Transporting a car bought at auction

Moving Cars arranges collection of vehicles bought at auction. The quote needs to reflect the car’s actual condition and the auction yard’s release requirements, not just the make and model in the listing.

Request a vehicle transport quote.

Before requesting transport

Have the auction house, yard address, lot number, buyer or sale reference and vehicle details available. Confirm with the auction house when payment will clear, when the vehicle can be released and the collection deadline. Check any storage charges directly with the yard.

An auction purchase does not reserve a carrier collection slot. Tell us the release date and deadline before booking so availability can be checked.

Describe the vehicle accurately

A listing marked as starting or running does not, by itself, establish suitability for standard drivable transport. Explain damage, missing keys, flat tyres, low clearance, fluid leaks or faults affecting loading. Ask the seller or auction house for details if the condition is uncertain.

Unregistered, damaged and non-running vehicles need the appropriate assessment. A standard quote is not confirmation of specialist loading. Read our non-running vehicle guide and provide photos or condition information when requested.

Arrange release to the carrier

Requirements vary by auction house and yard. Confirm what they need to release the vehicle to your nominated carrier, which may include a paid invoice, collection authority and buyer, sale or lot references. Follow the current instructions for your booking and the auction house’s approved document process.

Check the instructions directly with Grays, Pickles, Manheim or Lloyds as applicable. Do not rely on a generic checklist as confirmation that a particular yard has authorised release.

Ensure the release contact knows who is collecting and that keys and required paperwork will be available. Tell us promptly about any delay in payment clearance or release.

After placing your booking, reply to the email confirming receipt of the booking and attach the requested documents. See how to send auction paperwork for the steps.

Condition records and transport cover

Keep the auction listing, condition report and photos where available. Check the vehicle’s condition at handover and follow the booking’s reporting instructions if you notice damage or a discrepancy. Questions about the condition at sale should also be raised with the auction house.

Cover, limits, exclusions and claim procedures vary by carrier and service. Check the terms supplied with your quote; do not assume comprehensive insurance is included. We recommend arranging your own suitable insurance and confirming with your insurer that the planned transport is covered.

If you intend to drive the vehicle yourself at either end, separately check its registration, roadworthiness and the insurance requirements for that journey. A transport booking does not establish that it is ready for road use.

Delivery and preparation

Confirm the receiving address or depot and an available contact. The transit-time guide provides indicative capital-city ranges, but collection depends on yard release and the booked service.

Follow the vehicle preparation checklist where you can arrange preparation, and explain any requirement the auction yard cannot complete. For a journey entering WA or Tasmania, check the quarantine guide.

Contact our team with your quote reference if release, condition or collection arrangements need clarification.