Updated June 1, 2026
The NAAA launched the Wholesale Used Vehicle Certification Program in 2011 in partnership with the International Automotive Remarketing Alliance (IARA), now called the Automotive Remarketing Alliance (ARA). The universal set of guidelines to certify a vehicle offered for sale at NAAA wholesale vehicle auctions creates numerous benefits for both sellers and buyers while creating a streamlined, uniform program for auctions and consignors to administer.
The guidelines describe in clear, straightforward language specific conditions for a vehicle to meet one of three certification quality levels — Silver, Gold or Platinum. It was designed to be comprehensive in scope in order to handle a broad range of vehicles with well-defined requirements for inspection and reconditioning.
The program creates an industry-wide common method of comparison and transparency for certified vehicles and is designed to build trust and confidence across all sales channels at NAAA member auctions.
Buyers and sellers should note that the auction reserves the right to repair or remediate any damage or defects identified in auction approved arbitration claims under the program in lieu of voiding the original sale. Furthermore, sellers remain responsible for undisclosed damage, mechanical defects or missing components that may not be discoverable based on the scope and environmental conditions present at the time of the inspection.
Electric and Hybrid vehicles are eligible for the NAAA Certification Program. Due to the
specialized capabilities and diagnostic requirements associated with Electric and Hybrid battery systems and related propulsion components, coverage of these components is not automatic and is subject to whether an individual auction provides these diagnostic services.
If an auction does not offer diagnostic services for Electric and Hybrid battery systems and related propulsion components, then the Electric and Hybrid battery or propulsion components are not covered unless the seller chooses to guarantee those components. In doing so, the seller assumes full responsibility for any arbitration claims arising from the condition or performance of these components, and the seller is responsible for properly announcing and/or disclosing their guarantee. Absent an announcement or disclosure of the seller guarantee, these components are deemed excluded from certification coverage.