A common misunderstanding in divorce cases involving vehicle valuations is the assumption that a physical inspection is always required to produce a reliable valuation. In reality, the appropriate approach depends on access, cooperation, proportionality, vehicle condition and the stage of proceedings.
In many divorces, trust has broken down to the point where access to vehicles is restricted or denied. Assets may be concealed, sold, modified, or allowed to deteriorate. In these circumstances, insisting on inspection can delay progress and increase cost without improving the quality of evidence.
Inspected vehicle valuations involve a physical inspection of the vehicle and are usually appropriate where access is straightforward and the vehicle’s condition, specification, or provenance needs to be verified in person. They are commonly used in later-stage proceedings or where condition is disputed and inspection is proportionate.
Desktop vehicle valuations are prepared without physical inspection and are based on documentary evidence, market research, historical data, comparable vehicles, registration and MOT records, and specialist knowledge. They are evidence-led and investigative in nature rather than speculative.
Desktop valuations are particularly useful where cooperation has broken down, where vehicles are hidden or misrepresented, where assets have already been disposed of, or where early-stage negotiations or Financial Dispute Resolution hearings require independent figures within a limited timeframe. They are also often appropriate where Legal Aid funding or proportionality is a factor.
Both inspected and desktop valuations serve the same purpose: to assist the Court and the parties in reaching a fair and informed settlement. The choice of method is not about quality, but suitability. In some cases, a desktop valuation may later be supplemented by inspection if circumstances allow.
In my experience, the most effective divorce cases are those where valuation evidence is proportionate, transparent, and focused on resolution rather than tactics. Selecting the right valuation approach at the right time reduces conflict, saves cost, and helps all involved move forward.