A Guide to Police Impound Car Auctions: How to Save Big on Your Next Vehicle
Looking for a budget-friendly way to buy a car? Police impound car auctions can offer incredible deals on vehicles seized, abandoned, or involved in legal cases. These auctions are often open to the public and feature a wide variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs—many of which sell for a fraction of their retail value.
In this guide, you'll learn what police impound auctions are, how to find them near you, and how to shop smart whether you’re bidding in person or online.
What Are Police Impound Car Auctions?
Police impound car auctions are events where law enforcement agencies sell off vehicles that have been seized, abandoned, or unclaimed. These cars are typically stored in impound lots for a set amount of time before being cleared for auction.
Vehicles at these auctions may include:
- Cars seized in criminal investigations
- Abandoned vehicles collected by city tow services
- Unpaid ticket or DUI impounds
- Repossessed vehicles tied to legal disputes
Once cleared, these cars are sold to the public, usually with no reserve—meaning you can get them for a low price.
How Police Impound Auctions Help You Save on a Car
The biggest advantage of buying a vehicle at a police impound auction is the potential for significant savings.
- Vehicles are often sold “as-is,” which keeps prices low
- Many cars sell below market value—sometimes under $2,000
- Fewer buyers = less bidding competition
- No dealership markup or commission
These auctions are ideal for bargain hunters, mechanics, and anyone willing to do a little research before placing a bid.
Where to Find Police Impound Car Auctions Near You
Police impound auctions take place in most cities and are typically held by local law enforcement agencies or third-party auction services. You can find nearby auctions by checking:
- Your local police department’s website
- City or county government auction notices
- Tow lot facilities or municipal impound yards
- Public auction boards and local classified ads
- State or DMV websites that list surplus and impound vehicle sales
Search phrases like “police car auctions near me” or “impound lot car auctions [your city]” can help uncover local listings.
Where to Find Police Impound Car Auctions Online
If attending in person isn't an option, many auctions are also hosted online. Here are some platforms that frequently feature impound and government vehicles:
- GovDeals – Offers vehicles from municipalities and law enforcement agencies
- PropertyRoom – Auctions police-seized and unclaimed items, including vehicles
- AutoBidMaster – Features salvage and impound vehicles from across the U.S.
- Copart – Offers impound, salvage, and repossessed vehicles with online bidding
- Public Surplus – Local and state government auctions, including police vehicles
Some of these platforms require account setup or a small deposit to bid.
What to Know Before You Bid
- Vehicles are sold as-is – No warranties or guarantees, so inspect carefully if possible
- Do your research – Look up vehicle values, history reports, and potential repairs
- Know your budget – Set a bidding limit and stick to it
- Bring cash or be ready to pay quickly – Some auctions require immediate payment or a deposit
- Check titles – Some vehicles may come with salvage or lien titles
If you’re mechanically inclined or willing to take on minor repairs, these auctions can be an excellent way to land a dependable car at a deep discount.
Conclusion
Police impound car auctions offer an affordable alternative to traditional car shopping. With a little research and patience, you can find quality used vehicles at unbeatable prices. Whether you bid in person or online, understanding how these auctions work and where to find them can put you in the driver’s seat of your next great deal.
Sources
GovDeals – https://www.govdeals.com
PropertyRoom – https://www.propertyroom.com
Copart – https://www.copart.com
AutoBidMaster – https://www.autobidmaster.com
Public Surplus – https://www.publicsurplus.com