If your bid is the highest at the end of the auction, it does not automatically mean you win the vehicle. In most cases, the final decision is up to the seller. The seller can decide whether to accept the bid or refuse it. A decision is made within two business days (or sometimes longer, in which case, the timing for this decision will be mentioned on the car description page). Every bid remains valid until the final decision is made.
How do you find out whether the seller has assigned the vehicle to you?
1. Via My account:
• When the seller agrees to assign the vehicle to you, the vehicle moves from “Waiting for an answer” to the "To be confirmed" folder. Here you need to confirm the vehicle.
• If the seller decides not to assign the vehicle to you, the vehicle will automatically move from My cars waiting assignment to 'My lost cars history' in the 'Archive' folder. This last folder also includes vehicles you bid on but did not win. It stores every bid over the past three months.
2. By email:
You can choose to receive automatic emails that let you know whether or not you have been assigned the vehicle. You can change your email settings in 'My account' in 'Account Settings' under 'Adjust my notification settings'.
3. Guaranteed assignment
If you don’t want to rely on the seller to assign your bids? There are alternatives. OPENLANE run auctions where there is guaranteed assignment. Look for:
• 100% assignment: If your bid is high enough to win an auction, it’s high enough for the seller too. They will assign the vehicle to you after the auction concludes.
• Buy Now auctions: You can avoid the whole bidding process by being the first to enter the Buy Now price. The vehicle will be assigned to you when the auction concludes.
• Target auctions: If your winning bid is at least as high as the target price, you’ll be assigned the vehicle at the end of the auction.
Click here to find out more about the different types of auctions OPENLANE run and how they might benefit you and your particular situation.
Would you like to know more?
If you have any questions about vehicle assignment, the different types of auctions or anything else related to vehicle auctions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
Related questions:
What’s the most effective way to search for vehicles?
How does the auction process work?
Why and when are auctions sometimes extended?
What if I want to cancel my purchase?
Does the EU Directive on Consumer Rights apply on my purchase?
