Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. I am not a lawyer. For advice about a specific succession (probate) in Louisiana, contact a licensed Louisiana attorney.
Detailed answer: establishing the value of motor vehicles in a Louisiana succession
When someone dies in Louisiana, the assets they owned at death — including motor vehicles — must be identified and valued for the succession (probate) process. Courts generally need a reliable statement of each vehicle’s fair market value as of the date of death. Below are the practical steps and types of proof commonly accepted in Louisiana successions.
1. Identify each vehicle and gather primary documents
- Vehicle title (original title showing ownership).
- Registration and license plate records.
- Insurance declarations showing insured value or recent payments.
- Purchase receipts, loan payoff statements, or recent trade-in offers.
- Service records, receipts for major repairs, and documentation of aftermarket upgrades that affect value.
2. Determine the relevant date for valuation
Use the vehicle’s fair market value on the decedent’s date of death. If the car was sold or transferred shortly after death, the court may consider whether that sale reflected market value or a distressed sale.
3. Use standard valuation sources
Court clerks and judges commonly accept values from widely recognized valuation guides. Print or save a dated copy of the value for the vehicle’s year, make, model, mileage, and condition from at least one of these sources:
- NADA Guides (National Automobile Dealers Association)
- Kelley Blue Book (KBB)
- Edmunds or other established pricing services
Include the exact URL and the date you ran the search. These guides provide a convenient estimate of fair market value, which the court may accept if there is no competing evidence.
4. Obtain a written appraisal when values are uncertain or contested
For higher-value, classic, modified, salvage, or special-interest vehicles, or when heirs disagree about value, a written appraisal from a qualified auto appraiser is often the best proof. The appraisal should:
- Be on the appraiser’s letterhead, signed and dated.
- Describe the vehicle (VIN, year, make, model, mileage, condition, options, and any damage).
- State the appraised fair market value as of the date of death (or the appraisal date and the methodology used).
- Include photos and comparables (recent sales of similar vehicles).
5. Use dealer quotes, auction results, or multiple comparables
Obtain written dealer trade-in or purchase offers, recent auction results for comparable vehicles, or multiple online sale listings showing asking or sale prices. The court may weigh this evidence along with valuation guides and appraisals.
6. Affidavits and testimony
In many successions, an executor, heir, or person with personal knowledge can sign an affidavit under oath stating the vehicle’s value and the basis for the valuation (e.g., “I reviewed KBB and a dealer quote showing $X”). A notarized affidavit or sworn testimony at a court hearing can be used when documentary proof is limited.
7. What the court looks for
Judges seek a reasonable, documented estimate of fair market value. If heirs agree on a value and the court finds the evidence reasonable, the court will usually accept it. If heirs disagree, the court may:
- Order or accept a neutral appraisal.
- Schedule a hearing where parties present evidence and testimony.
- Order sale of the vehicle if valuation cannot be resolved and distribute proceeds.
8. Transfer and title issues to check
- Check for outstanding liens — get a lien payoff statement from the lender.
- Confirm salvage or rebuilt titles — these reduce fair market value and must be disclosed.
- Review Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles requirements for transferring title to an heir. (OMV: https://www.expresslane.org/)
9. Small successions and simplified procedures
Louisiana offers simplified succession procedures in some circumstances. Whether you can use a simplified process, and what proof is required, depends on the estate size and local court rules. Use the Louisiana Legislature’s law search or consult an attorney or the clerk’s office for local rules: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/LawSearch.aspx
10. When to consult an attorney
Talk with a Louisiana succession attorney if any of the following apply:
- Heirs disagree about vehicle values or distribution.
- Vehicles are high value, collectible, or have salvage history.
- There are liens, creditor claims, or potential tax issues.
- You need help preparing sworn inventories, affidavits, or filing in district court.
Helpful hints
- Start gathering documents right away: original titles, keys, registration, insurance, service records, and any sale offers.
- Take clear dated photos of each vehicle (interior, exterior, VIN plate, odometer) — include these with valuation documents.
- Run vehicle searches in at least two valuation guides and save printouts or PDFs showing date and search terms.
- If the vehicle is a classic or modified car, hire an appraiser experienced with collector cars.
- Don’t sell a vehicle before the succession is settled unless all heirs agree and the sale is documented — otherwise, a court may later reverse or adjust distribution.
- If heirs agree on values, prepare a simple written agreement and present it to the court along with supporting docs to speed up the process.
- Check for liens and title brand issues early — they affect net value and how the title transfers to heirs.
- When in doubt about local filing requirements or small succession rules, contact the clerk of the civil district court where the succession will be opened or consult a Louisiana attorney.
For statutory references and local rules, search the Louisiana laws and codes at the Louisiana Legislature website: https://legis.la.gov/Legis/LawSearch.aspx