Rules & Regulations

BASIC AUCTION RULES & REGULATIONS

1. The Auction makes no representations or guarantees as to the description, equipment, history, warranties, service policy, title status/accuracy or odometer on any vehicle sold or offered for sale. The Auction does not guarantee or get involved in any factory or dealer warranty coverage issues on vehicles sold or offered for sale at the Auction.


2. The sales at the Auction are intended to promote fair and ethical treatment to both the Buyer and Seller. If the Auction determines that the transaction is not fair and ethical to either party, the Seller and Buyer agree that the Auction may cancel the sale, at its sole discretion.


3. The decision of the Arbitration Department is final and binding on both the Buyer and Seller. The Auction reserves the right to assess an arbitration fee to the Buyer if an arbitrated claim is deemed to be not valid or too frivolous. Any arbitration must be properly documented in writing and signed by the arbitrator. If the arbitration is valid, the Auction reserves the right to assess an arbitration fee to the Seller if they knowingly omitted an announcement. This fee is in addition to any charges associated with the arbitration procedure; such as check out fees at a specialty shop or transportation costs to and from a garage, etc.


4. The Auction is not a party to the contract of the sale. The sales contract is between the Seller and Buyer only. The Seller is required to give the Federal Odometer Mileage Statement in connection with any Auction sale as required by the Motor Vehicle Information and Cost Savings Act of 1972 as amended, or other applicable laws. The Auction is not responsible and does not guarantee the accuracy of odometer readings, odometer statements, or damage disclosure statements.


5. Any vehicle sold “AS-IS”, or any vehicle sold for ($____________Auction Choice) or less is NOT subject to mechanical arbitration.


6. LOT SALES / OUTSIDE SALES
   • Any sale in which the Auctioneer does not state the selling price of the vehicle or “sell under the hammer” is considered a “LOT SALE”.
   • All “LOT SALES” are conditional until the Buyer pays for the vehicle. Up until the time of payment, the sale is not binding on either party.
   • Once a “LOT SALE” has been paid for, the vehicle becomes “AS-IS” property of the Buyer. Buyer needs to check “LOT SALE” vehicles very carefully before purchasing, since they are not arbitratable for any reason, including frame/unibody damage. Vehicles sold immediately after crossing the block are still subject to the announced conditions noted on the Auction Block Ticket.
   • .All vehicles bought or sold on the premises must be processed through the Auction Office. Failure to do so WILL result in suspension of trading privileges at the Auction.
   • Sellers may guarantee Lot Sales, but must do so in writing.

AUCTION SALE - LIGHT SYSTEM AT LAA

1. The Loveland Auto Auction has a standardized light system to describe the condition and/or announcements related to the vehicle being sold. The light system is defined as:
   1. Green Light - "Ride & Drive": The green light signals that this vehicle is guaranteed under the conditions outlined in the Sale Day, Seven Day and As-Is Arbitration section, except for specific announcements made prior to the sale.
   2. White Light - "Auction Guarantee or Seller Guarantee (if applicable)": The white light signals that this vehicle is guaranteed under the conditions outlined in the Sale Day, Seven Day and As-Is Arbitration section. Seller guarantees the lower engine (block, rod, crank); the transmission: automatic, manual-clutch, rear-end or final drive: CV Joint, hub bearing, axle.
   3. NOT ARBITRATABLE under Auction Guarantee:
      1. - Engine: Lifters, Cam Bearing, Oil Leaks, or Oil Smoke
      2. - Head or Head Gaskets
      3. - Rear End: U Joints, Wheel Bearings, Grease Leaks, CV Boots
      4. - Front Wheel Drive: Back Lash
      5. - Air Conditioning
   4. Yellow Light - "Announcements": This light is an indication to the Buyer that the Auctioneer or Selling Representative has made announcements that qualify the condition and limit arbitration of this vehicle.
   5. Red Light - "As-Is": Vehicles selling under the red light will only qualify for arbitration under the rules outlined in the Sale Day, Seven Day and As-Is Arbitration section.
   6. Blue Light - "Title Attached/Title Unavailable/Title Absent": This light is used to announce that the title is not present at the time of sale. For Auction rules regarding titles, please refer to the Title Arbitration Policy section. If T/A is not announced, a vehicle could be arbitrated for misrepresentation.
   
   
2. The Seller understands that the sale lights are a binding representation of vehicle condition, and is therefore responsible for ensuring that their vehicles sell under the correct light in the lane.


3. The Buyer is responsible for listening to announcements related to the vehicle, made by the auctioneer or Selling Representative, prior to the start of the sale for each vehicle. The Buyer is also responsible to observe and understand the sale lights (Green, White, Yellow, Red and Blue), which identify various sale conditions for the vehicle.

