Buyer Terms and Conditions
Effective upon account registration
- 1. Acceptance of Terms
- 2. Vehicle Condition
- 3. Bidding & Purchase
- 4. AutoBridge Is a Broker
- 5. Buyer Fees & Charges
- 6. Payment Terms
- 7. Service Offerings
- 8. Vehicle Pickup & Storage
- 9. Title & Ownership
- 10. Limitation of Liability
- 11. Account Termination
- 12. Dispute Resolution
- 13. Privacy & Data Use
- 14. Modifications
- Payment Schedule
- Acknowledgement
By registering, bidding, or purchasing a vehicle through AutoBridge, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions in their entirety. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not use the platform.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By registering, bidding, or purchasing a vehicle through AutoBridge, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Buyer" or "Member") and AutoBridge ("Platform", "we", "us"). Your continued use of the platform following any modifications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
2. Vehicle Condition
All vehicles are sold "AS IS, WHERE IS," WITH ALL FAULTS, and without any express or implied warranties of any kind. AutoBridge does not guarantee:
- Vehicle condition or roadworthiness
- Mechanical performance or fitness for any particular purpose
- Odometer accuracy or mileage representations
- Completeness or accuracy of vehicle information
- Availability of keys, manuals, or accessories
- Absence of prior damage, flood, fire, or structural issues
Buyers are strongly encouraged to inspect vehicles or arrange for a qualified third-party inspection before placing any bid. AutoBridge shall not be responsible for any defects, deficiencies, or inaccuracies discovered after purchase.
3. Bidding and Purchase Obligations
All bids are binding. By placing a bid, you represent, warrant, and agree that:
- You have full legal authority and the financial ability to complete the purchase
- A winning bid constitutes a legally binding obligation to purchase the vehicle at the stated price
- You will not retract or withdraw a bid except as expressly permitted by AutoBridge
- Failure to complete a purchase may result in account suspension, forfeiture of any deposits, and additional financial penalties
- AutoBridge reserves the right to pursue all remedies available under applicable law for non-performance
3.1 Security Deposit Requirement
Before AutoBridge places a bid on a buyer's behalf, or before a buyer is authorised to bid on the platform, a security deposit is required. The following conditions apply:
- Minimum deposit amount: The buyer must maintain a minimum security deposit equivalent to ten percent (10%) of their stated or intended maximum bid price before any bid is placed on their behalf
- Application to purchase: If the buyer wins the auction, the security deposit will be automatically applied towards the total amount due (winning bid plus all applicable fees), and the buyer is required to pay the remaining balance within the specified payment deadline
- Unsuccessful bids: If the buyer does not win the auction, the security deposit will be held on account and may be applied to a future bid, or refunded upon written request to AutoBridge
- Forfeiture: The security deposit will be forfeited in full if the buyer wins an auction and subsequently fails to complete the purchase, abandons the transaction, or violates any payment obligation under these Terms
- Deposit top-up: If the final winning bid exceeds the buyer's initially declared maximum bid, AutoBridge may require the buyer to top up the deposit before the transaction is confirmed
The security deposit does not constitute a cap on the buyer's total liability. The buyer remains fully responsible for the entire winning bid amount plus all applicable fees, regardless of the deposit amount held.
4. AutoBridge Is a Broker
AutoBridge operates solely as a membership service and broker that facilitates vehicle purchases through licensed dealers and auction platforms including Copart and IAAI. By using the platform, buyers acknowledge and understand that AutoBridge:
- Does not operate the auction – all auctions are conducted by third-party auction houses (including but not limited to Copart and IAAI) under their own rules and terms; AutoBridge has no control over auction outcomes, vehicle availability, or auction platform policies
- Does not own most vehicles – vehicles listed or sourced through the platform are owned by insurers, financial institutions, fleet operators, or private sellers; AutoBridge does not hold title to vehicles prior to sale unless expressly stated
- Does not guarantee seller information – all vehicle descriptions, condition reports, photographs, odometer readings, and title details are provided by the seller or the auction platform; AutoBridge makes no representation as to their accuracy, completeness, or reliability
- Acts as a membership service and broker – AutoBridge facilitates vehicle purchases on behalf of its members through its licensed dealer relationships and platform access agreements with Copart, IAAI, and other auction networks; the buyer's contractual relationship for the vehicle purchase is with the auction platform and/or seller, not with AutoBridge
By engaging AutoBridge's services, the buyer accepts full responsibility for understanding the nature of the brokerage relationship and acknowledges that AutoBridge's liability is limited to its role as a facilitator as described in these Terms.
5. Buyer Fees and Charges
In addition to the winning bid amount, buyers are responsible for all applicable fees, which may include but are not limited to:
- Buyer's premium / buyer fees
- Administrative and processing fees
- Documentation and title handling fees
- Storage and gate fees
- Transportation and delivery fees
- Virtual or internet bidding fees
- Environmental and regulatory fees
- Applicable taxes and government charges
- Any other charges disclosed at the time of sale
All applicable fees will be disclosed prior to purchase. AutoBridge reserves the right to modify its fee schedule with reasonable notice.
