Detailed Answer

Short answer: To prove the value of your mother’s vehicles for a Kentucky probate, you document the vehicle’s fair market value as of the date of death using reliable sources (published valuation guides, dealer or independent appraisals, or multiple written offers), preserve supporting documents (title, registration, photos, maintenance records, odometer statement), and file the required inventory/appraisement with the probate court or county clerk. For high‑value, collectible, or disputed vehicles, a written independent appraisal is strongly recommended.

Step‑by‑step approach

1. Identify what must be valued.

   List each vehicle owned by your mother on the date of death. Include cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and any specialty or collectible vehicles. Record make, model, year, VIN, mileage, condition, and location.

2. Use the date‑of‑death fair market value.

   Probate values generally reflect the fair market value (FMV) on the date of death — the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller, neither under compulsion. Do not use replacement costs or original purchase price.

3. Gather documentary evidence of value.
   • Run values in standard pricing guides (Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, Edmunds) for the vehicle’s make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Save screenshots or printed reports showing the date used.
   • Get written offers from local dealers or private buyers when possible. Two or three written comparables strengthen the valuation.
   • For classic, custom, or unusually valuable vehicles, hire a qualified independent appraiser and get a written appraisal.
   • Collect supporting documents: title, registration, keys, vehicle history report (Carfax/AutoCheck), maintenance records, photos of interior/exterior, and the odometer disclosure.
4. Prepare the inventory and appraisement.

   The personal representative (executor or administrator) must prepare an inventory listing estate assets, including vehicles, and stating their values. Follow your county’s probate clerk requirements for form and timing. Attach copies of valuation sources and appraisals to support each vehicle value.

5. File with the probate court or county clerk and keep records.

   File the inventory/appraisement, with supporting proof, in the probate case file. Keep originals of appraisals, offers, photos, and receipts. If someone objects to a value, the written appraisal(s) and third‑party offers provide the best defense.

6. If you sell or transfer the vehicle.

   If the representative sells a vehicle, document the sale (bill of sale, settlement sheet, transfer of title). If the sale price differs materially from the appraised FMV, retain documentation explaining the difference (e.g., quick sale to pay debts, damage discovered after appraisal).

When to hire a professional

Consider a written independent appraisal when:

• The vehicle is high value, rare, or collectible;
• Family members or creditors may dispute the value;
• You plan to sell the vehicle and want a defensible value in the file;
• The vehicle has unusual damage or modifications that pricing guides don’t reflect.

Practical examples of acceptable evidence

• Example A — Ordinary used car: Screenshot from Kelley Blue Book or NADA showing private party FMV for the exact year/model/mileage + two photos + title copy.
• Example B — Collectible car: Written appraisal from a certified classic car appraiser with photos and valuation methodology attached to the probate inventory.
• Example C — Quick sale to pay expenses: Bill of sale showing sale price plus contemporaneous dealer/advertised comparable pricing demonstrating why the sale price was lower than guide FMV.

Executor/Administrator duties and where to check Kentucky rules

Probate procedures (including inventory and appraisement requirements) are handled at the county level and under Kentucky probate law. Check the Kentucky Court of Justice and your local county probate clerk for required forms, filing deadlines, and instructions. For Kentucky statutes and broader legal text, consult the Kentucky Revised Statutes at the Kentucky legislature website:

• Kentucky Court of Justice (probate resources and local clerk contact information)
• Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS)

Common issues and how to avoid them

• Disputes over value — avoid by documenting multiple independent sources or getting a formal appraisal.
• Missing records — locate title, registration, keys, and maintenance records early. If title is missing, consult the county clerk about obtaining duplicate title or filing requirements for transfers from estates.
• Under‑insuring or exposure to loss — ensure vehicles stay insured until transferred or sold; inform the insurer the owner has died and follow their guidance for estate vehicles.

Where to get vehicle valuation and appraisal help

• Kelley Blue Book: kbb.com
• NADA Guides: nadaguides.com
• Edmunds: edmunds.com
• Local independent vehicle appraisers and classic car appraisers — ask the county clerk or look for appraisal organizations that provide written, signed reports.

Final practical checklist

1. Make a list of all vehicles and record VIN, mileage, condition.
2. Pull KBB/NADA/Edmunds values dated to the date of death and save copies.
3. Obtain written dealer offers or private buyer offers where possible.
4. Get a written appraisal for valuable or unusual vehicles.
5. Attach all valuation evidence to the probate inventory/appraisement filed with the court.
6. Keep originals and a clear file for any future disputes.

Disclaimer

This is general information about Kentucky probate and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney‑client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, contact a licensed Kentucky probate attorney or the probate clerk in the county where the estate is being administered.