SELLER RESPONSIBILITIES AT LAA

1. Seller will be held responsible for the accuracy of any representations (verbal or written) made by Seller or Auctioneer at the time of sale - independent of vehicle  light designation or guarantee offered. This includes year, model, mileage, announced conditions, and the corresponding lights under which the vehicle is being sold.


2. Mileage announcements are not required on vehicles deemed exempt from Federal/State Odometer and Title disclosure laws unless a mileage discrepancy is known or apparent to the Seller. The Seller may represent miles on exempt vehicles - any statement made by the Seller and all known odometer discrepancies are grounds for arbitration.


3. The Seller is responsible for reimbursement of all reasonable documented expenses incurred by the Buyer (excluding profit, commissions and detail charges) on vehicles arbitrated for unannounced conditions not detectable through vehicle inspection (i.e. stolen vehicle, odometer, title discrepancy, frame damage, flood damage, manufacturer buyback, etc). Expense reimbursements will be at the sole discretion of the Auction and will, at times be limited to reasonable and documented expenses and transportation only.


4. The Seller has the responsibility to announce any known state or local DMV fees, taxes or other fees over $100 due on the vehicle (if required by state).


5. Title Discrepancies must be announced including, salvage, disclosure requirements [if required by state] (i.e. 25%), previous salvage, theft recovery, not actual miles (previously TMU), odometer replacements, flood/fire history and Lemon Law buybacks.


6. All titles submitted must be in the Seller s name or include documentation of the legal right to sell the vehicle. It is the Seller s responsibility to ensure that a sold vehicle s title is negotiable in the state in which the Auction resides and that the title is clear of all liens and encumbrances.


7. Seller is responsible for correct VIN numbers on titles and vehicles. All vehicles registered at Auction are subject to inspection by the FBI, State Police, National Auto Theft Bureau, and Local Police Authorities.


8. Seller shall be solely responsible for repurchase of any vehicle sold through the Auction found to be stolen prior to the date of sale.


9. Seller has the responsibility to produce a negotiable/marketable title to Auction within a maximum of (number of days_________ Auction s Choice) of the date of sale [sale day is day one (1)], or as specified by state law, on vehicles sold T/A (no title present at time of sale). See Auction rules in Title Attached Policy.


10. All 2-wheel drive, multipurpose and utility-type vehicles that have the appearance of being 4-wheel drive* must be announced. (*as determined by the Auction)


11. See mandatory Seller Disclosure Requirements on the matrix below:

BUYER RESPONSIBILITIES AT LAA

As to any vehicle purchased at the Auction, the Buyer is responsible for the following:

1. Buyer will inspect the vehicle prior to and immediately following the sale. The Buyer must verify the Seller’s representations and notify the Auction immediately of any discrepancies within the time frame as stated in this arbitration policy. Buyer will verify odometer reading and operation before leaving the Auction. Mileage must be the same as it was when it left the Auction if arbitrated for inoperative odometer.


2. The Buyer will follow Auctioneer’s cadence on price - any misunderstanding concerning price must be addressed at the drop of the Auctioneer’s hammer (not following the sale of the vehicle).


3. The Buyer will inform the Auction immediately of any discrepancies as to Seller’s representations warranties, and descriptions. Arbitration will be limited to the specific defects described by the Buyer upon placing the vehicle in arbitration.


4. Buyer guarantees sufficient funds are available and will remain on deposit at Buyer’s bank to cover all checks and drafts. Until payment and receipt of title, the Buyer shall acquire neither title to the vehicle nor any right to sell or offer for sale.


5. Buyer will pay the bid price plus a Buyer’s fee and draft fees (if applicable). Payment by means other than draft must be made on day of sale. Floor plan payments must be established on day of sale.


6. Buyer agrees to be liable for any and all work done to a vehicle prior to returning the vehicle to the Auction except on vehicles arbitrated for unannounced conditions not detectable through vehicle inspection (i.e. stolen vehicle, odometer, title discrepancy - does not include title attached).


7. Buyers should thoroughly check and test drive every vehicle. If there is any problem, a complaint must be properly filed with the Arbitration Office within the established arbitration time limit. The Buyer assumes responsibility for mechanical failure after leaving the Auction once the arbitration period is over.


8. It is the Buyer’s responsibility to watch lights and listen to announced conditions before placing bids. Once the vehicle is sold the Buyer should check the Block Ticket to confirm the vehicle price and announcements are correct before legibly printing and signing their name to the Block Ticket. The Auction will not arbitrate defects visible from the block or announced conditions.


