Buying a van at auction: once you’ve done the deal

So you’ve found your van and won the auction. It’s yours. What happens next?

Payment

This will usually need to be made within 24 hours of the auction ending and can be paid via cash, debit card, credit card or telegraphic transfers. Some auction firms will charge a handling fee for some credit card or cash transactions. Find these out before buying.  

Collection

Once you have arranged payment and registration documents for your new vehicle the auction house will usually ask you to remove it within 24 hours.

Keys

You will be issued with a pass out slip (or similar) for the vehicle you have brought and can collect the keys from the main key office.

Storage fees

Storage fees of £17+VAT per day (or part of day) is charged by BCA if the vehicle is not removed within 24 hours of the auction ending. The fees for other auction houses will vary, so check them out before buying. 

Delivery

Some auction houses offer delivery service on any vehicle providing it is road legal & drivable.  For non-runners and other vehicles transporter deliveries can be arranged.

Insurance

Once the hammer falls, the car is legally your possession and you are responsible for it. Make sure you have adequate insurance cover if you want to drive it home, and check it is roadworthy and taxed.