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When a person passes away, their estate must be properly valued for legal and financial purposes. In Florida, this process—called probate—requires accurate valuation of all assets, including vehicles. Whether it’s a family car, classic collector vehicle, or business asset, a vehicle appraisal for probate ensures fair distribution, legal compliance, and accurate reporting to the court.
What Is a Probate Vehicle Appraisal?
A probate vehicle appraisal determines the fair market value of a decedent’s automobile at the time of death. The report provides a certified valuation that is used for estate settlements, legal filings, and tax documentation.
A probate vehicle appraisal is typically required when:
• The vehicle is titled solely in the deceased person’s name
• The estate is subject to formal administration
• Multiple heirs or beneficiaries are involved
• The value of the estate affects taxation or asset division
Why Certified Appraisals Are Required in Florida
Florida law mandates that all estate assets must be inventoried and valued before they can be distributed. Vehicles are included as tangible personal property, and their value must be determined as of the date of death.
Key reasons a vehicle appraisal is needed:
• Court compliance – Probate courts require formal asset valuations to document the estate’s value.
• Equitable distribution – Ensures all heirs receive fair and proportional shares of the estate.
• Tax reporting – Helps establish the vehicle’s fair market value for estate or inheritance tax purposes.
• Legal protection – Provides documentation that protects executors from disputes over value.
Without a professional appraisal, executors and heirs risk incorrect estate filings, disputes among beneficiaries, and IRS or legal challenges over valuation accuracy.
What a Certified Appraisal Includes
A certified probate appraisal report typically contains:
• Vehicle identification (year, make, model, VIN, mileage)
• Condition summary (interior, exterior, mechanical, market readiness)
• Comparable sales analysis using JD Power, Black Book, and recent market data
• Fair Market Value as of the date of death
• USPAP-compliant certification and signature by a qualified appraiser
Auto Praise prepares probate appraisals that meet all requirements for Florida probate courts, attorneys, and accountants.
When a Vehicle Appraisal Is Especially Important
You should obtain a professional probate appraisal if:
• The vehicle is a collector or high-value classic car
• There are multiple heirs or disputes regarding division of assets
• The estate includes business-owned or leased vehicles
• The estate’s value impacts taxable thresholds
• The attorney or executor needs court-admissible valuation documentation
How Probate Appraisals Differ From Market or Insurance Appraisals
| Appraisal Type | Purpose | Effective Date | Used For |
| Market Appraisal | Determines current resale value | Present date | Buying or selling a vehicle |
| Insurance Appraisal | Determines replacement or settlement value | Date of loss | Total loss or diminished value claims |
| Probate Appraisal | Determines fair market value at time of death | Date of death | Estate settlement and legal filings |
Why Choose Auto Praise for Probate Vehicle Appraisals
Auto Praise has extensive experience providing legally defensible vehicle appraisals for estate, probate, and legal proceedings throughout Florida. Our appraisals are USPAP-compliant and accepted by Florida probate courts, attorneys, and accountants.
Credentials and Expertise:
• IACP Certified Auto Appraisers
• Florida Licensed Insurance Adjusters
• I-Car Platinum Certified Auto Physical Damage Appraisers
• Over 30 years of professional automotive experience
Whether the estate includes one vehicle or a full collection, Auto Praise delivers timely, professional appraisals tailored to your legal needs.
What to Look For in a Probate Appraisal Firm
When selecting an appraisal company for probate or estate purposes, look for:
• USPAP-compliant reports recognized by courts and attorneys
• Experience working with law firms, estate planners, and accountants
• State licensing and professional certifications
• Proven track record with estate and legal documentation
Auto Praise meets and exceeds all of these standards—helping attorneys, executors, and families complete probate efficiently and accurately.
What is a probate vehicle appraisal?
It’s a certified valuation that establishes the fair market value of a vehicle as of the owner’s date of death, for use in estate settlement and legal filings.
Is a vehicle appraisal always required for probate in Florida?
Yes, if the vehicle was titled in the decedent’s name and is part of the estate, it must be valued for inventory and court documentation.
Who can order a probate appraisal?
Executors, personal representatives, probate attorneys, and accountants can request a professional appraisal to document estate value.
What if the vehicle is a classic or collector car?
A standard book valuation is not sufficient—these vehicles require a specialized appraisal by an experienced and certified appraiser familiar with collector markets.
Are Auto Praise probate appraisals accepted in Florida courts?
Yes. All Auto Praise reports are USPAP-compliant, signed by a certified appraiser, and accepted by Florida probate courts and legal professionals statewide.
[…] Read more in our other blog: Vehicle Appraisals For Probate in Florida […]