These sales represent a specific segment of the automotive market where vehicles, often declared total losses by insurers, are offered to bidders. The location, situated near Chicago, facilitates the movement and sale of these vehicles, which may have sustained damage from accidents, natural disasters, or other incidents covered by insurance policies. These auctions present an opportunity for licensed dealers, dismantlers, and sometimes the general public to acquire vehicles at potentially reduced prices.
The importance of this type of vehicle liquidation lies in several factors. For insurance companies, it provides a method to recoup losses after paying out claims. For buyers, it offers a chance to obtain vehicles for repair, resale, parts, or export. Historically, these auctions have grown in prominence as insurance companies have sought more efficient methods for handling totaled or recovered vehicles, creating a marketplace that balances supply and demand in the salvage auto industry.