How to Prove the Value of a Decedent’s Vehicles During Probate (Connecticut)

Quick answer: In Connecticut, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must list each vehicle on the estate inventory and support the value claimed with documentation: a date‑of‑death fair market value derived from reputable pricing guides (Kelley Blue Book, NADA), a dealer or independent appraiser report, recent sales receipts, photos and mileage records, or other contemporaneous evidence. The probate court and the Connecticut DMV will rely on the inventory, probate letters, and title documents when the estate sells or transfers a vehicle.

Detailed answer

This answer explains what the probate process expects, the practical ways to establish a vehicle’s value as of the decedent’s date of death, and how to present that value to the probate court and the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

1. What the personal representative must do

When someone dies, the personal representative must identify, collect and account for the decedent’s assets. Vehicles are personal property of the estate and must be included on the estate inventory. Connecticut probate courts expect the inventory to list each vehicle with reasonable documentation supporting the value claimed. See general probate information from the Connecticut Judicial Branch: https://www.jud.ct.gov/probate/. For statutory authority and more on probate law, see the Connecticut General Assembly website for probate material (Title 45a): https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/.

2. Valuation date — use the value at date of death

Fair market value is generally determined as of the decedent’s date of death. This is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the vehicle at that time, assuming both had reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts and neither were under compulsion to buy or sell.

3. Acceptable ways to prove a vehicle’s value

Independent appraiser or dealer appraisal: A signed, dated written appraisal from a licensed appraiser or reputable dealer stating the vehicle’s market value as of the date of death is strong evidence.
Published pricing guides: Take screenshots or printouts showing the vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage and condition and the corresponding private‑party or trade‑in values from sources such as Kelley Blue Book (KBB) or NADA Guides. Note which valuation category you relied on (private party, trade‑in, retail).
Recent comparable sales: Ads, receipts or auction results for similar vehicles in similar condition and geographic area around the date of death are persuasive.
Receipts for recent purchase or major repairs: If the decedent recently bought the vehicle or invested substantially in repairs before death, include the purchase invoice or repair invoices and explain how they affect value.
Photos, maintenance records and odometer disclosure: Clear photos showing condition, the car’s maintenance records, and the odometer reading at or near the date of death support a valuation.

4. Documentation to file with the probate court

Attach to the estate inventory any appraisal reports, printouts from valuation guides showing the search parameters, comparable sale listings, receipts, and photos. Include the vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, model, body style, mileage and condition notes. If you relied on an appraiser or dealer, include their contact information and a short affidavit or letter describing how they reached the value.

5. If the estate sells the vehicle or transfers it to an heir

– If the personal representative sells estate property in the ordinary course, Connecticut probate practice allows the representative to sell personal property; check whether court approval or notice to heirs is required depending on the estate administration and local probate practices.

– When transferring title to an heir or buyer, the Connecticut DMV will usually require the vehicle title endorsed by the personal representative and a copy of the personal representative’s appointment (Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration). Visit the Connecticut DMV for title transfer requirements: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV.

6. What if heirs dispute the value?

If someone disputes the value you listed, try to resolve it by sharing the supporting documentation. If disagreement persists, ask the probate court whether a formal appraisal or hearing is required; the court can order an appraisal or set a hearing to resolve valuation disputes.

7. Practical example (hypothetical)

Example facts: Mom owned a 2015 sedan, 85,000 miles, fair condition. On the date of death the KBB private‑party value for the car in fair condition was $6,500 and the dealer trade‑in value $4,800. You obtain a signed dealer appraisal dated two weeks after the date of death stating a fair market value of $6,200 (based on local market comparables) and take photos and attach maintenance records. In the estate inventory you list the vehicle, include the VIN, mileage, condition, the KBB printout, the dealer appraisal, and note that you used the private‑party valuation as the best estimate of fair market value. If heirs agree, the estate can transfer the title using your Letters and the DMV forms; if they object, submit the documentation to the probate court and request guidance or a hearing.

Helpful hints

Document the date you searched valuation guides — use archived or printed pages showing the date and search parameters.
Prefer multiple sources: combine a valuation guide printout with at least one dealer or independent appraisal or comparable sale.
Keep detailed photos (interior, exterior, odometer) and maintenance records together in the file for each vehicle.
If the vehicle was recently in an accident or inoperable at death, a mechanic’s estimate of repair cost will affect fair market value — include that estimate.
When in doubt, get a written appraisal from a qualified independent appraiser; it costs money but reduces disputes.
Contact the Connecticut Probate Court clerk if you’re unsure how to submit inventory materials in your district; local procedures can vary: Connecticut Probate Courts.
For title transfers and DMV paperwork, consult the Connecticut DMV: https://portal.ct.gov/DMV. The DMV can tell you which probate documents are acceptable to clear title.

Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For help specific to your situation — particularly if heirs dispute values or the estate may be taxable — consult a licensed Connecticut attorney or contact the probate court clerk for guidance.