When vehicles become part of a legal proceeding — whether an estate, divorce, bankruptcy, or donation — the value assigned to those vehicles must be defensible, accurate, and documented by a qualified professional. Guesses, Kelley Blue Book printouts, or estimates from car dealers are not sufficient for probate courts, the IRS, or bankruptcy trustees.
Miami Auto Appraisers provides ASCAA certified, USPAP-compliant vehicle appraisals that are accepted by Florida probate courts, the IRS, bankruptcy trustees, divorce attorneys, and opposing counsel. With 24+ years of experience and the only ASCAA certification in South Florida, our reports withstand legal scrutiny.
Reports accepted by Florida probate courts, bankruptcy trustees, and family law judges
USPAP-compliant appraisals for estate tax, inheritance, and charitable donation purposes
Passenger vehicles, classic cars, exotics, motorcycles, RVs, and collector vehicles
When a vehicle owner passes away, any vehicles in the estate must be valued as part of the probate process. In Florida, the personal representative of the estate is required to identify and value all assets, including motor vehicles. An accurate, certified appraisal ensures the estate is properly valued for creditor claims, tax purposes, and equitable distribution among beneficiaries.
Miami's high-value real estate market is often accompanied by collections of high-value vehicles — luxury sedans, classic cars, and exotics. Our appraisers are experienced with valuing these assets for South Florida estates, where vehicle values can represent a significant portion of estate assets.
Florida follows the principle of equitable distribution in divorce proceedings, meaning marital assets — including vehicles — must be fairly valued and divided. When spouses disagree on vehicle values, or when a vehicle is a classic car or exotic with values that vary widely, an independent certified appraisal provides an objective, defensible number.
Our appraisals are accepted by Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County family courts. We work with divorce attorneys and mediators throughout South Florida, providing accurate valuations that help resolve disputes and facilitate fair settlements.
Federal bankruptcy trustees require accurate valuations of all significant assets, including vehicles, for both Chapter 7 liquidation and Chapter 13 reorganization filings. Misrepresenting vehicle values — whether accidentally or intentionally — can jeopardize a bankruptcy case. A certified appraisal from Miami Auto Appraisers provides the documentation that bankruptcy courts and trustees require.
The IRS requires a qualified appraisal from a qualified appraiser for any donated vehicle valued over $5,000. Our ASCAA certification and USPAP compliance meet the IRS definition of a "qualified appraiser" and a "qualified appraisal" as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.170A-13 and IRS Publication 561. We complete the required IRS Form 8283 Section B documentation with every appraisal.
We regularly work alongside estate attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and court-appointed fiduciaries throughout South Florida. Our reports are formatted to meet the documentation standards required in legal proceedings, and we are available to consult with legal professionals regarding our methodology and findings. If expert witness testimony is required, our appraiser is available to testify in deposition or trial proceedings.
Contact us to discuss your specific legal or estate appraisal needs. We serve all of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
