SORN Insurance
Taking your car off the road doesn’t mean you have to leave it unprotected. At Chris Knott Insurance, we understand that just because your vehicle isn’t being driven doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable. We can help you find the right cover to help protect it from fire, theft, and damage while it’s in storage.
Why Choose Chris Knott?
We’ve been helping vehicle owners arrange insurance for over 40 years. With extensive experience in the nuances around Motor Insurance, we understand how important it is to protect cars that matter, even when they’re not on the road.
Our real team in Hastings, East Sussex, works with insurers who know the ins and outs of laid-up and classic vehicles. With a combined 180 years of knowledge, our independent, UK-based brokers can advise on the best plan for you. Because we’re FCA authorised and regulated (FCA Register No: 304452), you can be confident you’re receiving clear, compliant advice tailored to your circumstances.
What Is SORN Insurance?
SORN refers to Statutory Off Road Notification, and it lets the DVLA know that you’ve taken your car off the road. It means you don’t have to pay vehicle tax or keep your car insured. Classic car laid-up insurance, also called SORN vehicle insurance, is designed for vehicles that are officially declared off-road.
While SORN removes your legal obligation to insure your vehicle, it doesn’t protect it from non-road risks. If you cancel your Motor Insurance while your car has a SORN, you won’t be covered for any accidental or weather damage, or for the theft of your car. If you have a classic car, these damages could end up being expensive to repair.
How Do You Declare Your Vehicle as SORN?
Your car must be registered as SORN with the DVLA before organising any off-road vehicle insurance. You can do this online via the DVLA website, by phone on 0300 123 4321 (24-hour service), or by post using a V890 form.
Once declared, your SORN remains in place until the vehicle is taxed again, sold, scrapped or permanently exported. Applying for SORN is free, and if you’ve paid vehicle tax in advance, you may receive a refund for unused months.
Who Might Need Laid-Up Car Insurance?
SORN Car Insurance can be a sensible option in a range of situations, including:
- Classic car owners – If your classic is being restored, laid up over winter, or only used seasonally, laid-up cover protects it while it’s off the road.
- Project vehicles – Cars that aren’t currently roadworthy but still hold value can be protected against fire, theft and damage while work is ongoing.
- Second vehicles in storage – If you own more than one car and one isn’t in use, laid-up insurance can provide protection without the cost of full road cover.
- Long-term storage – Whether you’re travelling abroad or simply don’t need your car for a while, the cover keeps it protected until you’re ready to use it again.
What Cover Can You Get With SORN Car Insurance?
Standard laid-up insurance typically provides fire and theft protection for your classic car while it’s being stored. This type of cover ensures your investment remains protected even when the vehicle isn’t being used on public roads. Depending on the policy you choose, cover can include:
- Fire damage – Protection if your vehicle is damaged by fire while in storage
- Theft – Cover if your vehicle is stolen from your storage location
- Vandalism – Protection against malicious damage
- Accidental damage – Some policies extend to accidental damage that might occur while the vehicle is stored
- Weather damage – Cover for flood or storm damage
- Spare parts – Some policies can help protect valuable spare parts and tools associated with the vehicle
While it won’t cover you to drive the vehicle, it can offer valuable peace of mind – particularly if the car is a classic, a restoration project or has an agreed value. It’s important to note that laid-up car insurance doesn’t cover any driving on public roads, as the vehicle is declared SORN. If you want to drive your car at any point, remember to transfer a SORN policy to standard Motor Insurance.
Car Brands We Can Insure
If your vehicle is taking a break from the road, we’re here to help protect it while it’s off-duty. We can also help make the move back again, should you need, ensuring continuity and peace of mind. Call our friendly, experienced team for straightforward, pressure-free support and advice from people who understand your vehicle.
SORN Insurance FAQs:
Once your vehicle is registered as SORN, you don’t need insurance from a legal standpoint. However, without cover, your car won’t be protected against fire, theft or damage.
Insurance for off-road cars is ideal for restoration and maintenance projects, as long as you don’t take it out on public roads.
Make sure to contact your insurance provider to cancel or change your policy, as it depends on the broker.
You can only drive an off-road car to a pre-booked MOT or test appointment and back. To do so, you must have valid insurance in place beforehand.
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