Can CarInspector.US bid on a vehicle at auction for me?

The short answer is, "No. We can't"; however, we do have relationships with a few trustworthy brokers.  Below is a short list of brokers, along with contact information and websites that you may find helpful.  

Click on one of the icons above to contact these brokers.  

 

 

What are the terms and conditions of the inspection?

Terms and Conditions

 

A professional inspection may assist you in making an informed decision in regards to purchasing a used vehicle. However, an inspection does not guarantee that there are not hidden defects or flaws with the vehicle.

Our Inspections are based on a physical description of what is seen and heard through the eyes and ears of our inspectors. We do not advise on the value of the vehicle or authenticate its origin. We do not advise as to purchase or decline any vehicle we inspect. Inspections performed by CarInspector.US, Inc (CIU) are done so in a professional manner, without the use of diagnostic tools or equipment. Accordingly, CIU may not be held liable for any hidden, latent, or undetected conditions or defects on the vehicle or any of its components. Physical and mechanical damage can occur between the time a vehicle is inspected and when the vehicle is actually purchased and CIU cannot be held responsible for those occurrences should they ever happen. An inspection does not create or result in any representations or warranties by CIU with respect to the safety, condition, or operation of the vehicle or any of its parts. CIU expressly disclaims any such representation and warranties. Any guarantees or warranties implied or not on any vehicle inspected by CIU is strictly with the seller of that vehicle.

In the event that an inspection is ordered online and CIU does not have a local inspector, CIU will call you and get verbal authorization for mileage charges, otherwise, the amount charged to your card will be that shown on our website when the order is placed. By clicking the submit button you are entering into a legal contract and agree that the fee charged is non-refundable. Upon completion, the inspection will be posted to our website and emailed to the email address you provided. CIU's firing of the email constitutes your acceptance of inspection and acknowledgement of delivery.

Inspections done at auction facilities are subject to the rules and allowances of that facility. Many auction facilities will not allow us to start engines or test drive vehicles. If a battery is dead on a subject vehicle, it will NOT be jump started and the electrical components of the vehicle will not be tested. The vehicle will not be hoisted; therefore, the underside of the vehicle may have damage not disclosed on our inspection report. The auction is responsible for providing keys to the vehicles. If the keys are not available, you will be charged the full inspection fee and we will proceed with our inspection. The inspection report will not include any components for which keys are required to access such as: the engine; transmission; trunk; interior; etc... CIU will make every effort to provide a complete and thorough inspection of each and every vehicle we inspect; however, we are severly limited at auction facilities. CIU will make every effort to confirm that the vehicle is available and ready for inspection prior to appearing at a facility; however, even if prior confirmation has been made, many auction facilities will not allow access to the vehicle; therefore, an inspection cannot be completed. In the event this occurs you will be charged the full inspection fee even though an inspection report will not be available. We will note and make available to you the names of the individuals who we have contacted during the process. In the event you choose to order a re-inspection, a full fee will be charged for the re-inspection.


All inspection reports, results, images, and other content related to an inspection or other investigation by CIU and any files related to an inspection or investigation contains information intended for the exclusive use of the individual or entity who purchased the inspection or investigation. All inspections reports, images, and other content related to an inspection or other investigation is copyrighted and contains Work-Product or other information that is proprietary, privileged, confidential and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. You agree and are hereby notified that any viewing, copying, disclosure or distribution of this information may be subject to legal restriction or sanction.

By clicking the submit button, you agree to these terms and that you will pay the charged amount in accordance with the card issuer agreement.

 

For the most up-to-date terms, please click here or visit https://carinspector.us/termsandconditions.html

Does CarInspector.US check the title or verify background of the vehicle?

No. The inspection does not include a background check of the vehicle.

Is this inspection guaranteed?

All inspections are guaranteed to be accurate at the time of the inspection. However, because the vehicle is fully assembled and the inspection is performed without the use of diagnostic equipment, there is the possibility of impending failures that are not evident at the time of the inspection. See terms and conditions here.

Do I have to pay for the inspection before it is actually done?

Yes, a credit card payment is required before the inspection will be scheduled.

What does the inspection entail?

Where possible, each vehicle is test driven to verify transmission and engine operation (see below for auction inspections). We check the level and condition of all accessible fluids (some vehicles have sealed units such as transmissions and the fluid levels of these units are not accessible). We test the operation of the climate control system. We evaluate the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any obvious damage or signs of repairs. We provide digital photographs of the vehicle and all damages found.

Note for vehicles at auctions: Vehicles inspected at auction facilities are NOT test driven.  Most auctions will not allow our inspectors to jump start the vehicle or carry any tools.  We will make every effort to start a vehicle with a dead battery, but there are times that the facility will not facilitate the inspectors request to jump start the vehicle.    For commercial vehicles, motor homes, and watercraft, the inspection will NOT include operation of accessory equipment such as booms, outriggers, stoves, refrigerators, sump pumps, etc... 

Does the inspector use any diagnostic equipment?

The inspection is done on location; therefore, we do not perform any diagnostic tests because we do not have access to diagnostic tools, computers, or lifts.

Starting Feb 1, 2021, inspections done at IAAI facilities will usually include OBDII codes and paint thickness.

What are the inspector's qualifications?

Most of our inspectors are experienced ASE certified mechanics that have been involved in the automotive industry for several years. Many of our inspectors hold manufacturer certifications. We even have some inspectors that are retired engineers.

Can the inspector call me from the vehicle location?

Unfortunately it is too time consuming to call customers for every inspection.  If you have special requests or requirements, please email us after you order your inspection and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

How long does the inspection process take?

Once payment is received the inspector will contact the vehicle owner to arrange the inspection. This usually will occur within 24 hours. The actual time the inspection takes place largely depends on the schedules of the inspector and vehicle owner. All orders received on Saturday and Sunday will be processed on Monday. We do not currently offer weekend service. Depending on the type of inspection, the actual inspection time will be anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Once the vehicle is inspected the inspection report is emailed to you. Optional U.S. mail or overnight service is available. Your report will be viewable from our web site within 24 hours after the inspection is completed.