How to Sell an Estate Vehicle in Florida
A simple, documented way for personal representatives, attorneys and families to sell a vehicle that belongs to an estate.
What Is an Estate Vehicle?
An estate vehicle is a car, truck, SUV or other vehicle that belonged to someone who passed away and now has to be dealt with as part of their estate. Most families either pass it to an heir or sell it and divide the proceeds.
HoHo Buys Cars gives personal representatives and families a straightforward way to sell. We inspect the vehicle where it is, put our offer in writing and provide records of the sale for the estate file.
Selling an Estate Vehicle, Step by Step
Most sales follow the same six steps.
- Confirm who can sell: usually the personal representative, or the heirs when Florida allows the car to pass without probate.
- Find the title: if it is missing, the tax collector's office can issue a duplicate.
- Check for a loan: any lien has to be paid off, and we can do that as part of the sale.
- Get a written offer: we inspect the vehicle wherever it is parked.
- Sign the paperwork: we guide you through the title and the documents the estate needs.
- Get paid: we pay on the spot once everything is in order and take the vehicle with us.
Documents the Estate Will Need
Gather these before the appointment.
- The original title
- A certified copy of the death certificate
- Letters of Administration, if the estate is in probate
- A photo ID for the person signing
- Loan payoff details or a lien release, if the vehicle was financed
- All keys
If there is no probate, ask the tax collector’s office which forms Florida accepts for transferring the vehicle. We are happy to talk it through with you first.
For Attorneys and Personal Representatives
A professional solution for estate vehicles.
The vehicle is one small part of settling an estate, so we keep it simple: one call, one appointment, a written offer and transaction records for your file. We can meet at the residence, a storage lot or your office. Call Howard directly at 941-270-4400.
Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Classics
We buy all kinds of vehicles.
Estates often include more than an everyday car. We buy cars, trucks, SUVs, luxury cars, classics and specialty vehicles. Tell us what the estate has and we will set up a time to see it.
How It Works
Selling the car takes three simple steps.
- Submit Your Vehicle Information
- Schedule Your Free Appraisal
- Receive Instant Cash Payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions families ask us most.
Who receives the money from the sale?
The proceeds belong to the estate and are handled by the person who has authority to sell, usually the personal representative. How they are divided is decided by the estate.
Can the estate sell the vehicle before probate closes?
Usually, yes, once the personal representative has Letters of Administration. The estate's attorney can confirm it.
Do you provide paperwork for the estate file?
Yes. We provide a written offer and records of the transaction.
The car hasn't been driven in a while. Is that a problem?
Tell us when you call so we can plan the appraisal. We come to wherever the vehicle is parked.
Can you buy the car if there is still a loan on it?
Yes. Tell us who holds the loan when you call. We can pay off the lender as part of the purchase and handle that paperwork, and if our offer is higher than the payoff, the difference goes to the seller.
What happens to the license plate after the sale?
In Florida the plate belongs to the owner, not the car. Remove it after the sale and either transfer it to another vehicle or turn it in at the county tax collector's office. Do that before you cancel the insurance, because canceling coverage on an active plate can lead to a suspension.
Does the appraisal cost anything?
No. The appraisal is free, it takes about 10 minutes, and there is no pressure to sell.
This page is general information about selling a vehicle in Florida, not legal advice. For questions about probate, guardianship or who has authority to sign, talk with the estate's attorney or your county tax collector's office.
More Guides for Your Situation
Sell a Deceased Person's Car
Who can sign, which documents to gather and how the title transfer works in Florida.
Read the guide →Sell an Inherited Car
You inherited a car you don't need. Here is how to sell it without the hassle.
Read the guide →Sell an Elderly Parent's Car
Helping Mom or Dad sell the car after they stop driving, safely and simply.
Read the guide →Sell a Car After Moving to Assisted Living
What to do with a car that is no longer needed after a move into senior living.
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