Note: This page explains how to document and support the fair market value of motor vehicles that were owned by a decedent in a Florida probate. It is educational only and is not legal advice.
Detailed answer: How to prove the value of a decedent’s vehicles in Florida probate
When someone dies and their estate goes through probate in Florida, the personal representative (also called the executor) must identify estate assets and determine their value so creditors, beneficiaries, and the court can see what the estate owns. Motor vehicles commonly appear in estate inventories. Proving the vehicle value means collecting reliable, contemporaneous evidence that shows fair market value (what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller) as of the date of death.
Step 1 — Confirm ownership and title status
Start by locating the vehicle title, registration, insurance card, and any loan or lien payoff statements. Check whether the vehicle was:
- Owned solely in the decedent’s name;
- Titled jointly with right of survivorship; or
- Subject to a Transfer-on-Death or other beneficiary designation (rare for vehicles, but check state forms).
If the vehicle did not belong to the decedent (for example, it was owned by a spouse or a business), it may not be an estate asset.
Step 2 — Decide which valuation method to use
Common, accepted ways to support vehicle value include:
- Printed valuations from recognized pricing guides (Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides). Save the print or PDF showing model, year, mileage, and condition as of the date of death.
- Written trade-in or retail price quotes from multiple licensed dealers. Dealer quotes should be on letterhead and dated.
- A written appraisal from a qualified vehicle appraiser (especially appropriate for classic, collectible, or high-value cars).
- Recent comparable sales advertisements or sales receipts showing sale prices for similar vehicles in your area.
Step 3 — Document condition and mileage
Condition has a large impact on value. Collect:
- Photos of the vehicle (interior and exterior) showing current condition.
- The odometer reading at the date of death (a DMV record, inspection form, or photograph of the odometer).
- Repair records, recent inspection reports, and accident history reports (Carfax, VIN check) to show mechanical or salvage issues.
Step 4 — Collect title and lien information
Obtain a copy of the title and any lien payoff statements. If a lien exists, the estate usually must pay it from estate funds or transfer the vehicle with the lien attached. The net value to the estate is the vehicle’s value minus any valid lien.
Step 5 — Prepare the evidence package for the probate file
Compile the valuation materials and keep them with the estate records. If you are in informal administration, provide the valuation to interested persons and the personal representative’s records. In supervised proceedings, valuations may be filed with the court as part of the inventory or accounting. Typical supporting items:
- Copy of the vehicle title and registration.
- Printouts from KBB/NADA showing the vehicle specification matched to the date of death.
- Dealer quotes or written appraisals on letterhead.
- Photos, repair records, and odometer proof.
- Lien payoff statements showing outstanding loans.
When to get a professional appraiser
Hire a professional appraiser when a vehicle is unusually valuable, collectible, has significant damage, or when heirs dispute value. Use an appraiser with credentials in vehicle valuation (automotive appraisers, certified appraisers, or ASE-affiliated professionals). A contemporaneous, signed appraisal carries strong weight in probate.
What if heirs dispute the value?
If heirs or creditors disagree, try to resolve the dispute with additional appraisals or negotiated sale. If disagreement continues, file the valuation evidence with the probate court and ask the judge to decide. Courts can order an independent appraisal or authorize sale with court supervision if necessary.
Selling the vehicle during probate
The personal representative may sell estate vehicles. For unsupervised administrations the representative often has authority to sell items in the ordinary course; for supervised administrations the court may need to approve the sale. Keep documentation of sale offers, auction receipts, or dealer purchase offers. Apply sale proceeds to estate liabilities and distribute net proceeds per the will or law.
Where Florida law is relevant
Florida probate procedures and estate administration rules appear in the Florida Probate Code (see Chapter 733 and related chapters). For general probate administration rules and to learn more about informal vs. supervised administration, see the Florida statutes and administrative resources:
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 733 (Administration of Estates)
- Florida Statutes, Chapter 735 (Summary Administration and Related Rules)
- Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles — Title transfer information
Practical checklist
At a minimum, collect the following for each vehicle:
- Copy of title and registration
- Odometer reading and photos dated near the date of death
- At least one printed valuation (KBB or NADA) matching model/year/mileage/condition
- Any dealer or appraiser written quotes
- Loan payoff or lien documentation
- Repair and accident history records
Keep dated, written records in the probate file so interested persons and the court can review your valuation decisions.
Helpful hints
- Use multiple valuation sources. One printout alone may be challenged; combine KBB/NADA with dealer quotes or an appraisal.
- Document condition carefully. Small dents, mechanical problems, or salvage history can cut value substantially.
- Get lien payoff letters in writing. A lender’s statement dated near the date of death proves the encumbrance amount.
- If you plan to sell, get several dealer offers or use an auction; keep all offers in the file to show you obtained fair value.
- If the estate is large or the vehicle is valuable, talk with an attorney experienced in Florida probate to avoid procedural pitfalls (court approval, notice to creditors, distributions).
- Transfer of title rules are handled by FLHSMV — use the agency’s forms and instructions when transferring or retitling a vehicle from an estate.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about documenting vehicle value in Florida probate. It is not legal advice. For decisions about a specific estate, talk with a licensed Florida probate attorney.