6. Payment Terms and Schedule
6.1 General Payment Obligations
All payments due to AutoBridge must be made in full and on time using approved payment methods, which include:
- Wire transfer
- ACH transfer
- Certified funds or cashier's check
- Zelle (USD payments to AutoBridge's registered Zelle account; available for domestic US payers)
- International wire transfer in USD to AutoBridge's designated bank account; wire details will be provided upon request or at the time of invoicing
- Local currency payments through the AutoBridge platform, where supported – the applicable exchange rate will be displayed at the time of payment and is subject to prevailing daily market rates
- Other AutoBridge-approved payment methods as communicated at the time of transaction
All wire transfers and Zelle payments must originate from a verifiable, named bank account registered to the buyer or their authorised representative. Anonymous transfers, third-party payments from unidentifiable sources, or payments from accounts that cannot be verified will not be accepted and may result in transaction delays or account suspension. AutoBridge reserves the right to request supporting documentation to verify the source of any payment.
6.2 Auction / Vehicle Purchase Payment
The full auction amount (winning bid plus all applicable buyer fees) is due as specified by the originating auction platform (Copart, IAAI, or other) at the time of sale. AutoBridge will communicate the exact deadline to the buyer upon confirmation of a winning bid. The security deposit held on the buyer's account (see Section 3.1) will be applied against this total, and the buyer must settle the remaining balance within the stated deadline.
Late Payment Penalties:
- Copart purchases: A flat late fee of USD $50.00 will be assessed if full payment is not received within 48 hours of the auction closing.
- IAAI purchases: A late fee of USD $50.00 OR 2% of the total vehicle purchase value, whichever is greater, will be assessed if full payment is not received within 48 hours of the auction closing.
These late fees are in addition to any penalties assessed by the originating auction house and are non-negotiable and non-refundable.
6.3 Storage Fees
AutoBridge provides a complimentary storage period of three (3) calendar days from the confirmed vehicle pickup date at the auction yard. After the free storage period expires, storage fees will accrue as follows:
- Storage fee: 50% of the applicable daily auction storage rate per day, charged for each calendar day beyond the free period
- Storage fees are the sole responsibility of the buyer and will be invoiced separately
- If the vehicle remains uncollected for eight (8) or more days from the confirmed pickup date, AutoBridge reserves the right to re-list the vehicle for sale
- In the event of re-listing, the buyer's initial deposit will be forfeited in full, with no recourse or refund
- The buyer remains liable for any outstanding fees and costs incurred prior to re-listing
6.4 Towing / Transport Fee
Where AutoBridge arranges towing or ground transport on behalf of the buyer, the following payment schedule applies:
- The towing fee invoice will be issued upon confirmation that the vehicle pickup from the auction yard has been completed
- Full payment of the towing fee is due within two (2) calendar days of pickup confirmation
- If payment is not received within this period, a late fee of USD $10.00 per day will begin accruing from the third day onwards until the balance is settled in full
6.5 Shipping Fee – Containerized and RoRo
For international vehicle shipping, whether by containerized freight or Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel, the following payment schedule applies:
Initial Deposit:
- A non-refundable initial deposit of USD $600.00 is required before the vehicle will be loaded into a container or onto a RoRo vessel
- No booking, loading, or vessel reservation will be made until this deposit is received and confirmed
Balance Payment:
- The remaining balance of the total shipping fee is due within two (2) calendar days of AutoBridge's confirmed notification that the vessel has arrived at the destination port
- AutoBridge will send written notification (by email or platform message) upon vessel arrival confirmation
- If the balance is not paid within two (2) days of arrival confirmation, late fees will begin accruing on the outstanding balance
The buyer is responsible for all destination port charges, customs duties, import taxes, and any demurrage or additional port fees incurred due to delayed payment or collection.
7. AutoBridge Service Offerings
AutoBridge is a full-service vehicle acquisition and logistics platform capable of managing the entire process from auction bidding through to delivery at the customer's door. Our services are modular and flexible – customers may engage AutoBridge for one, several, or all of the following services:
7.1 Available Services
- Bidding Services – AutoBridge will bid on your behalf at Copart, IAAI, and other supported auction platforms based on your specified vehicle preferences and maximum bid
- Towing / Ground Transport – Collection of the purchased vehicle from the auction yard and transport to the designated port, storage facility, or local address
- Shipping (RoRo) – Roll-on/Roll-off ocean freight, where the vehicle is driven onto the vessel; suitable for operable vehicles
- Shipping (Containerized) – Vehicle is loaded into a sealed shipping container; suitable for non-operable vehicles or buyers who require additional protection
- Customs Clearance – AutoBridge can manage all import documentation, customs declaration, and duty processing at the destination country, subject to applicable local charges
- Door-to-Door Delivery – End-to-end service from auction purchase through to delivery at the customer's specified address
7.2 Service Flexibility
Customers are not required to use all AutoBridge services. You may engage AutoBridge solely for bidding, solely for shipping, solely for customs clearance, or any combination thereof. Each service will be governed by a separate service agreement or invoice, and applicable charges will be disclosed before the service commences.
