Probate Valuations and Insurance Valuations
When you need a formal valuation, for probate or for insurance, it must be done properly and kindly. Our written probate valuations and insurance valuations give families, executors and solicitors exactly the document they need.
Written probate valuations typically start at £380 plus VAT
Our complimentary valuations are pre-sale valuations, for people thinking of selling at auction. A probate or insurance valuation is different, because it is a formal written document prepared for HMRC, solicitors or insurers. That work is charged for, and we will always agree the fee with you before we begin. We will quote for insurance valuations based on the size of the collection.
Handled with care And discretionWhat a probate valuation is
Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they die. A probate valuation lists what their belongings were worth on the date they died, because HMRC uses those figures to work out any inheritance tax.
In plain words, it is an official list of items and honest values, prepared by someone qualified to judge them.
Insurance valuations for antiques, jewellery and art
An insurance valuation works the other way round. It states what it would cost to replace each item today, so your insurer can cover it properly.
Jewellery, watches and antiques are often worth far more than their owners realise, which is exactly when a written valuation matters most.
What you receive
- ✓A written, itemised valuation, which means every item is listed with its own value
- ✓Date-of-death values for probate, suitable for HMRC and solicitors
- ✓Replacement values for insurance
- ✓A formal document prepared and signed by an experienced valuer
How it works
Nicholas or one of our specialists visits the property, or you can bring smaller items to our offices near Broadway. We then prepare the itemised report, and we agree the timing with you before we start.
We work with complete discretion. Estates are sensitive, and we treat yours as we would our own family’s.
Searching for a probate valuation near me? We come to you. Much of our work is a probate valuation in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, and the Cotswolds, but our estate valuation service covers England, Scotland and Wales.
If the family later decides to sell
Once probate is granted, many families choose to find new homes at auction for the items they do not wish to keep. We can advise what items may sell at auction. This might include jewellery, silver, watches, porcelain, even vehicles and property.
Our pre-sale valuations for anyone considering selling are complimentary, and our advice is yours to keep. Families trust us with estates every week.
“Given very helpful advice about what to put up for auction from my Mother’s Estate, and all the items in our first auction did extremely well.”
Sheila Morris Google review
Frequently asked questions
What is a probate valuation?
It is a formal written valuation of someone's belongings, using their value on the date the person died. Solicitors and HMRC use it to settle the estate.
Why do I need one?
HMRC expects honest, professional values when an estate is settled, not guesses. A proper valuation also protects you as an executor.
How is it different from a complimentary valuation?
Our complimentary valuations are pre-sale valuations for people thinking of selling at auction. A probate or insurance valuation is a paid, formal document you can put in front of HMRC or an insurer.
How long does it take?
We agree the timing with you at the start. If your solicitor has a deadline, tell us and we will work to it.
Can you also clear the house?
Yes. Many families ask us to value the estate and then clear the property, often arranged in one visit. See House Clearances.
Arrange your valuation
Call 01386 335949, email valuations@bespokeauctions.co.uk, or ask us to call you back at a time that suits. Thinking of selling instead? Book a complimentary pre-sale valuation at our offices.
Complimentary pre-sale valuations Prompt payment after the sale