How to Prove the Value of a Deceased Parent’s Vehicles in Michigan Probate

Disclaimer: This is educational information only and is not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For legal advice about a specific estate, contact a licensed Michigan probate attorney or your local probate court.

Detailed answer: How to prove vehicle value during Michigan probate

When someone dies owning one or more vehicles, the personal representative (also called an executor or administrator) must identify and document those assets for the probate court and for beneficiaries. Proving a vehicle’s value helps create an accurate estate inventory, supports fair distribution or sale decisions, and protects the personal representative from later disputes.

Below are practical, step-by-step methods commonly used in Michigan to establish a reliable, court-acceptable value for vehicles owned by the decedent:

1) Gather the basic vehicle documents and facts

• Vehicle make, model, year, trim, VIN (vehicle identification number), odometer reading.
• Title and registration (copy or photo).
• Maintenance and repair records, recent damage photos, and any accident history reports (e.g., Carfax).
• Any recent independent appraisals, dealer estimates, or sale offers already received.

2) Use recognized market guides and listings

Start with commonly accepted pricing sources to get a baseline market value:

• Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) or NADA Guides (nadaguides.com) for retail/wholesale values.
• Local marketplace listings: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Autotrader, and local dealer listings to show comparable vehicles for sale in your area.
• Document the date you checked each source and save screenshots or printouts.

3) Obtain written dealer or auction appraisals

Take the vehicle to 1–3 local dealers or auction houses and request a written trade-in or auction estimate. Dealers regularly provide written appraisal forms or email quotes. Keep these in the file.

4) Get an independent certified appraisal if needed

For higher-value or unusual vehicles (classic cars, custom vehicles, or cars with unclear market value), hire an independent vehicle appraiser. A professional appraisal:

• Provides a dated, signed report describing condition and the appraiser’s valuation method.
• Is more persuasive to the probate court and to beneficiaries than raw online numbers.

5) Use documented offers or sales to prove actual value

If the estate sells the vehicle during probate, the sale price is strong proof of value. Keep the bill of sale, purchase price, buyer contact information, and bank deposit records. If you list the car for sale but do not sell, retain copies of the listing, price, and any offers or rejections.

6) Prepare a written estate inventory entry

Include each vehicle in the estate inventory with:

• Detailed description (year, make, model, VIN, mileage, condition).
• Chosen method of valuation (KBB retail, dealer trade-in, independent appraisal, or sale price).
• Attachments to support the value: printouts, appraisals, dealer quotes, photos, and the title.

7) Follow your local probate court’s procedures

Michigan probate courts require an inventory or accounting from the personal representative. Requirements (forms, deadlines, and whether an appraisal is mandatory) can vary by county and by the size or complexity of the estate. Consult the local probate court clerk or the court’s website for specific filing instructions and deadlines, and retain copies of everything you file.

8) Consider tax consequences and basis documentation

For income or estate tax purposes, the fair market value at the date of death may be relevant. Keep valuation documentation in case an accountant or tax preparer needs it when preparing estate or income tax returns.

9) When beneficiaries disagree

If beneficiaries dispute the chosen valuation, options include: obtaining an independent appraiser, agreeing to sell the vehicle and divide proceeds, or asking the probate judge to resolve valuation disputes. Document all offers and communications to reduce conflicts.

Practical step-by-step checklist

1. Find title and registration; note VIN and mileage.
2. Take clear photos of the vehicle (interior and exterior) and any damage.
3. Run a vehicle history report (e.g., Carfax) and save the report.
4. Get market values from KBB, NADA, and online listings; save screenshots.
5. Obtain 1–3 written dealer/auction estimates.
6. If value appears high or unusual, hire a certified independent appraiser and obtain a written appraisal.
7. File the vehicle on the estate inventory with attachments showing how you determined value.
8. If selling, keep the bill of sale, deposit records, and transfer paperwork for the Secretary of State.
9. Keep a complete folder (digital and physical) of all documents and communications.

After probate: transferring title in Michigan

Once the personal representative is authorized to distribute or sell the vehicle, complete the Michigan title transfer with the Secretary of State. The Michigan Secretary of State website explains requirements for transfers after death, and your local SOS branch can confirm the documents needed (e.g., certified letters of authority from the probate court, a copy of the death certificate, the title, and the bill of sale). For vehicle/title details, see the Michigan Secretary of State: https://www.michigan.gov/sos.

Helpful Hints

• Keep everything in writing. Verbal quotes and offers are weak evidence without confirmation.
• Record the dates you checked market guides and listings, since values change quickly.
• If the vehicle is unusual (collectible or heavily modified), a specialist appraiser is often worth the cost.
• Local dealer trade-in values are often lower than private-party retail; choose the valuation method that best fits how the estate will handle the vehicle (sale vs. distribution).
• If you expect conflict among beneficiaries, consider getting a neutral appraisal early to reduce disputes.
• Contact the local probate court clerk early to learn required forms and deadlines in your county.
• Retain originals and make certified copies of key documents filed with the court.

If you want, I can:

• Provide a short template inventory entry you can copy into the probate forms.
• List typical documents to bring to a dealer or appraiser.
• Suggest questions to ask a vehicle appraiser or local probate clerk.

Remember: this information is a general guide for Michigan probate situations and is not legal advice. If the estate is complex, large, or contested, speak with a licensed Michigan probate attorney.