The lot card is the main source of initial data before bidding. It contains many fields, but they don't all carry the same weight: some describe the document and the seller, some describe the vehicle's condition, and some describe only the sale format. Here is a breakdown of the key fields and the typical mistakes made when reading them.
Short answer
The lot card lists the seller, the document type (title), the primary and secondary damage, whether keys are present, the odometer reading, a Run & Drive notation, and the seller's remarks. Each field reflects data recorded when the lot was prepared for sale and is not a technical assessment of the vehicle's condition.
Seller
Shows the type of organization that listed the lot: an insurance company, a dealer, a finance or leasing company, a private individual, or others. The seller type helps you understand the likely context (for example, an insurance settlement), but it does not replace a documents check.
Title (the document)
Indicates the type and status of the ownership document — covered in more detail in our article on title statuses. It's important to check the exact wording and the issuing state, not just the general status name shown on the card.
Primary damage and secondary damage
Primary damage is the main declared damage area, secondary damage is an additional note. Both fields can be generalized: the absence of secondary damage does not mean there is no other damage that didn't fall into the standard category list.
Keys
Indicates whether keys are transferred with the vehicle. Missing keys complicate not only starting the vehicle but sometimes also diagnostics, loading, and unlocking the steering column.
Odometer and its statuses
The odometer reading comes with a notation such as Actual (matches the real mileage), Not Actual (does not match), or Exempt (for older vehicles for which mileage disclosure is not required under state rules). These notations should be cross-checked against history reports and service records.
Run & Drive
A Run & Drive notation means that during inspection at the yard, the vehicle started, engaged a gear, and moved under its own power. It does not confirm the absence of fault codes, cooling system health, transmission condition under load, or roadworthiness on the date of receipt. A separate Engine Start Program notation also does not mean the vehicle is capable of driving.
Seller remarks
Free-form text that may contain additional information about condition, history, or sale terms. Remarks should be read in full but treated as a supplement to inspection, not a substitute for it.
Sale format
The lot card also shows the sale format: a sale with no reserve, a sale with the seller's minimum price (if not met, the lot is not sold), or a format allowing you to submit your own offer. The sale format affects bidding strategy but not the vehicle's technical condition.
Table: lot card fields and their meaning
| Field | What it shows | What it doesn't show |
|---|---|---|
| Seller | Seller type | The vehicle's actual condition |
| Title | Document type and status | The quality of a possible repair |
| Primary/Secondary damage | Declared damage areas | A complete list of all defects |
| Odometer + status | The reading and its reliability under state rules | The mechanical condition of components |
| Run & Drive | The fact that it started and moved at the yard | Technical roadworthiness on the date of receipt |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Run & Drive field be trusted as a guarantee?
No, it is a limited auction notation for one specific moment of inspection.
What should I do if the odometer field is marked Not Actual?
Treat the mileage as unreliable and rely on other sources: service records, history reports, interior condition.
Does the absence of secondary damage mean there is no other damage?
No, this field may not be filled in completely — you need to check photos of the whole vehicle.
Why does the seller type matter?
It helps you understand the lot's likely context, but the decision still needs to be made based on documents and an actual inspection.
Where can I read a more detailed breakdown of assessing damage from photos?
In the article "How to Assess Damage From Auction Photos".
Next step
Read the lot card together with the history report and photos — the full methodology is in the article "How to Choose a Lot on Copart".
