Compare SORN Car Insurance
Compare, choose and save with the best quotes for your laid-up vehicle today.
What is a SORN?
What is SORN Insurance?
Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), insurance protects your vehicle whilst it is stored off the road. You don’t legally need SORN insurance, but when your vehicle is stored, or laid up, it is parked with no insurance. SORN insurance provides financial protection should an accident occur during storage. Without SORN insurance your vehicle will be stored with no protection against theft, fire or other accidental damage. SORN insurance is not like normal vehicle insurance and when you decide to declare your vehicle back on the road you will need to insure your vehicle appropriately.
Understanding Laid Up Car Insurance Cover
Our comparison service allows you to view two different types of SORN insurance. Within these types there is a range of cover for different situations which might occur. Here’s an explanation to hopefully clear things up:
How Much Is SORN Insurance?
The price of SORN or laid up insurance is similar to other forms of insurance in that it varies depending on all the risk factors. The type of vehicle you’re insuring as well as its estimated value, your place of residence and the history of your claims all can affect your quoted prices.
Something to remember however is that SORN insurance is usually cheaper than regular car insurance because you’re not using or operating the vehicle.
When Do You Need to Declare a SORN?
- Your vehicle is no longer insured or taxed, even if only for a few days.
- You own a vehicle you intend to work on, such as a project car or perhaps a classic car.
- You want to break a vehicle for parts before you scrap it.
- You have bought a vehicle that is already declared SORN and need to reapply the SORN as it isn’t transferrable.
How Do You Get a SORN?
When you declare your vehicle SORN you will be refunded the unused full months of road tax for your vehicle and could claim back part of your vehicle insurance’s cost.
Articles and Guides
Can You Drive a Vehicle to an MOT with a SORN?
How to SORN a Vehicle in the UK
What is SORN and does a SORN car need Insurance?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SORN insurance cover your car for use on the road?
No, SORN insurance does not cover your car for use on the road. SORN insurance is only valid when a vehicle is declared off-road and kept in a secure location. If you plan to drive your car on public roads, you must purchase an active motor insurance policy that will cover you for any accidents or damage caused by unexpected events.
Do you need to renew a SORN?
No, you do not need to renew a SORN. Once you have declared your vehicle as off-road and it has been registered with the DVLA, the registration will remain valid until the vehicle is sold or taken off the road permanently. If your circumstances change and you decide to put your car back on the road, you must purchase an active motor insurance policy.
You will however need to renew your SORN insurance, as this is usually an annual renewal.
Can you drive a SORN car home after buying it?
No, you cannot drive a car that is declared as SORN. Even if you purchase the vehicle and receive the keys, it is still illegal to drive it on public roads until you have obtained an active motor insurance policy for it. You must arrange for the car to be towed or transported to your home in order to comply with road traffic regulations.
Where can you park your car if it has a SORN?
If you have declared your car as off-road, then it must be kept in a secure location such as a private garage or driveway. It is strictly prohibited to park your vehicle on a public road if it has a SORN. If you are found to be parking your car on the street with just a SORN insurance policy, then you may receive a fine or penalty points on your driving licence.
Does a SORN car need an MOT?
No, a SORN car does not need to have an MOT. However, it is recommended that you still carry out regular checks and maintenance on your vehicle so that it is in good working order when you drive it again. If your MOT has expired you will need to get it re-tested before you can legally drive it on the roads again. It is worth noting that you can drive your car to a pre-booked MOT appointment legally even if your MOT has expired.
Can you drive a SORN car on private land?
Yes, you can drive a car with a SORN declaration on private land such as farmland or racetracks. It is important to note that you must always abide by the rules and regulations of the landowner and ensure that you have permission to be there. It is also important to note that driving a car on private land without an active motor insurance policy may still result in legal penalties if it causes any damage or injury.
Does a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) automatically terminate car insurance?
No, a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) does not automatically terminate car insurance. If you have an active policy, it will remain in effect until the expiration date or cancellation period. If you are making a SORN declaration for your vehicle, you must notify the insurer and discuss cancelling the policy at that time.
How long do your quotes remain valid for?
Your quotes from insurers typically remain valid for up to 30 days, depending on the insurer. After this period, you will need to re-submit your request and obtain new quotes. You should also keep in mind that insurance policies may change over time so be sure to check with the insurer prior to purchasing a policy.
