Classic Car Laid Up Insurance
Do you have a classic car that’s temporarily off the road? If your cherished vehicle is being stored, restored, or simply taking a break from the road, classic car laid-up insurance provides specialised protection during this period. At Chris Knott Insurance, we understand the unique requirements when insuring a vehicle that isn’t currently being driven.
What is classic car laid-up insurance?
Classic car laid-up insurance, sometimes called SORN vehicle insurance, is designed for vehicles that are officially declared off-road. When a car is registered as SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) with the DVLA, it means you have formally declared the vehicle is not being used on public roads. This removes the legal requirement for road tax and standard insurance; however, it does not protect your vehicle while it is stored.
Laid-up car insurance fills this gap, providing peace of mind that your classic vehicle is protected while it’s off the road, whether in a garage, workshop, or other storage location.
When would I need classic car laid-up insurance?
There are several situations where laid-up insurance makes sense:
- During a long-term restoration project
- Over winter months, when you don’t drive your classic
- When storing a vehicle while abroad
- If your classic isn’t currently roadworthy
- During mechanical repairs or bodywork
This specialist cover ensures your investment remains protected even when the vehicle isn’t being used on public roads.
What does classic car laid-up insurance cover?
Standard laid-up insurance typically provides fire and theft protection for your classic car while it’s being stored. This means you are covered if your vehicle is damaged by fire, stolen, or damaged during a theft attempt.
A comprehensive insurance policy may also include cover for accidental damage while in storage, flood or storm damage, vandalism, and spare parts associated with the vehicle. It is important to note that laid-up car insurance does not cover any driving on public roads, as the vehicle is declared SORN.
Why choose Chris Knott for your classic car laid-up insurance?
At Chris Knott Insurance, we provide specialist classic car insurance solutions to businesses across the UK. We offer flexible insurance policies and personal service from our knowledgeable UK-based team. Contact us today to get a quote for classic car laid-up insurance. Our team will help you find the right level of protection for your cherished classic while it takes a well-deserved rest from the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before arranging laid-up insurance, you will need to register your vehicle as SORN with the DVLA. This can be done online through the DVLA website, by phone, or by post using a V890 form. A vehicle registration certificate (V5C) or the reference number from your V11 tax reminder is also required. Once registered, your SORN status remains valid until you tax the vehicle again or the vehicle is sold, scrapped, or permanently exported.
Some insurance companies will require your car to be stored securely. Acceptable storage locations include a locked private garage, a secure workshop, a specialist storage facility, or a locked outbuilding on your property. The security of your storage location can affect your premium, with more secure locations often resulting in lower costs when you insure your laid-up vehicle.
Yes, one of the benefits of classic car laid-up insurance is that you can continue to work on your vehicle. This is especially valuable for restoration projects where you might fit spare parts or undertake winter maintenance. However, remember that the car cannot be driven on public roads while SORN is in place – even for short test drives.
Laid-up insurance costs less than full road insurance, as the risks are reduced when a vehicle isn’t being driven. The exact cost to insure your classic in a laid-up state depends on the agreed value of your classic car, the security of your storage location, the level of cover you choose, and your car’s make and model.
For additional peace of mind, you might also consider whether the insurance policy covers your spare parts and tools, which are valuable in themselves.
When you are ready to put your classic back on the road, you will need to:
- Cancel the SORN by taxing your vehicle
- Ensure it has a valid MOT (if required)
- Upgrade to a full car insurance policy that includes road use
We can help make this transition smooth by adjusting your policy rather than creating an entirely new one. This approach provides continuity of cover and peace of mind throughout the process.
