> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://api.hellosunset.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vehicles Guide

> Guide to managing vehicles, title transfers, and disposition during estate settlement.

# 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.

## API Path

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

## Typical Workflow

### 1. Add vehicles to the case

Record each vehicle with title and valuation details:

```bash theme={null}
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"
  }'
```

### 2. Record liens

If a vehicle has a loan:

```bash theme={null}
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
  }'
```

### 3. Decide disposition and transfer title

```bash theme={null}
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"
  }'
```

### 4. Complete the transfer

```bash theme={null}
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"
  }'
```

## Vehicle Types

| Type                   | Description                     |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| `automobile`           | Car, truck, SUV                 |
| `motorcycle`           | Motorcycle or scooter           |
| `recreational_vehicle` | RV or motorhome                 |
| `boat`                 | Boat or watercraft              |
| `commercial_vehicle`   | Commercial truck or van         |
| `classic_car`          | Classic/antique vehicle         |
| `trailer`              | Trailer (utility, travel, etc.) |
| `off_highway_vehicle`  | ATV, UTV, snowmobile            |
| `farm_equipment`       | Tractor, combine, etc.          |
| `aircraft`             | Airplane or helicopter          |

## Disposition Options

| Option             | Description               |
| ------------------ | ------------------------- |
| `keep`             | Retain for estate use     |
| `transfer_to_heir` | Transfer to a beneficiary |
| `sell`             | Sell the vehicle          |
| `donate`           | Donate to charity         |
| `junk`             | Scrap/junk the vehicle    |
| `pending_decision` | Not yet decided           |

## Valuation Sources

| Source             | Description             |
| ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| `kelley_blue_book` | KBB valuation           |
| `nada`             | NADA Guides valuation   |
| `edmunds`          | Edmunds valuation       |
| `appraisal`        | Professional appraisal  |
| `owner_estimate`   | Owner/executor estimate |

## 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.