storage Rate Ranges

Storage rates depend on the vehicle type and the yard location. Based on general reports from Copart buyers:

• Standard vehicles: $20 to $60 per calendar day
• Oversized or heavy vehicles: May incur higher daily rates
• Specialty or high-value vehicles: Some yards charge premium storage rates

The most commonly reported rate for standard vehicles falls in the $30 to $50 per day range. Some yards may charge a flat weekly rate after a certain number of days, while others continue with daily accrual.

How Storage Fees Are Calculated

Storage fees are generally calculated per calendar day, not per business day. This is a critical distinction because weekends and holidays count toward your total. If your vehicle sits over a weekend, those days are included in the storage calculation.

For example, if the daily rate is $40 and your vehicle remains at the yard for 10 extra days beyond the free pickup window, your storage charge would be:

That $400 is on top of your bid price, buyer fees, gate fee ($95), additional fees ($59), internet fees, and any applicable taxes. Storage can easily become the single largest extra cost if you are not careful.

How to Avoid Storage Fees

The best strategy is to arrange vehicle pickup as quickly as possible after winning an auction. Here are specific steps you can take:

• Pay immediately: Complete your payment as soon as possible after winning. The free pickup window may not start until your payment clears, so delays in payment eat into your free time.
• Pre-arrange transport: Before bidding, research transport companies or towing services that can pick up from the specific Copart yard. Having a plan in place before you win saves critical days.
• Use Copart's transport services: Copart offers vehicle transport services that you can arrange through your account. While this may cost more than a third-party option, it can be faster and more convenient.
• Hire a local towing company: If the yard is within driving distance, a local tow company may be able to pick up your vehicle within a day or two.
• Coordinate with a broker: If you are using a broker to purchase, confirm that they will handle pickup promptly. Some brokers include transport in their service, but timelines vary.

What to Do If You Cannot Pick Up in Time

If you realize you will not be able to pick up your vehicle before the free window expires, take action immediately:

1. Contact the Copart yard directly: Call the specific yard where your vehicle is stored. Some yards may offer a brief extension, though this is not guaranteed and is entirely at their discretion.
2. Authorize someone else to pick up: You can designate another person or company to pick up the vehicle on your behalf. They will need proper authorization and documentation.
3. Factor storage into your budget: If a delay is unavoidable, calculate the expected storage cost and adjust your total budget. A few extra days of storage may still be worth it if the purchase price was favorable.

Storage Fees and Your Total Cost

Storage fees are separate from the standard auction fees (buyer fee, gate fee, internet fee, and additional fees). To estimate the auction fee portion of your purchase, use our Copart fee calculator. Then add storage costs on top of that estimate based on your expected pickup timeline.

Being proactive about pickup logistics is one of the easiest ways to keep your total Copart purchase cost under control. A vehicle that seemed like a great deal at auction can quickly become expensive if it racks up weeks of storage charges.