Detailed Answer

Short answer: In Tennessee probate you prove a decedent’s vehicle value by determining its fair market value (FMV) at the date of death and documenting that value with reliable evidence (appraisals, dealer quotes, valuation guides, comparable sales, photos, and vehicle records). You then report that value in the estate inventory filed with the probate court and keep supporting documents in the estate file.

What value does the court want?

Probate courts require an honest, reasonable estimate of an asset’s fair market value at the time of death. For a vehicle, FMV means the price the vehicle would reasonably sell for on the open market on the date of death, considering condition, mileage, options, and local demand.

Who must report the value?

The personal representative (executor or administrator) prepares and files the estate inventory with the probate court. That inventory lists each asset and its value and should include vehicles listed separately with VIN, make, model, year, mileage, and the claimed FMV.

What kinds of evidence prove value?

• Independent appraisals: A written appraisal from a qualified appraiser (automotive appraiser or licensed vehicle appraiser) gives strong support, especially for unique, classic, or high-value vehicles.
• Dealer or mechanic quotes: Written dealer offers, trade-in estimates, or auction house estimates help show market value for ordinary cars.
• Published valuation guides: Printouts/screenshots from Kelley Blue Book, NADA Guides, Edmunds, or similar services showing retail/trade-in/FMV adjusted for mileage and condition.
• Comparable sales: Listings or sales records for similar vehicles (same year, make, model, mileage, and condition) from used-car sites, auction results, or local classified ads.
• Photographs and records: Clear photos of the vehicle, odometer readings, maintenance records, accident history reports (Carfax, AutoCheck), and any evidence of damage or restoration.
• Title and lien records: The vehicle title, lien records, and registration. If a lien exists, show payoff balance—equity equals FMV minus owed lien.

How to assemble the valuation for the court

1. Collect the vehicle’s identifying info: VIN, make, model, year, trim, mileage, and current title status.
2. Document condition with dated photos and notes (interior, exterior, mechanical issues, recent repairs).
3. Obtain at least one written valuation: a dealer estimate, printed valuation guide result, or a paid independent appraisal. For low-value cars, a screenshot from a valuation guide plus a dealer quote often suffices.
4. Gather supporting comparables: prints of similar vehicles for sale or recently sold in your area.
5. Prepare the inventory entry: list the vehicle, the FMV, and attach all supporting documents. File the inventory as required by the local probate court.

When beneficiaries or creditors dispute value

If someone disputes your valuation, try to resolve it by sharing the documentation. If you cannot agree, petition the probate court to resolve the dispute. The court may order a neutral appraisal or hold a hearing. Keep all records and communications; the court will weigh objective evidence (appraisals, market guides, comparables) most heavily.

Special situations

• Classic or collectible cars: Use an appraiser who specializes in collectibles or a respected auction house report. Market guides for classics or auction results carry weight.
• Damaged or salvage vehicles: Obtain a salvage/dealer estimate or mechanic’s estimate of repairs. Value equals expected sale value in present condition (often much lower than retail guides).
• Vehicles with liens: Report the vehicle’s FMV and separately list the lien amount; estate equity equals FMV minus lien payoff.
• Small estates / simplified procedures: Tennessee law provides simplified procedures for small estates in some situations. Even then, document the vehicle’s value to show the estate qualifies. See Tennessee probate law resources below.

Where to find Tennessee law and forms

Tennessee’s probate statutes cover inventories, duties of personal representatives, and other probate procedures. Consult the Tennessee Code (Title 30) and local probate court rules for timing and specific filing requirements. The Tennessee Code and court resources are available online:

• Tennessee Code — Title 30 (Probate Procedure)
• Tennessee Courts (court locations and probate information)

Bottom line

Prove a vehicle’s probate value in Tennessee by determining fair market value at the date of death and backing that number with objective evidence (appraisals, dealer quotes, valuation guides, comparable sales, photos, and records). Include the value and supporting documents with the inventory filed by the personal representative. If disputes arise, the probate court can order further appraisal or hold a hearing.

Disclaimer: This article explains general Tennessee probate concepts and does not provide legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed Tennessee probate attorney or your local probate court.

Helpful Hints

• Start collecting documentation immediately: mileage, photos, title, service records, and any recent estimates.
• Get at least one written valuation; a signed dealer estimate or paid appraisal strengthens your record.
• Use local comparables — vehicle values vary by region and season.
• If a vehicle has little market value, document why (high mileage, mechanical issues, salvage title) — a few photos and a mechanic’s note can establish low value.
• List liens separately on the inventory and keep payoff statements as evidence of the estate’s actual equity in the vehicle.
• Keep originals and file copies of all valuation documents with the probate file and with beneficiaries so disputes are less likely.
• When in doubt, ask the probate clerk about local filing requirements and deadlines before you file the inventory.
• If beneficiaries contest value or distribution, consider mediation or a court-ordered appraisal to avoid protracted litigation.