Copart's customers include motor traders, fleets, rental car firms, finance companies and the insurance industry - the system will provide a more comprehensive vehicle information for its buyers.
The new process involves a 50-point inspection by Copart's AQP qualified engineers. They then apply a grade that reflects the condition of the external bodywork of the vehicle, ranging from Grade 1 for minor 'wear and tear' repairs, to Grade 5 where more substantial structural repairs are required.
Copart's UK's automotive sales director, Michael Stewart, said they had introduced the new grading to add value to the wide range of vehicles sold via their online auctions.
"This simple and transparent grading gives our buyers a clear, definable indication of the condition of the vehicle, so that they can buy with trust and confidence and we can achieve higher sales returns for our sellers," he said.
The grading will only be applied to vehicles that are classified as "run and drive" – ie those where Copart has verified that the vehicle started, could be put into gear and was capable of moving forward under its own power – as well as having no previous damage category.
The new system is designed to strengthen and complement Copart's existing range of end-to-end engineering services, which includes physical on-site vehicle assessment, reports by ATA/VDA-qualified engineer using industry-recognised accident damaged estimating systems, valuation guides and the latest manufacture repair technology.
Source: Copart