Dealer auctions have better inventory and lower prices, but require a license. Public auctions are your lane for now — and there are real advantages to working them well.
| Factor | Public auction | Dealer auction |
|---|---|---|
| Who can attend | Anyone | Licensed dealers only |
| Inventory quality | Variable — repo, fleet, private | Higher — lease returns, fleet |
| Prices | Slightly higher | Lower wholesale prices |
| Test drive | Auction Yard allows it | Rarely |
| Buyer fees | $200–$500 or % of price | Similar, varies |
| Salvage risk | Present — always VIN check | Less common |
Personal auto policy: Excludes commercial use. One accident = denied claim. Call your insurer before the next rental.
Commercial fleet policy: Get quotes from Progressive Commercial, State Farm Commercial, Nationwide, Allstate Business. Expect $150–$350/month per vehicle in AZ.
Phase 1 (now): 1 car, validating model, building driver relationships.
Phase 2 (next): 3–5 cars · $375/wk · 4 weeks = $4,500–$7,500/mo gross. Target Camry or Accord, clean title, under 95k miles.
Phase 3: Scale to as many cars as demand supports. Form LLC, commercial fleet insurance, driver waitlist.
Break-even per car: $10,000 ÷ $375/wk = ~27 weeks at full occupancy.