Auction terms.

Auction details:

  • Vehicles stored by AutoReturn that are not claimed by the registered or legal owner are sold at our public auction.
  • Auctions are held at AutoReturn's Pier 70 facility. Pier 70 is located at the end of 22nd Street, two blocks east of Third Street in the China Basin neighborhood of San Francisco (near Cesar Chavez Street exits from both highway 101 and I-280).
  • Auctions are held every Wednesday, starting at 10:00AM. Vehicle previews start at 8:30AM (ending at 9:30AM for "Runners"). Auctions are held rain or shine.
  • A list of vehicles eligible to be auctioned is posted 10 days in advance at the Pier 70 entrance gate. Vehicles can be claimed by owners and auctions rescheduled, so checking the list for updates can prevent a wasted trip to the auction.

Auction policies:

  • Admission is free with valid picture identification, such as a driver's license.
  • Vehicles can be removed from the premises only by a licensed driver or via a tow truck.
  • Each bidder must display either a valid credit card or $100 cash upon entry.
  • Each bidder is allowed one guest (with valid picture ID).
  • Must be 16 years or older to enter.
  • NO PURSES, BACKPACKS, BAGS, CAMERAS, OR PETS.
  • Registered owners are not allowed to purchase vehicle.
  • All auction attendees shall have an equal opportunity to bid.

Purchase Procedures:

  • Minimum bid is $200.
  • Winning bidder is required to provide a $100 cash or credit/debit card deposit immediately upon purchase of the vehicle (paid at the Auction truck). If the customer fails to post the required deposit, the vehicle is resold to the highest bidder. Vehicles designated as L3 on our auction list require a $300 cash deposit.
  • An auction service fee is charged for each vehicle in addition to purchase price. This service charge is based on the bid amount covers vehicle handling and delivery, keys, etc.
  • Vehicles must be paid in full by 4:00PM on the auction day, otherwise the bidder forfeits the purchase deposit and the auction purchase is void. No refunds or exchanges. No exceptions.
  • Balance of auction purchase (sale price less deposit) may be paid by cash or credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover accepted).
  • All vehicles are sold "as is." Buyer acknowledges that AutoReturn makes no expressed or implied warranties about the vehicle condition, drivability, or its status. All vehicles are unregistered when sold. Lien sale documents are supplied to buyer in order to facilitate registration with California DMV. Buyer acknowledges that the removal of an unregistered vehicle without a tow truck, dealer plate, or moving permit is unlawful and subject to penalties applied by law enforcement.
  • After payment, vehicles may be removed from the auction premises through 5:00PM the day of auction or between 8:00AM and 11:00AM the next day, otherwise additional storage charges will accrue.
  • DMV law requires vehicles appraised for more than $4,000 to remain at the impound facility for 10 days after the purchase (auction) date. These vehicles are designated as L3 on our auction list.

AutoReturn auctions are advertised in the following publications: