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:
-Ensure the death has been registered, and that you have the death certificate.
-Notify key organisations such vehicle finance providers, and insurance companies of the death. For government services, if you’re in England, Wales, or Scotland, you can notify all bodies simultaneously using the Tell us Once service.
-Gather the relevant vehicle documentation and bereavement documentation.
-Work out who’s legally entitled to handle the estate:
-If they left a will, and Probate, Confirmation, or Administration hasn’t been granted yet: The will names an executor. This person is responsible for handling their estate, including selling the car.
Selling a loved one’s car after they pass can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through the process with specialist support.
If the deceased owned a car, Motorway can help you to sell it at any stage in the process of handling their estate; whether it’s in the early stages of processing a will, circumstances in which no will was left, or sales in which a grant of probate, confirmation, or administration has already been awarded – our team can support you.
Selling a car with Motorway following a bereavement is quick and simple. We understand just how many things you’ll be juggling when dealing with the loss of a loved one, and we can help by taking on the sale of the vehicle for you.
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.
Please do let our teams know about the circumstances of your sale, and we’ll ensure you receive support throughout your time with us.
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’ in England and Wales, and ‘Confirmation’ in Scotland. If no will was left and the person died intestate, this is known as ‘Administration’. They are all different names for very similar processes, and are handled by the person named as the executor in the deceased’s will (if they have one), or as Administrator under the rules of intestacy.
Part of these processes involves working out if any Inheritance Tax is owed and reporting it to HMRC, as well as applying for a grant which allows you to deal with all of the deceased’s property, assets, and money.
The executor or personal representative also has to value everything the deceased owned—including their car, if they had one.
Yes, you can — but only if you’re the deceased’s named executor or administrator, or you are acting on their behalf.
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.
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
You can also find a wealth of information in our Bereavement Help Centre.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Everything to know about selling, valuing, and maintaining your car. Made simple.
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