What is the process to dispose of an unpaid vehicle if spouse dies?

If you still have a loan on the vehicle simply call the bank it is held through and tell them your spouse has died and you can no longer afford the car (they will most likely require proof that your spouse has passed, don't be offended by this at all as they are not doubting you they are just making sure they are not getting ripped off), they will make arrangements in most cases to repossess the vehicle if you are unable to make the monthly payments, but be warned if your name is on the loan as well you could be held liable for the owed debt, if that situation occurs you can always try to find someone to buy the car outright, thereby paying off the loan but you will have to do the sales transaction through the bank as the car is not yours.

If your name is on the loan DO NOT pay the car off if it is not needed or wanted for your personal use as often times the residual loan amount is larger than the actual street value of the car, meaning if you paid it off and re-sold it you will most likely lose a very large amount of money. you should also call a lawyer to help you with the process, spending $200-$300 for a few few hours of their time is well worth not having to pay the entire vehicle off to the bank.