MEA Auctions

 

Pickup, storage, and auction
of federal, state, corporate
and private assets

 MEA Auctions
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there a preview for the sale?
Currently the only time available for 'preview' is the 2 hours prior to the sale (8am to 10am). This time is actually for pre-registration but if you come early you'll have some time to look around.

Is the sale open to anyone?
YES. The only restrictions are: (1)You must be eighteen years of age or older; (2)You must have positive photo identification.

Can you provide further information regarding (Car, Truck, Motorcycle)?
Sorry, with hundreds of cars available at each sale we cannot provide specific information regarding individual items.

Where do these cars come from?
North Carolina impounds the vehicles of repeat DWI offenders. These vehicles are stored and sold under a contract held by Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc.

Other vehicles at the sales include: financial institution vehicles (reposession, lease terminations, fleet liquidation); corporate fleet liquidation; private vehicles; other government agency fleets and seizures.

Why/When are the cars sold at auction?
The NCDPI vehicles are sold at auction when the towing and storage fees exceed the 'bond' (book) value of the car. The proceeds from the sale of the vehicles are used for the North Carolina Schools (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction). Other items and vehicles are sold for various reasons (liquidation, private sale, etc).

Can I buy (xx) number of vehicles at a sale and pick them up later?
Yes. You can buy as many vehicles as you wish - you will have up to three (3) days to pick-up the vehicle(s). If you need more time than three days to pick-up the vehicles you must make those arrangements with MEA prior to the sale.

Do I need proof of insurance to buy a vehicle at the sale?
Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc. will NOT verify insurance coverage at/during/after the sale. The State of North Carolina requires that all vehicles operated on the road be insured. You should discuss your options with your insurance agent prior to the sale.

Is there Sales Tax on auction vehicles?
No. North Carolina does not charge sales tax on vehicles. Vehicles taxes are handled through the NCDMV and the County of registration.

What if it rains, snows, etc?
Unless the weather is severe all sales will occur on schedule. In instances of severe weather warnings (flood, tornado, hurricane, etc) the auction will be rescheduled for another day. Information will be available as soon as possible at this web site about delays.

Do I get the title with the vehicle?
Yes. The buyer receives a North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Form LT104 at the completion of the sale. A blank title application is attached to the LT104. The buyer takes the application and LT104 to the DMV to receive the title of the vehicle.

Can I pay with a Credit or Debit Card?
Yes. However, the following must be considered before using a credit/debit card:

  • We currently only accept Visa and/or MasterCard.
  • Debit cards must be branded (Visa or MasterCard) and will be processed as Credit Cards, not as PIN authenticated debit cards.
  • Effective Sept. 1, 2004: A 3% Administrative Fee applies to payments by any means other than cash or check.

Does Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc. remove items from the sale?
MEA does not keep any item listed for auction - we do not under any cirucumstance list items for sale as 'leaders' or 'draws.' There have been items 'pulled' from the auctions by some Local School Boards. The State can remove listed items from the sale at any time. The Lienholder can remove listed items from the sale at any time.

A [Year Make Model] vehicle was listed for sale, but was not seen at the auction?
At any time (even during the sale event) the State of North Carolina can have items removed ('pulled') from the sale. This happens for various reasons, including - but not limited to:

  • Court Order (owner has petitioned courts, paid bonds, etc)
  • Claim/Retention by Local School Boards
  • Book/Bond Value Corrections

My Vehicle was Seized and M.E.A. has it. How do I get it back?

Please read the following:

Procedures for Releasing a Seized Vehicle

  • Contact the Clerk of Courts in the county where the vehicle was seized to attempt to obtain a release.
  • Once you have a release from the Clerk of Court, call MEA at 910-897-6382. Releases are available by appointment only (and NO contact through our website(s) or email will be accepted).
  • At your appointment we need: the original release from the Clerk of Court with notarized state seal; proof of ownership, such as title, registration, or insurance documentation; driver's license or picture id.
  • If the owner of the vehicle is not present then a notarized letter from the owner must be present with ID.
  • All towing and storage fees must be paid before the vehicle is released.
  • We accept cash, certified funds, Visa & Master Card( w/ 3% handling fee).
Copyright © 2010, Martin Edwards & Associates, Inc.