Auto Auction Shipping: Open vs. Enclosed
When transporting to or from an auto auction, you might discover both open and enclosed auto transport services. Some auctions sell high-end or luxury vehicles that require enclosed auto shipping, but for the vast majority of online auto auctions, open auto shipping should suffice.
When picking between open and enclosed car transportation, a decent rule of thumb is to look at your vehicle. If you drive it to and from work every day, lug the kids around, or just use it as a commuter, open auto shipping is probably safe enough.

Though your car is exposed to the weather and elements of the interstate transportation system, a commuter car is subjected to the same circumstances every day, therefore enclosed shipment isn't necessary.
Even when it comes to enclosed auction car transport services, enclosed car shipping is more expensive, and you should only use it if your vehicle is a car you don't normally drive, like something you take on a jaunt up the coast when the weather is nice, or something you keep in a garage because you don't want it to get rained on or whatever. If you're concerned about the condition of your vehicle when you leave it, enclosed auction car transport services are well worth the money.