Sell a car on probate

    We’ll help you sell a car on probate. It’s simple to sell for a verified dealer’s best price.

    How to sell a deceased person’s car

    When someone close to you passes away, it can be a very difficult time and there may be a lengthy period of mourning before you feel able to settle their financial affairs. However, when you’re ready, it’s worth understanding the legal steps involved.

    Before you can sell the car, here’s what you need to do:

    – Check the will If the deceased left a Last Will and Testament, they will have named an executor. This person is responsible for handling their estate, including selling the car.

    – Gather key documents You’ll need the death certificate and should keep it on hand for the probate process.

    – Apply for probate – Once the executor has the death certificate and will, they can apply for a Grant of Probate. If there’s no will, the process is similar, but you’ll need to apply for ‘Letters of Administration’ instead.

    – Notify key companies Once probate is granted, the executor can inform banks, utility providers, and insurance companies of the death.

    Once these steps are complete, you’ll be able to move forward with selling the car.  

    Preparing to sell a car on probate

    Selling a loved one’s car after they pass can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process.

    If they owned a car, you’ll need to go through probate first.

    This legal process confirms who can manage their assets. Once probate is granted, you can transfer ownership and sell the car.

    Ready to sell on probate?

    Selling a car on probate with Motorway is quick and simple.

    Simply create a vehicle profile and more than 7,500 verified dealers from across the UK will compete to give you their best price to buy your car.

    Approve your highest offer, and we’ll arrange a free collection of your car and fast payment.

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    quick and easy way to sell a car on probate

    What is probate?

    When someone passes away, their affairs need to be sorted out, like paying any outstanding debts and dividing up their estate (if they have one) to the people who are meant to inherit.

    This is called ‘probate,’ and it’s handled by the person named as the executor in the deceased’s will (if they have one).

    If there’s no will, the role of executor is given to someone based on inheritance laws, and they’re called a ‘personal representative.’

    Part of the probate process involves working out if any Inheritance Tax is owed and reporting it to HMRC.

    The executor or personal representative also has to value everything the deceased owned—including their car, if they had one.

    selling a car before probate is granted

    Can I sell a car before probate is granted?

    Yes, you can — but only if you’re the deceased’s named executor or official personal representative.

    Legally, there are two types of property covered by probate:

    – Fixtures: These are immovable parts of the estate, such as kitchen fittings, radiators, built-in cupboards, and floor coverings.

    – Chattels: These are movable items, including white goods, furniture, and cars.

    As a chattel, you don’t have to wait for the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration to transfer or sell the car.

    If you’re the executor or personal representative and want to sell the car, you’ll need:

    – The death certificate.

    – Legal proof of your entitlement, such as a copy of the will naming you as executor or a solicitor’s letter confirming your right to manage the estate.

    It can get more complicated if the deceased named multiple executors. In this case, all named executors must be present with personal identification to complete the sale of the car.

    car value price tag icons

    How to value a car for probate

    Valuing a car for probate means determining its market value at the time of the owner’s death. Several factors influence the value of used cars in the UK, including:

    – Make and model

    – Mileage

    – Condition

    – Special features or modifications

    – Location

    – Current market trends

    Motorway’s Car Value Tracker tool gives you an instant, real-time valuation for up to six vehicles at once, using live and historical sales data from across the UK.

    Before selling or transferring an inherited car or van, you’ll need to prove you have the legal right to do so. If you’re selling a deceased person’s car on Motorway:

    – Let us know when you list the vehicle

    – Upload a copy of the death certificate

    We’re here to support you every step of the way.

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    Commonly asked questions about selling a car on probate

    What do I do when the deceased’s car is owned outright?

    If a deceased individual’s car is owned outright, executors or personal representatives can simply transfer ownership by contacting the DVLA. Once ownership has been transferred, the executors or personal representatives then have the choice to continue to run it or to sell it on.

    The new ownership details will need to be entered into section six of the car’s V5C logbook. It is no longer possible to transfer vehicle tax, so executors or personal representatives will need to apply for a refund on any outstanding tax – and then re-tax the car under their own name.  

    The new owner of the car will also need to check that its insurance is still valid – and they will also need new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

    If the executors or personal representatives are unsure or undecided about what to do with the deceased person’s car, it can be registered as off the road (SORN). This way, they can keep it off the road – in a garage, for example – and they do not have to pay tax on the car whilst they come to a decision about how to proceed.

    What if there is outstanding finance on the deceased’s car?

    If there is outstanding finance on the deceased person’s car and the executors or personal representatives want to retain it, it is usually possible to take over the payments by getting in touch with the finance company. 

    If the executors or personal representatives have no wish to retain the car and want to get rid of it, the process is made easier as the car will still technically belong to the finance company. If this is the case, a representative of the finance company will come and collect the car and it will typically be sold at auction to cover the outstanding amount still owed on it. 

    If the price the car is sold at is lower than the amount still owed, the shortfall will need to be covered by the executors or personal representatives – or by the deceased’s estate.

    Can I scrap a deceased person's car for money?

    If the deceased person’s car is of little commercial or sentimental value, then scrapping it might be the best option.  

    Most scrappage firms will collect the car for free and give you the car’s ‘scrap value’ – this will be based on the car’s make, model, age, and condition. 

    If the deceased’s executors or personal representatives decide to go down this route, they must remember to inform the DVLA that they have taken it to an Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) – or they can be fined up to £1,000.

    They will also need to ensure that they give the ATF the car’s logbook (V5C), whilst retaining the yellow section – the notification of sale or transfer of ownership.

    How do I sell a deceased person’s car with Motorway?

    When a loved one dies, it can be stressful if you’re named as executor or personal representative, simply because there are several legal hoops to jump through. If you do need to sell a deceased person’s car, Motorway can help make the process easier – whether the deceased person’s car was owned outright or on finance.  

    If you are selling a deceased person’s car, simply let Motorway know this when you are listing the car. They always help support executors or personal representatives as much as they possibly can.

    If you do need to sell a deceased person’s car via Motorway, you will need to upload a copy of their death certificate. 

    If the car is worth less than £10,000, Motorway’s network of verified dealers can pay the deceased’s next of kin directly. If the car is likely to be more valuable than £10,000, the buying dealer may ask to wait until probate is granted to buy from the executor or request a letter of authority from the estate’s solicitor confirming the sale is permissible. 

    You can ask Motorway’s Customer Support Team for any help or advice during this process. 

    Why choose to sell a car on probate with Motorway?

    As well as supporting executors or personal representatives through what can be a difficult process, Motorway can help you find a buyer for the car in as little as 24 hours. 

    After you have been directed through making a profile for the car – which usually takes a few minutes – they will then add the car to a daily sale at which car dealers compete to give their best prices. You will then be given the highest offer for the car.  

    If you choose to accept the highest offer, the winning dealer will then collect the car for free – and pay you via secure bank transfer.

    Under the hood

    Everything to know about selling, valuing, and maintaining your car. Made simple.

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