FAQ
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about importing cars from the US and Canada.
How long does it take to get a car from the US or Canada?
It mostly depends on the location of the car. From the US East Coast, sea transport to Europe usually takes 3-4 weeks; from the West Coast, 8-12 weeks. Add 7-14 days for customs clearance. In total, expect 6-10 weeks from winning the auction to picking up the car in Poland.
What does the purchase process look like and what are the costs?
The process includes: choosing a car, searching for a specific offer with a vehicle history report, signing a contract and paying a refundable deposit, bidding at auction, sea transport to Europe, customs clearance (duty, VAT, excise), transport to Poland, optional workshop/detailing, and handover. Full cost details are on the "Cost of importing a vehicle" page.
Which websites do you search for cars on?
Mainly the largest US and Canadian auction platforms: copart.com and iaai.com in the US, and copart.ca and ca.iaai.com in Canada. These are mostly auctions for insurance companies and dealers, so using them requires a licensed, experienced intermediary.
How much does repair and adapting the car to EU regulations cost?
It depends on the scope of work - from a minor odometer/lighting conversion to a full repair. We prepare an individual quote after inspecting the car. See the "Workshop" section on the homepage for details.
Where and when do I pay the deposit?
You pay the deposit to the account specified in the contract, before bidding on the chosen vehicle starts. The deposit is refundable if the auction is unsuccessful.
Is importing a car from the US safe?
There is real risk (technical condition, damage history), but we minimise it with free vehicle history reports, photo documentation from the auction, and over 10 years of experience assessing listed vehicles.
Can I buy a car remotely, without visiting the US?
Yes, the vast majority of our clients buy fully remotely. We handle the whole process - from choosing the car to signing the contract - by phone and email, and you receive a full set of photos and a vehicle history report before the auction.
What if the car is damaged during transport?
Sea and land transport is insured, and we document every vehicle with photos before loading and after unloading. In case of transport damage, we help you through the claims process with the carrier/insurer.
Do you offer a warranty on the imported car?
We work as an import intermediary, so we don't offer a dealer-style warranty. We make up for this with full transparency - a vehicle history report, photos, and the option to order additional diagnostics before bidding.
What documents do I get after the import?
You receive the full set of documents needed for registration in Poland: the purchase document (title/bill of sale), customs clearance documents (SAD), and confirmation of excise and VAT payment.
Do you help with registering the car in Poland?
Yes, we advise you at every stage of registration and homologation, and if needed we recommend trusted partners handling registration formalities in your region.
How does payment work - all at once or in stages?
We split the payment into stages: a refundable deposit before bidding, an additional payment for the purchase price after winning the auction, and transport/customs/tax costs settled before you pick up the car in Poland.