Detailed Answer

When someone dies, the personal representative (executor or administrator) must identify and report the estate’s assets to the probate court. Vehicles owned by the decedent are estate assets. In Nebraska, you prove a vehicle’s value to the probate court by assembling reliable, date‑specific evidence of the vehicle’s fair market value on the decedent’s date of death and by filing that evidence with the inventory or appraisement required by Nebraska probate rules (see Nebraska Probate Code, Title 30: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?title=30).

What “value” means

Probate courts require fair market value: the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the vehicle on the date of death, considering mileage, condition, options, and local market conditions.

Acceptable types of proof

• Independent appraisal: A written appraisal from a licensed or reputable appraiser, or a dealer’s written appraisal, stating the vehicle description, odometer reading, condition, comparables used, and the appraiser’s signature. This is the strongest proof for higher‑value vehicles.
• Published valuation guides: Printouts or PDFs of contemporaneous values from recognized guides (e.g., NADA, Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds) showing the value for the vehicle make, model, year, trim, options, and mileage as of the date of death. Include the date you ran the report.
• Comparable listings or sales: Ads or receipts for sales of similar vehicles in your area around the date of death. Screenshots should include the posting date and seller location.
• Dealer offer or trade‑in quote: Written dealer offers on or near the date of death.
• Photos and records: Photos that document condition, and maintenance/repair records that affect value.
• Affidavit or testimony: A sworn statement from someone with direct knowledge (e.g., a mechanic, dealer, or the personal representative) explaining how the value was determined. Courts may accept this for low‑value vehicles or when other documentation is unavailable.

How to assemble and present the proof

1. Identify the vehicle: include VIN, year, make, model, trim, mileage at date of death, and general condition.
2. Collect documents: title, registration, keys, maintenance records, accident history report (if available), photos.
3. Get valuations: obtain at least one objective valuation source (appraisal, NADA, KBB, dealer quote) dated as close as possible to the date of death.
4. Prepare a short summary: create a one‑page explanation that lists your evidence and states the final value used for the inventory and why you chose that figure.
5. File with the court: attach the valuation materials to the estate inventory/appraisement and any required accountings you file in the county court handling probate. Follow probate filing rules in Nebraska (see Nebraska Probate Code, Title 30: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?title=30).

When an appraiser or vehicle pro is recommended

For high‑value, classic, custom, or unusual vehicles, use a qualified appraiser or specialty dealer. For a disputed value or contested probate, an independent appraisal strengthens your position and may reduce later challenges.

Title transfer and DMV steps after valuation

After probate or when the court permits, transfer the vehicle title through the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. DMV title and lien procedures are governed by Nebraska motor vehicle statutes (see Title 60: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?title=60) and Nebraska DMV guidance: https://dmv.nebraska.gov. The DMV may accept a court order, certified letters testamentary/administration, or an affidavit in limited cases to change title.

Practical scenarios (examples)

Example A — Low‑value car: If the car was older, with high mileage and little market demand, a combination of KBB value, photos, and a signed affidavit by the personal representative often suffices.

Example B — Late‑model or valuable car: Use a dealer quote or independent appraisal and include maintenance records and comparable sales to support the figure in the inventory.

Helpful Hints

• Start early: gather titles, keys, registration, and mileage evidence soon after you learn of the death.
• Date every valuation: make sure any KBB/NADA/Edmunds printout or dealer quote shows the date you ran it or is timestamped.
• Use multiple sources for contested or high‑value vehicles: appraisals + published guides + comparables give the strongest support.
• Keep photographs: clear photos of exterior, interior, odometer, and VIN help establish condition and identity.
• Document damages and repairs: documented accident history or recent repairs can materially affect value.
• Check liens: a vehicle title may show liens. Clear or document liens before transferring or selling the vehicle; the Nebraska motor vehicle statutes (Title 60) cover lien and title matters: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?title=60.
• Ask the court clerk or county probate court for local practice tips: some counties accept simple affidavits for low‑value items, while others may want a formal appraisal.
• When in doubt, consult a Nebraska probate attorney: an attorney can help with inventory rules, filing requirements, and whether you need an appraisal for court.