Bid Car: What is it, Pricing, and How to Run a Report

By the VinCheck Editorial Team · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-07-15 · Reviewed by VinCheck Editorial Standards

What is a Bid Car?

A bid car, also known as a salvage or rebuilt title vehicle, is a car that has been damaged or has a history of being in an accident and has been repaired or rebuilt. These vehicles are often sold at auction sites, such as Copart and IAAI, and can be a cost-effective option for buyers looking for a vehicle at a lower price point.

bid car vs Carfax

When it comes to buying a used car, it's essential to know the vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained. Carfax and AutoCheck are two popular services that provide detailed reports on a vehicle's history. However, there are some key differences between these services and bid car.

Carfax

Carfax is a comprehensive vehicle history report that provides detailed information on a vehicle's past, including any accidents, damage, or previous owners. The report also includes information on the vehicle's maintenance history, including any recalls or safety notices. Carfax is widely used by dealerships and buyers alike and is considered one of the most reliable sources for vehicle history reports.

bid car

bid car, on the other hand, is a service that provides detailed information on a vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained. However, bid car is primarily focused on providing information on salvage and rebuilt title vehicles, which can be a more complex and nuanced process. While bid car can provide valuable information on a vehicle's history, it may not be as comprehensive as Carfax or AutoCheck.

How accurate is a bid car?

The accuracy of a bid car report depends on various factors, including the source of the information and the methodology used to gather the data. While bid car reports can provide valuable information on a vehicle's history, they may not be as comprehensive or reliable as Carfax or AutoCheck reports. It's essential to note that bid car reports are primarily focused on providing information on salvage and rebuilt title vehicles, which can be a more complex and nuanced process.

What bid car won't tell you (and how to find out)

While bid car reports can provide valuable information on a vehicle's history, there are some key things that bid car may not tell you. For example, bid car may not provide information on a vehicle's maintenance history or any recalls or safety notices. Additionally, bid car may not be as comprehensive as Carfax or AutoCheck reports, which can provide detailed information on a vehicle's past, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained.

bid car for salvage / rebuilt-title vehicles

bid car is primarily focused on providing information on salvage and rebuilt title vehicles, which can be a more complex and nuanced process. When it comes to buying a salvage or rebuilt title vehicle, it's essential to know the vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained. While bid car can provide valuable information on a vehicle's history, it's essential to note that bid car reports may not be as comprehensive or reliable as Carfax or AutoCheck reports.

bid car vs Copart

Copart is a popular online auction site that specializes in selling salvage and rebuilt title vehicles. While bid car and Copart share some similarities, there are some key differences between the two services. For example, Copart provides a more comprehensive report on a vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained. Additionally, Copart offers a wider range of services, including vehicle inspections and maintenance records.

bid car vs IAAI

IAAI is another popular online auction site that specializes in selling salvage and rebuilt title vehicles. Like Copart, IAAI provides a more comprehensive report on a vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained. Additionally, IAAI offers a wider range of services, including vehicle inspections and maintenance records.

bid car vs AutoCheck

AutoCheck is a comprehensive vehicle history report that provides detailed information on a vehicle's past, including any accidents, damage, or previous owners. While bid car can provide valuable information on a vehicle's history, it may not be as comprehensive as AutoCheck reports. Additionally, AutoCheck offers a wider range of services, including vehicle inspections and maintenance records.

How to run a bid car in under 5 minutes

Running a bid car report is a relatively simple process that can be completed in under 5 minutes. To run a bid car report, simply follow these steps:

Step 1: Gather the vehicle's VIN

The first step in running a bid car report is to gather the vehicle's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The VIN can be found on the vehicle's dashboard, driver's side doorjamb, or on the vehicle's title.

Step 2: Visit the bid car website

Once you have the vehicle's VIN, visit the bid car website and enter the VIN into the search bar.

Step 3: Select the report type

Once you have entered the VIN, select the type of report you want to run. Bid car offers several different report types, including a basic report, a detailed report, and a comprehensive report.

Step 4: Review the report

Once you have selected the report type, review the report to ensure it includes all the information you need. The report will include information on the vehicle's history, including any accidents or damage it may have sustained.

bid car pricing

The cost of a bid car report varies depending on the type of report you select. Bid car offers several different pricing options, including a basic report, a detailed report, and a comprehensive report. The basic report is the most affordable option, costing around $9.99. The detailed report costs around $19.99, and the comprehensive report costs around $29.99.

Comparison Table: Bid Car vs Competitors