[Turk]

Ron,
I can't speak for the DMV but I guess they could compare what one person claimed they have in the preparation of their car against someone else. I think if you buy a FFR and claim it took you 20 hours to put it together, they can easily compare that against someone else who claims it took them 100 hours. Then there may be someone with an SPF claiming it took them 10 hours for the engine and transmission.
The 20 claim to put together a FFR would be scrutinized. They DO know the differences between different manufacturers.

By the same token someone paying taxes on a CSX on $100,000 could easily be the guide against someone claiming they paid only $15,000 for theirs.

These are nothing other than speculations on my part. Having seen the binder with all those pictures of cars and kits etc. I would like to err on the side of being up front and paying them what is due to them.
They do have a way of establishing value by asking your insurance company to see what you have your car insured for.

As for the insurance...When I went to get my SB-100 number, they did NOT! I can't say if I had to produce one before I went the last time after smog and CHP.

TURK