7.3 Charges
Charges for each individual service will be communicated to the buyer in advance. Acceptance of a service quotation or commencement of a service constitutes agreement to the applicable charges. AutoBridge reserves the right to update service charges with reasonable prior notice.
8. Vehicle Pickup and Storage
Vehicles must be removed from the designated auction facility within the pickup period specified at the time of sale. Please refer to Section 6.3 for the detailed storage fee schedule and re-listing policy. The buyer is solely responsible for arranging and funding all transportation from the pickup location.
9. Title and Ownership Transfer
As all vehicles purchased through AutoBridge are intended for export, title documents will be processed in accordance with the originating state's laws and the requirements of the auction platform or seller. The following applies to all buyers:
- Consignee information: The full name, address, and contact details provided by the buyer during account registration will be used as the consignee information on all shipping documents, export declarations, bills of lading, and customs paperwork; it is the buyer's sole responsibility to ensure that this information is accurate, complete, and kept up to date
- Accuracy of account details: Any delays, additional charges, or losses arising from incorrect, incomplete, or outdated consignee information are the sole responsibility of the buyer; AutoBridge will not be liable for any consequences resulting from inaccurate account information
- Title branding acknowledgement: The buyer accepts full responsibility for understanding any title branding on the vehicle (salvage, rebuilt, flood, etc.) and the implications this may have upon import and clearance in the destination country
AutoBridge will not amend consignee details on export or shipping documents after they have been submitted to the carrier or customs authority. Buyers must notify AutoBridge of any changes to their account information before the vehicle is booked for shipment.
10. Limitation of Liability
AutoBridge acts solely as a marketplace facilitator and service provider. AutoBridge shall not be liable for:
- Vehicle defects, damage, or undisclosed conditions
- Seller misrepresentations or inaccurate listings
- Transportation delays, damage in transit, or logistics failures
- Loss of profits, revenue, or business opportunities
- Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
- Actions or omissions of third-party auction houses, carriers, or customs agents
To the maximum extent permitted by law, AutoBridge's total liability shall not exceed the fees paid by the buyer in connection with the specific transaction giving rise to the claim.
11. Account Suspension and Termination
AutoBridge reserves the right to suspend or permanently terminate any account for, including but not limited to:
- Fraudulent activity or misrepresentation
- Non-payment or repeated payment defaults
- Bid manipulation, shill bidding, or auction interference
- Violation of any provision of these Terms and Conditions
- Any conduct deemed harmful to the integrity of the marketplace
- Provision of false identity or registration information
AutoBridge's decision regarding suspension or termination shall be final and is not subject to appeal unless expressly provided otherwise.
12. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from the use of the AutoBridge platform shall be resolved as follows:
- Step 1 – Negotiation: Parties will first attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith written communication within 30 days of the dispute arising
- Step 2 – Mediation: If unresolved, parties agree to non-binding mediation before a mutually agreed mediator
- Step 3 – Arbitration: If mediation fails, disputes shall be subject to binding arbitration in the jurisdiction designated by AutoBridge
Nothing herein prevents AutoBridge from seeking injunctive or equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction.
13. Privacy and Data Use
By creating an account, you consent to AutoBridge collecting and processing your personal information for the purpose of facilitating transactions, complying with legal obligations, and improving platform services. AutoBridge will not sell your personal data to unaffiliated third parties without your consent, except as required by law.
14. Modification of Terms
AutoBridge reserves the right to update, modify, or replace these Terms and Conditions at any time. Notice of material changes will be provided via email or platform notification. Continued use of the platform after the effective date of any revision constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms. It is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.
Quick Reference – Payment Schedule Summary
The table below summarises key payment deadlines and late fees:
- Auction Payment (Copart): Due per auction terms – Late fee: $50 flat if unpaid within 48 hours
- Auction Payment (IAAI): Due per auction terms – Late fee: $50 or 2% of vehicle value (whichever is greater) if unpaid within 48 hours
- Storage: 3 days free – then 50% of daily auction rate per day – Vehicle re-listed and deposit forfeited after 8 days
- Towing Fee: Due 2 days after pickup confirmation – Late fee: $10/day from day 3
- Shipping Deposit (Container/RoRo): $600 due before loading – Non-refundable
- Shipping Balance: Due 2 days after vessel arrival confirmation – Late fees accrue from day 3
Acknowledgement and Agreement
By clicking "I Agree" during online registration, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in their entirety.
AutoBridge – Marketplace Facilitator & Logistics Services – All Rights Reserved