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Vehicles Guide

The Sunset API helps you manage vehicles owned by the deceased, including cars, boats, RVs, and other titled property. This guide covers the workflow from inventory through title transfer.

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API Path

/cases/{case_id}/vehicles
/cases/{case_id}/vehicles/{vehicle_id}

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Typical Workflow

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1. Add vehicles to the case

Record each vehicle with title and valuation details: 
curl -X POST "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/vehicles" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "vehicle_type": "automobile",
    "year": 2019,
    "make": "Toyota",
    "model": "Camry SE",
    "vin": "4T1B11HK5KU123456",
    "license_plate": "ABC-1234",
    "registration_state": "UT",
    "title_status": "clean",
    "ownership_type": "sole_owner",
    "estimated_value": 18500.00,
    "valuation_source": "kelley_blue_book",
    "mileage": 45000,
    "condition": "good",
    "location": "Deceased residence - 123 Main Street, Salt Lake City"
  }'

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2. Record liens

If a vehicle has a loan: 
curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/vehicles/{vehicle_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title_status": "lien_present",
    "lien_holder": "Toyota Financial Services",
    "lien_payoff_amount": 8200.00
  }'

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3. Decide disposition and transfer title

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/vehicles/{vehicle_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "disposition": "transfer_to_heir",
    "disposition_details": {
      "transferred_to": "John Jonas Johnson"
    },
    "title_transfer_status": "dmv_paperwork_filed"
  }'

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4. Complete the transfer

curl -X PATCH "https://api.example.com/v1/cases/{case_id}/vehicles/{vehicle_id}" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "title_transfer_status": "completed",
    "status": "transferred"
  }'

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Vehicle Types

TypeDescription
automobileCar, truck, SUV
motorcycleMotorcycle or scooter
recreational_vehicleRV or motorhome
boatBoat or watercraft
commercial_vehicleCommercial truck or van
classic_carClassic/antique vehicle
trailerTrailer (utility, travel, etc.)
off_highway_vehicleATV, UTV, snowmobile
farm_equipmentTractor, combine, etc.
aircraftAirplane or helicopter

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Disposition Options

OptionDescription
keepRetain for estate use
transfer_to_heirTransfer to a beneficiary
sellSell the vehicle
donateDonate to charity
junkScrap/junk the vehicle
pending_decisionNot yet decided

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Valuation Sources

SourceDescription
kelley_blue_bookKBB valuation
nadaNADA Guides valuation
edmundsEdmunds valuation
appraisalProfessional appraisal
owner_estimateOwner/executor estimate

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Key Considerations

  • DMV requirements vary by state. Most require a death certificate, letters testamentary, and a title transfer form.
  • Joint ownership vehicles typically pass to the surviving owner by presenting a death certificate at the DMV.
  • Liens must be satisfied before a title can be transferred. Contact the lien holder to arrange payoff.
  • Insurance should be maintained on vehicles until they are transferred or sold to protect the estate from liability.
  • Registration may need to be renewed during estate settlement. Some states offer temporary estate plates.
  • Fair market value at date of death is needed for estate tax purposes. KBB or NADA values are generally accepted.