How to Sell a Car Left in a Will – Advice for Kent Executors
Dealing with a car that's been left in a will can be a bit overwhelming, especially during an emotional time. If the vehicle belonged to a loved one, it's important to handle it carefully. Executors have the responsibility to decide what to do with the car, whether it's selling it, keeping it, or giving it to someone else. Knowing how to deal with the situation can make things easier and help ensure the estate is settled smoothly.
Selling a car left in a will may seem like a task full of unknowns, but it doesn't have to be. Knowing where to start and what steps to take can simplify the process. Executors in Kent have specific duties to fulfil, and it's important to understand what these involve. From accurately valuing the car to gathering the right paperwork, every step plays a part in making sure things move along without delays.
Price Your Car offers support through every stage, making it easier for you to focus on the bigger picture while we handle the details of selling.
Understanding the Executor's Role
An executor is the person responsible for carrying out the wishes stated in a will. That includes managing any assets owned by the deceased, such as property, money, and cars. If a vehicle is part of the estate, the executor must handle it properly.
When it comes to a car, executors need to:
Assess the car's condition
Collect all the necessary paperwork
Decide what happens to the vehicle based on what’s written in the will
This may mean selling the vehicle and splitting the money, giving it to a named beneficiary, or transferring the ownership. No matter the path, it's important that these duties are carried out carefully and within the law.
Handling assets like cars properly helps ensure the estate is managed fairly. Executors who stay organised and informed are less likely to run into problems later.
Assessing the Car's Value
Before deciding what to do with the car, you need to understand how much it’s worth. Having a clear idea of the value helps with the next steps, especially if you plan to sell.
Begin with a visual check. Look for dents, scratches, or any damage that may affect how much someone is willing to pay for it. Take note of interior wear and tear too. Cars that look well cared for stand a better chance of selling quicker and for a higher price.
Checking the mileage is another key step. Cars with lower mileage tend to hold more value, especially if they've been serviced regularly.
For a quick and accurate valuation, an online service like Price Your Car makes things easy. We provide an instant quote based on real market data. It’s quick and avoids the need for long appointments or guesswork. This value helps guide your selling decision and gives you a clear figure when it comes to dividing assets fairly among beneficiaries.
Preparing to Sell the Inherited Car
If you’ve decided to sell the vehicle, the next step is making sure all the paperwork is in order. Buyers will want to see documents that confirm the car’s history and who owns it.
Start by finding the V5C logbook. This document shows who the registered keeper is and includes full details about the car. It’s one of the most important papers you’ll need during the sale.
Next, gather the MOT certificates and the car’s service history. These documents show that the car has been maintained and is roadworthy. They also give buyers peace of mind, which can help the car sell more easily.
You might find these papers in the glove box or in a folder among the deceased person’s personal items. If anything’s missing, the DVLA or past garages may be able to help you replace them.
In Kent, there are legal steps you need to follow when selling a car from an estate. The executor needs to confirm they have the right to sell it, usually by showing a copy of the will and proof of status as executor. Meeting these requirements keeps the sale valid and avoids hold-ups.
Selling the Car
Now that the documents are ready, it's time to focus on how to sell the car. There are several routes you can take, from private sales to selling through a business like Price Your Car.
No matter which way you go, some steps will always help improve your results:
1. Prepare the car by giving it a proper clean inside and out. A tidy car makes a great first impression.
2. Set a fair price using the valuation you gathered earlier. A realistic price attracts more genuine interest.
3. Advertise the car with clear photos and accurate details. Don’t leave out things like mileage, MOT validity, or service history.
Selling privately might get you the highest price but usually takes more time. You’ll handle the viewings, questions, and negotiations yourself.
Using a company like Price Your Car removes much of the effort. We handle the buying for you, based on your valuation, and help wrap up the details so you’re not bogged down in admin or back-and-forth talks.
Closing Off the Estate
Once the sale goes through, it’s time to take care of the final steps. First, notify the DVLA that the car has been sold, so the new owner can be registered. This makes sure you're no longer connected to any future vehicle use or tax.
If any money was made from the sale, that amount now becomes part of the estate. Executors must distribute those funds based on the terms of the will. This could mean transferring the money straight to a beneficiary or using it to settle other parts of the estate.
Finishing this process ties up one of the larger physical assets and brings you one step closer to closing the estate. With fewer loose ends, things move along faster, which helps everyone involved.
Settling the Estate with Ease
There’s a lot involved in dealing with a car left in a will, but it doesn't have to be stressful. With the right support, the process can be smooth from start to finish.
First, the executor confirms their role and looks over the car's condition. Then, using a quick valuation, they get a clear understanding of what the vehicle is worth. After gathering all the necessary documents, the car is prepared for sale, offered to buyers, and sold. The final step is handling the proceeds and letting the DVLA know ownership has changed.
At Price Your Car, we can take care of the time-consuming parts for you. It's a way to keep things moving and reduce the pressure that often comes with selling a car from an estate. Whether you're managing things on your own or handling several different tasks, having expert help can make all the difference.
If you're managing an estate and need to handle a vehicle listed in the will, taking the first step toward a sale can make all the difference. For a hassle-free experience, get started with a quick valuation and see how easy it is to sell a car in Kent. At Price Your Car, we guide you through the process so you can move on quickly and with confidence.
