Nick Aitken / Expert valuations across the UK
Probate valuations,
handled with care.
A clear report, with time to understand the car.
For executors and families dealing with a classic or performance car in an estate. Most valuations are prepared online from photographs and records, with UK-wide inspections available where needed. Nick explains the process and provides a reasoned value at the relevant date.
Discuss a probate valuation
For executors and families
One part of the estate.
Handled thoughtfully.
A car can carry memories as well as a financial value.
If you are dealing with a classic or specialist vehicle after someone has died, you may not know its precise model, condition or history. Nick can usually prepare the valuation online from photographs and records, helping identify the relevant details and giving you a clearer basis for the estate's records. In-person inspections are available UK-wide when needed.
Tell us your role, where the car is kept and the date of death. We can explain which photographs and records are useful, and discuss access if an inspection is needed.
A value at the relevant date
For the estate's records.
A probate valuation normally considers the vehicle's value at the date of death. That may be different from a selling price today. The report should make the date and basis of the opinion clear.
Nick considers the individual car and relevant market evidence. Photographs and records help establish how the car stood at the required date. If an inspection is needed, it records the present condition and is considered alongside the historical evidence.
The written report records the valuation, supporting reasoning and any assumptions or limits. It can be shared with the executor or professional adviser for the estate's administration.
How it works
A clear next step.
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Tell us about the vehicle.
Share what you know, the location, date of death and any deadline. We agree the valuation approach, fee and report timetable before work begins. Any inspection travel costs are agreed in advance.
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Share the available records.
Send photographs, vehicle details and available documents. If something is missing, we can explain what that means. Where a visit is useful or required, Nick can inspect the vehicle anywhere in the UK.
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Receive the written valuation.
The report explains the assessed value at the relevant date. If you or your adviser have a question about the report, let us know so it can be addressed.
Probate valuation enquiry
Start with the details.
Fee agreed before we begin. Most valuations are prepared online. Tell us about the car, the purpose and your deadline. We will confirm the evidence required, scope, fee and timetable. If an inspection is needed, we travel UK-wide and agree any travel costs in advance.
Discuss my valuationWhen you are ready
Keep it.
Take time.
Consider a sale.
A valuation does not require a decision to sell.
You can keep the car, discuss storage or consider a sale. If you wish, we can discuss our buying or selling services separately.
Any later sales service or purchase offer has separate terms. You can choose another route.
Our valuation is prepared separately from any offer. If you later ask us to sell or buy the car, we will explain our interest in writing. You are free to get a second opinion.
Mention collections or restricted access before booking so we can agree the approach.
For an estate where the vehicle is already part of a legal dispute, use our legal valuation page to discuss the instruction first.
A few useful answers
Before we begin.
Do you need to visit the car?
Usually we can start with photographs and records and prepare the valuation online. If the evidence or circumstances call for an inspection, we can arrange a visit anywhere in the UK, with travel costs agreed in advance.
What date is used for a probate valuation?
Normally the date of death. Tell us that date and provide any records showing the car's condition around that time. The report distinguishes that assessment from a possible selling price today.
What if the car does not run?
Tell us in your enquiry. A non-running or stored vehicle can still be considered, but access, completeness, known defects and the available evidence affect the assessment.
Do I have to sell the car through That's Classic?
No. You can keep it, wait or choose another route. Any later request for help selling, or any purchase offer, is separate from the valuation and explained in writing.
Start a conversation
Tell us about the car.
A few details will help us arrange the right service for you.
Based in Bournemouth, Dorset.
Online valuations across the UK, with UK-wide inspections available.