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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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