FAQ
Frequently asked questions about importing cars from the USA
Everything you need to know about USA car import — costs, timelines, customs, and the full process.
How much does it cost to import a car from the USA?
The total cost depends on the auction price, buyer's fee, inland transport to the port, ocean freight, EU customs duty, excise tax, and VAT. Typical turnkey costs range from €8,000 to €25,000+. Use our calculator for a precise estimate.
How does the USA car import calculator work?
Enter the car's auction price, type, engine size, and destination port. The calculator instantly shows the full cost breakdown — auction fee, freight, customs, excise, and VAT — before you bid.
Does the calculator include customs duty, VAT, and other fees?
Yes. The calculator covers all costs: buyer's fee, inland transport, ocean freight, EU customs duty (typically 6.5%), excise tax, and VAT (23% in Poland). No hidden fees.
How long does shipping a car from the USA to Europe take?
On average 30–60 days: 5–10 days from auction to the US port, 20–30 days ocean transit, 7–14 days EU customs clearance.
Can I buy a car from Copart or IAAI?
Yes. BID BIDDERS is a licensed buyer at Copart, IAAI, Manheim, and ADESA. We bid on your behalf and handle the entire purchase process.
What documents do I need to import a car from the USA?
The key documents are: Certificate of Title, Bill of Lading, commercial invoice, customs declaration, and certificate of conformity for EU registration. We prepare everything.
Can I track my car while it is in transit from the USA?
Yes. You can see real-time status — loading, departure port, vessel name, estimated arrival, and customs clearance stage — through your BID BIDDERS client dashboard.
Is it safe to buy a damaged or salvage car from the USA?
It can be an excellent value if assessed correctly. We review the damage report and photos before bidding and advise whether the repair cost makes the purchase worthwhile.
What is a salvage title?
A salvage title means an insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Salvage-title cars can still be imported to Europe, but EU registration requires an additional technical inspection.
Can BID BIDDERS handle the full import process end-to-end?
Yes. We cover everything: auction sourcing, bidding, purchase, transport to port, ocean shipping, EU customs clearance, and delivery to your address.
What costs are included in door-to-door import from the USA?
Auction fee, inland delivery to US port, ocean freight, EU port handling, customs duty, excise tax, VAT, and agent fees. Everything is included in our turnkey quote.
Can I import a car to Poland through BID BIDDERS?
Yes. Poland is our primary delivery market. We handle customs clearance at the Polish border and can deliver to any address in Poland.
Can I calculate my import costs before bidding at auction?
Yes — that is exactly what our calculator is for. Enter the expected auction price and get the full turnkey cost before you place a single bid.
What happens after winning an auction?
We handle payment to the auction, arrange inland transport to the US port, book ocean freight, manage EU customs clearance, and deliver the car to you.
How do I contact BID BIDDERS for a quote?
Call us, email [email protected], or fill out the contact form. We reply within 15 minutes during business hours.
What is the difference between Copart and IAAI?
Both are major US salvage auctions. Copart tends to have a larger inventory and more condition grades. IAAI often has a wider range of specialty and fleet vehicles. We buy from both.
Can BID BIDDERS help with customs clearance for cars from the USA?
Yes. EU customs clearance is included in the full-service package. We handle all documentation, declarations, and duty payments on your behalf.
Can I import a car from Canada or Korea as well?
Yes. We work with Copart Canada and select Korean auction platforms. The process is similar; timelines may vary by shipping route.