9. Mileage and other information written on the window of sale vehicles or in Auction Catalogs is for the convenience of the Buyer and is not to be relied upon as accurate or complete. Buyers should satisfy themselves as to year, mileage and/or equipment by viewing the actual vehicle prior to bidding. The Auction will not arbitrate vehicles based on incorrect information written on a vehicle or in the catalog.


10. The Buyer is responsible for any pending sale from arbitration.


11. It is strongly encouraged that an On-Line Buyer should have a Post Sale Inspection (PSI) on vehicle purchased. Normal arbitration time periods do apply to On-Line purchases.

VEHICLE ARBITRATION AT LAA

Vehicles that have any of the following defects, conditions, or discrepancies that were not disclosed or announced at the time of the sale must be reported to the Auction within the time frame noted below in order to be eligible for arbitration. Any single mechanical defect that has a repair cost of $800 or more is arbitratable on Green Light vehicles (repair cost will be determined and posted by the Auction). Single defects of less than $800 are deemed minor and not arbitratable. Vehicles must be returned to the Auction in the same or better condition than when purchased. Expense reimbursements will be at the sole discretion of the Auction and will be limited to reasonable and documented expenses. Lost profit, commissions, floor plan expenses, and etc. will not be reimbursed. The arbitration period ends at the close of business on Sale Day, unless there is a pending Post Sale Inspection (PSI). Seven (7) day arbitration shall end at closing time on the seventh (7th) calendar day following the sale [sale day is day one (1)].

Refer to the matrix below for arbitration time periods for undisclosed defects.

TITLE ARBITRATION POLICY OF LAA

1. The Seller guarantees the title of vehicles that are sold through the Auction (non T/A). This guarantee of the title warrants that title shall be marketable and free and clear of all liens and encumbrances. The Auction will not be responsible for any expenses incurred on vehicles returned for late title.


2. All titles submitted by Seller must be in Seller’s company name on title or on reassignment form or include documentation of the legal right to sell the vehicle.


3. Clerical Error – If the title problem is due to a clerical or coding error, or incomplete documentation, the Auction shall be given reasonable time after receiving notice to have the error corrected.


4. Procedure – Whenever any claim is made by any person against the title of a vehicle, whether by suit or otherwise, the Buyer, after becoming aware of said claim, shall immediately notify the Auction giving full particulars of the claim, and shall cooperate fully in defending any legal action and in taking other steps to minimize possible loss.


5. The Buyer shall not surrender possession of the vehicle, except as required by legal process, to any claimant, nor shall Buyer voluntarily pay or acknowledge the validity of any claim, without the prior approval of the Auction. Time is of the essence. Any failure on the part of the Buyer to notify the Auction of any claim in a timely manner or failure of the Buyer to cooperate in defending any such claim shall relieve the Auction of any liability under this policy.


6. Seller and Buyer agree that Auction is neither responsible for odometer mileage on the consigned vehicle nor the information contained in the odometer mileage statement and the damage disclosure statement which Seller as Transferor is required to complete and sign, and Buyer as Transferee is required to acknowledge.


7. In regard to defect in title, and any matter relating to odometer mileage, odometer statements, or damage disclosure statements: Seller and Buyer agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Auction from any liability, loss cost, damage or expense, including attorney fees which may arise either directly or indirectly from the sale and purchase of the consigned vehicle including but not limited to title services provided.


8. Any sale without proper documents and not sold under the proper light is subject to rejection.


9. Title must be reassigned directly to Buyer. No title assigned directly to the Auction will be accepted.


10. Non-titled vehicles – Auction accepts no responsibility for non-titled vehicles sold without title. Seller must announce the vehicle being sold with a bill of sale only and that there is no title to transfer.


11. All non-titled vehicles and equipment will be sold “ AS-IS”.


12. SELLER will NOT be paid for vehicles until a transferable title is received.


13. SELLER will NOT be paid for vehicles in arbitration unless or until arbitration is settled, and vehicles are sold.


14. Foreign titles, such as Canadian titles, are unacceptable.


15. Seller’s Title Guarantee: The Seller warrants, represents and guarantees that he has and will convey a certificate of title, properly executed, valid in the state where the transaction is occurring and clear of all liens and encumbrances (except current year DMV fees in California), and that he will warrant and defend the title against the claims and demands of all persons whatsoever.


16. Applications for duplicate title will not be accepted (unless announced as such or if state allows).


17. Seller has up to a maximum of (_____Auction Choice) calendar days for title to be received by Auction [sale day is day one (1)].


18. After the (_____Auction Choice) calendar day period, it is the Buyer’s option to return the vehicle or to wait a reasonable period of time for the title.


19. Anyone not having a properly assigned title or reassignment to transfer a title at time of sale must sell “Title Attached/Title Unavailable/Title Absent”.


