Does My Car Have To Be Insured If Its Sorn?

What is a SORN?

A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notification, is a declaration made to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the United Kingdom. It informs the DVLA that the vehicle in question is not being used on public roads and is therefore exempt from paying motor tax. The SORN is a legal obligation, and if you do not declare your vehicle as off-road, you may be liable to prosecution.

Do I Need Insurance For My SORN Vehicle?

Yes, you still need to insure your vehicle if it is SORN. This is because a SORN only applies to road tax, not to vehicle insurance. Even if a vehicle is not being driven on public roads, it must still be insured against accidental damage, theft, and third-party liability. Without this, you may find yourself facing severe penalties from the DVLA.

Types of Insurance

When you declare your vehicle as SORN, you are required to get at least third-party insurance. This covers any damage to other people or property caused by your vehicle, as well as legal costs if you are taken to court. You also have the option to get fully comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your own vehicle, as well as any third-party costs.

What Happens if I Don't Insure My SORN Vehicle?

If you are caught without insurance for your SORN vehicle, you could be fined up to £5,000 and have your vehicle seized by the DVLA. If you are caught driving your SORN vehicle on public roads, you could be fined up to £2,500. In some cases, you may even be disqualified from driving.

How Can I Get Insurance For My SORN Vehicle?

Most insurance providers offer SORN insurance. To get a quote, you will need to provide details such as the make and model of your vehicle, as well as its age and mileage. You should also be prepared to provide proof of ownership, such as your V5C registration document. It is important to shop around and compare prices, as different insurers may offer different levels of cover and different rates.

Conclusion

Declaring your vehicle as SORN is a legal requirement if it is not being used on public roads. However, you must still insure it against accidental damage, theft, and third-party liability. Most insurance providers offer SORN insurance, and it is important to shop around and compare prices before taking out a policy.