Detailed Answer — Proving Vehicle Value in Missouri Probate
When someone dies in Missouri, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must list estate assets, including vehicles, and state their fair market value at the date of death. Missouri probate practice expects the inventory to show a reasonable, supportable valuation so creditors, beneficiaries, and the court can see the estate’s true worth. This section explains what value you should use, what documentation to collect, and what to do if someone disagrees with the stated value.
What value to use
Use the vehicle’s fair market value as of the date of death — the price a willing buyer and willing seller would agree upon, with neither under compulsion and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. That is the standard Missouri courts look for when administrators prepare inventories and accounts (see Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 473 for probate procedures: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=473).
Acceptable ways to establish fair market value
- Printed valuations from recognized guides showing date-of-death values: Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), NADA Guides (nadaguides.com), or Edmunds. Save or print the page showing the VIN, date used, mileage, and the value.
- Comparable sales: printouts or screenshots of recent sales of similar year/make/model/condition vehicles from local listings (AutoTrader, Craigslist, dealer auctions) dated near the date of death.
- Written appraisal from a qualified appraiser or dealership. For classic, collector, or high-value vehicles, a signed written appraisal is strongly recommended.
- Mechanic inspection reports documenting damage, needed repairs, or odometer reading that affect value.
- Insurance or prior sale paperwork showing the vehicle’s insured value or previous sale price, adjusted for date-of-death value.
- Photographs that document condition at or near the date of death and the odometer reading.
What to file with the court
The personal representative’s inventory should list each vehicle and state the fair market value. Where possible, attach or retain the supporting documentation (printouts, appraisals, photos). Courts and county probate clerks expect inventories and accounts that can be supported by objective evidence. If the court requests additional proof, you will have the documentation to produce.
If a creditor or beneficiary disputes the value
- Attempt to resolve the dispute by exchanging valuation sources (e.g., provide your KBB/NADA printouts or appraisal) and, if appropriate, agree on a neutral appraiser.
- If parties cannot agree, ask the probate court to appoint an appraiser or submit the matter under the court’s ordinary probate dispute procedures. The court has authority over valuation and may direct an appraisal or hearing (see Missouri probate statutes: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=473).
Special situations
- High-value or collectible vehicles: use a written specialist appraisal dated to the relevant period.
- Salvaged, heavily damaged, or non-running vehicles: document repairs needed and use salvage or wholesale values rather than retail retail quotes.
- If you sell the vehicle before administration ends, record the sale price and attach the bill of sale and related documents to the estate accounting. The sale price becomes relevant for creditors and distribution.
Practical Missouri-specific steps
- Locate the title and registration. If the title is missing, start a replaced title request with Missouri Department of Revenue (motor vehicle titles): https://dor.mo.gov/motorv/vehicle-titling/.
- Record the VIN, make, model, year, mileage, and the vehicle’s condition with dated photos.
- Print dated valuations from KBB/NADA/Edmunds using the VIN and mileage to get a tailored value. Save PDFs or screenshots showing the date used for valuation.
- If needed, get a written appraisal or mechanic inspection.
- List the vehicle and its value on the estate inventory you file with the probate court and keep copies of all supporting documents.
Missouri law governs probate procedure and what must be filed; consult the Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 473 for the probate framework: https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneChapter.aspx?chapter=473. For motor-vehicle title and transfer rules after probate, check the Missouri Department of Revenue motor vehicle pages: https://dor.mo.gov/motorv/.
Helpful Hints
- Begin valuation right away. Values, listings, and online pages can change; capture dated screenshots or PDFs near the date of death.
- Use the vehicle’s condition, mileage, and any mechanical issues when choosing retail vs. wholesale value. Be conservative if you’re unsure.
- For disputes, a neutral third-party appraisal is often cheaper and faster than litigation.
- If the estate is small and you expect quick distribution, document your valuation well in case someone later questions it.
- Keep originals of titles, registration, photos, appraisals, and printouts together with the probate file. The personal representative must account to the court and beneficiaries.
- Consider tax consequences: beneficiaries may receive a stepped-up basis for federal income tax purposes based on date-of-death value. Discuss tax questions with a tax advisor or attorney.
- When in doubt, consult a probate attorney licensed in Missouri, especially for contested estates, unusual vehicles, or complex valuations.
Disclaimer: This article explains general Missouri probate concepts and practical steps for proving the value of vehicles. It is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. For advice about a particular case, consult a licensed Missouri attorney.