Manheim Digital Buyer Protection

Updated July 15, 2025

0. Purpose

The Digital Buyer Protection policy provides complimentary coverage for buyers purchasing vehicles through Manheim.com Simulcast Live* and Timed** digital sale channels or Manheim facilitated vehicles through OVE.com. It ensures accurate and transparent vehicle condition reporting when Manheim performs a visual inspection. By safeguarding buyers against undisclosed issues, this policy enhances confidence in online vehicle purchases.

1. Scope of Coverage

Vehicle Condition Reporting and Protections Provided:

All vehicles undergo a visual inspection covering both cosmetic and structural condition. Excluding normal everyday wear and tear, protections are offered for gross misrepresentations in the following
Cosmetic Condition*: Evaluates exterior items1 such as paint, dents, scratches, tire depth, and interior wear. Coverage applies to significant discrepancies in cosmetic damage or missing equipment not disclosed in the inspection report.
Structural Condition*: Assesses visible structural components like rocker panels and pillars, including repairs or modifications that could affect safety or performance. Coverage extends to visible issues related to the vehicle’s frame or critical structural components not disclosed in the inspection report.

For inspections that include limited mechanical assessments, such as those conducted by Manheim Express, additional protections apply:

Mechanical Systems*: Inspects select mechanical systems and drivability concerns, including OBDII diagnostics, engine abnormalities, leaks, and gear engagement (forward/reverse). Coverage is limited to the mechanical items2 inspected. Excludes all EV mechanical and electrical components.

2. Eligibility

Eligibility:

Vehicles: Coverage applies to vehicles purchased through Manheim.com Simulcast Live and Timed digital sale channels or Manheim facilitated vehicles through OVE.com with a completed inspection report*.

Condition: The inspection must be performed by Manheim or a Manheim approved third-party vendor.

3. Exclusions and Limitations

Exclusions:

AS-IS, TRA and Inoperable Vehicles: Vehicles sold “as-is”, TRA, or listed as inoperable.

Modified or Exotic Vehicles: Vehicles with significant aftermarket modifications or exotic models. View the list of exotic vehicles

Pre-Existing Damages: Issues disclosed in the inspection report or pre-sale documentation.

Post-Sale Damages: Any damage occurring after the sale or during transportation.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Excludes all mechanical and electrical components.

Threshold:

Single cosmetic or structural defect that has a “wholesale” repair cost of $400 or more. Must reach cumulative total of $800.

Mechanical defects follow section VII of the NAAA Policy.

For vehicles over $75,000, the threshold is 2% of the purchase price

4. Exclusions and Limitations

Filing a Claim:

Submission: Claims can be submitted in post-sale management.

Timeframe: Follows the Manheim digital arbitration time period. If Ready Logistics was used to facilitate transportation, the purchase may qualify for arbitration extension period.

Review Process: Standard arbitration rules apply. Refer to Manheim Arbitration page for details.

5. Buyer Responsibility

Before Purchase:

Review Condition Report: Buyers must thoroughly review the vehicle’s condition report, along with any announcements or disclosures.

Understand Coverage: Buyers are responsible for familiarizing themselves with the scope of coverage and any exclusions.

After Purchase:

Inspect Vehicle: Buyers or Buyer Agent should immediately inspect the vehicle before leaving the selling location to identify any discrepancies.

File Claims Promptly: Any issues should be reported, and claims should be filed within the designated timeframe to remain eligible for protection.

6. Arbitration Extension

Ready+2: Digital buyers using Ready Logistics get a 2-day extension to file valid arbitration claims if transportation delays push vehicle delivery beyond Manheim’s standard 10-day window.

Program Qualifications: See Ready+2 arbitration extension for qualification details.

1 Cosmetic Items: Undocumented visible exterior damage, undocumented paintwork, or missing exterior equipment, Undocumented glass damage, Undocumented visible interior damage or missing interior equipment, Tire tread depth: gross misrepresentation – off by 2/32nds or higher (resulting in tread depth of 4/32nds or below)

2 Mechanical Items: *OBDII Diagnostic Trouble Codes and Description Capture on Condition Report. *Multi point mechanical check under the hood and underneath the vehicle, checking engine condition for abnormal noises, active leaks, sludge, vibrations, and smoke. *Vehicle suspension operation including aftermarket parts, alterations. *Audio and video recording of the engine bay while the vehicle is running. *Aftermarket suspension check. *Engine, exhaust, and emissions modifications and aftermarket parts. *SRS check; dashboard lights, codes, seat belts, and airbags. *Active oil and/or fluid leaks under the hoods and beneath the vehicle.

* “Simulcast Live” sales on Manheim.com are Auctioneer-led offerings on specific dates and times in a live video and audio streaming environment.

** “Timed” sales on Manheim.com are vehicles available to purchase 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in a Bid/ Proxy, Bid, Buy Now, or Make Offer environment.

Regardless of inspection, Manheim uses the NAAA Generic CR Position Statement to resolve condition report related disputes. OVE.com Vehicles facilitated through independent auction partners may not qualify for complementary coverage. Contact independent auction partner to check eligibility.