Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is Salvato?
Salvato is the smarter way to buy and sell insurance vehicles at auction. Selling vehicles direct from insurance companies to a global buyer base with fees that are at least 20% less than traditional auctions.
Where does Salvato get its inventory?
All our vehicles come directly from insurance companies in the U.S. We don't deal with junk vehicles, abandoned cars, or private sellers - only fresh insurance vehicles.
How is Salvato different than Copart and IAA?
We save you money and time in three key ways:
Our fees are at least 20% lower than what Copart & IAA charge.
We bring vehicles to market faster by selling them where they sit, eliminating unnecessary transport and reducing damage.
We have no hidden fees - no gate fees, no internet fees, no environmental fees, just one simple buyer fee.
How can I contact Salvato?
Our team is here to help. Submit your question here and we'll get back to you shortly.
Who owns Salvato?
Salvato is independently owned and operated by its founding team, backed by Walkabout Ventures, Banter Capital, and leading business owners in the salvage vehicle recovery industry.
In what market(s) does Salvato operate?
Salvato auctions vehicles that are being sold by insurance companies in the U.S. to a global network of buyers. We are launching first in Texas before we expand to other markets.
Does Salvato operate auction yards?
We do not operate auction yards. We sell vehicles right where they are, eliminating unnecessary transport and storage costs. This allows us to pass significant savings on to our buyers through lower fees.
Are auctions market / city specific?
You can search for vehicles based on their distance from your location, rather than being limited to specific yards or cities. Vehicles stay where they are until sold, making it easier to find inventory. eliminating salvage pools and reducing damage.
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How can I request technical support?
Our support team is here to help! Submit your question through our support form and we'll get back to you promptly.
Why am I not receiving communications from Salvato?
Check your Spam/Junk folders first. If you still can't locate our communications, let us know through our support form and we'll help resolve the issue.
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Why can't I see the VIN number of the vehicle?
Complete VIN numbers are available to approved bidders only. There's no cost to become an approved bidder - simply complete your buyer profile to gain full access.
Why can't I see where the vehicle is located?
Vehicle locations are visible to approved bidders only. Complete your free buyer profile to see exact pickup locations and all vehicle details.
What is the Watchlist?
You can add vehicles you're interested in to your Watchlist by clicking the Heart icon. You'll receive notifications about upcoming auctions for these vehicles and similar ones matching your preferences.
How long does it take to get my registration approved?
Most accounts are approved within one business day. You can track your application status in your profile.
Why was I not approved to buy?
Salvato reserves the right to approve auction participants per our terms and applicable local State licensing requirements. Not all potential bidders are approved to participate in Salvato auctions.
Does Salvato charge an annual membership fee?
No. Unlike other auction sites, we don't charge any membership fees. We do require buyers to submit a fully refundable security deposit before being allowed to participate in an auction.
How much is the security deposit?
The security deposit is $300. The security deposit must be in place before submitting bids. The deposit is fully refundable.
As an individual, what documents are required to register?
Individual buyers must submit a copy of a government issued ID such as a drivers license or passport. Additional documents may be required to verify your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
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As a business, what documents are required to register?
Business buyers must submit a copy of their business license and a government issued ID such as a drivers license or passport. Additional documents may be required to verify your address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).
Can a business have multiple registered bidders?*
Yes. Our Business Development Team is here to help. Contact them today.
Who can I contact for help registering?
Our support team is here to help. Submit your question through our support form and we'll get back to you promptly.
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Does Salvato have an app?
Not currently. Our mobile-optimized website works on all devices.
What happens after I win a vehicle at auction?
Winning bidders have 6 days (including the day of sale) to pay for and pick up the vehicle. In your Buyers Account you will see:
- Payment Link
- Vehicle storage address and pick-up instructions
Upon receipt of payment, your Buyers Account will include:
- Bill of Sale for the vehicle
- Digital Title
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Does Salvato provide load-assist services when I come to pick up the vehicle?
All Salvato vehicles will be moved out of inventory to an easily-accessible loading area near the entrance of the vehicle storage location. Buyers are responsible for sending the appropriate truck, trailer, or transporter vehicle needed to safely load and transport the vehicle.
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Can I receive alerts via email?
Yes, you can select and manage communication preferences in your Buyer Account.
Can I receive alerts via text?
Yes, you can select and manage communication preferences in your Buyer Account.
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What payment methods does Salvato accept?
For security deposits: Wire or credit/debit cards
For vehicle purchases: ACH, wire transfer, credit/debit cards. Click here to see all Payment Methods.
Does the deposit get applied to the purchase price?
No. The $300 security deposit remains separate and refundable.
How soon after the auction is payment required?
Full payment required within 6 days including day of auction close. Full payment terms can be reviewed here.
Is there a limit on how many vehicles I can bid on at once?
No limit for approved buyers.
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What titles do Salvato vehicles sell with?
Upon purchase, buyers will receive a digital title in their Buyer Account within 24 - 48 hours. Titles will reflect the status of the vehicle: Clean, Salvage or Junk. Buyers have the option to request a physical title or to reassign a title.
What is a digital title?
A digital title is an official electronic document that serves as proof of vehicle ownership, just like a traditional paper title. Your digital title can be accessed, transferred, or printed from your Buyer Account.
What can I do with a digital title?
Digital titles can be used in the following ways:
For scrap, dismantling for parts, or export: A digital title in the seller's name and your bill of sale serves as proof of ownership.
For vehicles intended for resale or reconstruction that would require re-titling the vehicle within the United States: Buyers can easily reassign the digital title in their Buyer Account.
What if I need a paper title?
Request paper title through your Buyer Account. Additional fees apply. Click here for Title Fee information.
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Can you deliver my vehicle to me?
Currently, each buyer is responsible for picking up their purchased vehicle.
What fees does Salvato charge?
Pricing information can be found here. Salvato charges one flat Buyer's Fee and only charges additional fees if you fail to pick up or pay for your vehicle or if you select an additional service.
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How can I become a broker?*
Contact our Head of Global Buyer Development here.
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