Polish car-auction terms glossary
The language of Polish bailiff auctions can be confusing, especially for a foreigner in Poland. We have gathered the key terms in one place: cena wywoławcza, postąpienie, rękojmia and a dozen more — each explained plainly in two to four sentences. Treat this glossary as a cheat sheet for auction notices and the auction itself.
Procedure basics
Suma oszacowania (appraisal sum)
The car's value set by an expert appraiser. It is the reference point for all other amounts — the starting price and the deposit. It tends to be cautious, which helps create bargains.
Cena wywoławcza (starting price)
The auction's opening price. At the first auction it is 3/4 (75%) of the appraisal sum; at the second, 1/2 (50%) — for movables, including cars (KPC art. 867² §2). It is the lowest amount the bidding starts from.
Rękojmia (deposit / wadium)
A deposit paid before the auction, usually 1/10 (10%) of the appraisal sum. For the winner it counts toward the price; for a loser it is refunded; and if the balance is not paid, it is forfeited. More practice in the article on the risks of buying a car at auction.
Postąpienie (bid step)
The minimum increment by which a bid is raised. For movables it is usually 1/10 of the starting price, unless the notice says otherwise. You cannot offer less than one step above the current price.
Dates and stages
Pierwsza licytacja (first auction)
The first sale date, with a starting price of 3/4 of the appraisal. If no one offers the starting price, the auction fails.
Druga licytacja (second auction)
The next date, with a lower starting price — for movables (cars) it is half (1/2) of the appraisal sum. Often the best moment for a bargain due to the lower entry threshold.
Obwieszczenie o licytacji (auction notice)
The official announcement with the vehicle data, appraisal sum, starting price, deposit amount, date and place (or a link to the e-auction). The source document — read it carefully.
Przybicie (award)
The formal award of the item to the bidder who offered the highest price. After the przybicie, the winner must pay the balance by the deadline.
Przysądzenie własności (transfer of ownership)
The passing of ownership to the buyer after the full price is paid. Only then is the car formally yours and can be released with its documents.
Institutions and portals
Komornik sądowy (court bailiff)
A public officer conducting enforcement under the Code of Civil Procedure. They organise the auction of the debtor's movables.
KAS (Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa)
The revenue administration authorities that run administrative enforcement and sell seized movables. The second source of auction cars alongside the bailiff.
e-licytacje.komornik.pl
The state portal for electronic bailiff auctions. Here you create an account, pay the deposit and bid online. We describe the whole process in the e-auction step by step.
Terms around the purchase
VIN
The vehicle's unique identification number. The key to its history and legal-status check — verify it before paying the deposit.
Zastaw rejestrowy (registered pledge)
A limited property right securing a debt over a movable. Worth checking, although enforcement generally clears up the legal status of the purchase.
Oględziny (inspection)
The date set by the bailiff to view the vehicle before the auction. The only chance to see the car in person — a test drive is usually not an option.
"As is" condition (w jakim jest)
The rule that you buy the vehicle with no warranty and no seller's guarantee. Every fault becomes your problem — hence the importance of inspection and a VIN check.
Participants and roles
Licytant (bidder)
A person who joined the auction, paid the deposit and was admitted to place bids.
Dłużnik (debtor)
The person whose property is subject to enforcement. It is their car the bailiff seizes and puts up for auction. The debtor cannot bid on their own item.
Wierzyciel (creditor)
The party for whose benefit enforcement is conducted. If the second auction fails, the creditor may take the item over at the second-auction price.
Biegły (expert appraiser)
The specialist who sets the suma oszacowania. Their valuation is the basis for the starting price and the deposit.
Tracks and documents
Egzekucja z ruchomości (enforcement against movables)
The track in which the bailiff seizes and sells the debtor's movables, including cars.
Egzekucja administracyjna (administrative enforcement)
A separate track run by KAS authorities for public dues. The sale mechanics are similar, but the procedure and notice locations differ.
Protokół sprzedaży (sale record)
The document confirming the course and result of the auction. With the bailiff's other papers, it is used to register the car.
OC
Compulsory third-party liability insurance. You must have it from the day you become the owner of the auction car.
Knowing these terms is half the battle at auction. To turn theory into practice, start with the Brykam home page — we show how to monitor deals and assess the margin without hours poring over notices.