20. Vehicles lacking lien release must be sold “Title Attached/Title Unavailable/Title Absent”.


21. Any vehicle that is on an MSO must be announced.


22. The Buyer is cautioned not to sell or make repairs on the vehicle until title is received. If title has been mailed from Auction to Buyer, Buyer may not return vehicle. Buyer is required to notify Auction one (1) business day before returning vehicles.


23. Just because a vehicle is returned to the Auction does not mean the Buyer is out of the deal. The vehicle must be received and inspected by Auction management before the Buyer is out of the deal. Any vehicle returned must be in the same or better condition as when sold.


24. Any and all “Title Brands”,as known on sale day, which may affect a vehicle’s value must be announced. Some “Title Brands” include, but are not limited to: Lemon Law, Rental/For Hire, Reconstructed, Stolen vehicle and Insurance transfers. Unannounced Theft Recovery as a result of repossession (in error) is not grounds for arbitration.


25. Seller will be responsible for the buy fee plus reasonable transportation expenses to and from the Buyer’s dealership to the Auction on vehicles returned for “no title”.


26. There may be a charge of $.10 per mile for excessive mileage on a returned vehicle (at the discretion of the local Auction).


27. Titles received after (_____Auction Choice) calendar days may be subject to a late title fee. All expenses to obtain the title will be charged to the Seller.


28. Auction will not be responsible for titles mailed from Auction and not received. Buyer has the choice of alternative delivery method and will pay Auction cost.

GRAY MARKET VEHICLES AT LAA

1. Only vehicles made in North America for Canadian use and properly converted to U.S. specifications can be sold and must be announced as such. No other Gray Market vehicles are accepted for sale.


2. Sellers must inform the Auction that a vehicle has Canadian history at time of registration and must disclose that to the Buyer in writing as an announced condition on the block ticket unless the car is five (5)years old or older (see item 7 below).


3. If a vehicle was manufactured in Canada for the Canadian Market, the Manufacturer is required to obtain and affix a U.S. Safety Standard Certification Label to the vehicle.


4. All other vehicles imported from Canada must be imported through a Registered Importer. Registered Importers are required to post a bond with the U.S. Department of Transportation. All vehicles imported through a Registered Importer must have:
   • U.S. Safety Standard Certification Label that identifies the Registered Importer
   • Valid U.S. Title


5. All Canadian vehicles, whether imported by a Manufacturer or a Registered Importer, must show miles per hour on the speedometer and miles traveled on the odometer. Title 49, United States Code, Chapter 327, Section 32704, allows replacement of odometers without a doorframe sticker if the conversion from kilometers to miles can be done without changing the distance traveled by the vehicle; therefore, replacement of an odometer under these circumstances does not have to be announced by the Seller.


6. Previous Canadian vehicles that are calendar year and up to 4 years old MUST BE ANNOUNCED.


7. “Gray Market Vehicles” will not be accepted for sale unless they meet ALL Federal D.O.T. / E.P.A Mandated Guidelines. Documentation must be provided. Sellers will not offer for sale any European vehicles.


8. Unannounced PREVIOUS CANADIAN vehicles must be reported within seven (7) days of purchase.

POST-SALE INSPECTION ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES AT LAA

Effective January 1st, 2023

1. Vehicles must be sold with a green light.


2. Mileage must be less than 150,000.


3. Sale price greater than $3,000.


4. Vehicles 20 years old and newer.


5. No vehicles with branded titles or defects that that are eligible for a branded title including but not limited to flood damage, salvage, rebuilt, lemon law or TMU.


6. No electric vehicles.


7. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are not inspected as part of the Post Sale Inspection. Examples are Camera Systems, Parking Sensors, Adaptive Cruise, Autonomous driving etc.


8. No heavy-duty trucks or heavy equipment rated 26,000 pounds or more.


9. Performance modifications must be announced.


10. Computer and electrical modifications including but not limited to chips and tuners will cause the vehicle to fail PSI.


11. Modifications that don’t allow a vehicle to pass emissions will be failed through PSI.


12. All non-OE/OEM approved modifications to physical parts including but not limited to turbo’s, catalytic converter deletes and or replacements and EGR deletes will cause the vehicle to fail PSI.


13. OE/OEM approved modifications will not affect a vehicles eligibility for PSI.


14. No exotic and handmade vehicles including but not limited to the following;

    AMC H1, Acura NSX, Aston Martin, Audi R8, Bentley, BMW Alpina, BMW i8, DMC 12, Dodge Demon, Dodge Viper, Ferrari, Fisker, Ford GT, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lotus, Maserati, Maybach, McClaren, Mercedes G Wagon, Mercedes SLR models, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, Nissan GT-R, Panoz, Porsche 911, Rolls Royce, Subaru WRX, Tesla.