Driving without insurance for your vehicle is strictly forbidden in the UK, but once your car has been taken off the road, you no longer need your policy. So, what happens when your car is scrapped, or you register it as SORN? Find out below.
Quick Links
Insurance for a scrap car
What Happens To My Insurance If I Scrap My Car?
If you choose to scrap your car you will need to inform your insurance company – assuming they haven’t written if off themselves, off course. When your vehicle is scrapped, your insurance policy is effectively ended (but, as we said, only once you tell them) so you no longer have to pay. In fact, you might even get a refund if you’ve paid in advance, like via one annual payment, for example.
Do I Need To SORN My Car If It’s Been Scrapped?
Even though your car is, technically, off-the-road, you don’t need to register it as SORN if it’s been scrapped. If that was the case, every vehicle ever made would still be logged on a database somewhere!
You do need to inform the DVLA of the scrapping though, as this allow them to register the car or van as off-the-road permanently.
Can You Keep Insurance On A Scrap Car?
No. Attempting to do so would seem very suspicious. Some people do try to keep vehicles on the road after they’ve been scrapped, which is totally illegal and incredibly dangerous. Once your vehicle is scrapped, the DVLA and your insurance company must be informed so that its records can be updated for the last time.
Can I Disagree With My Insurer That My Car Is A Write Off?
It is possible to challenge the decision of your insurance company if they decide your vehicle is a write off, but it’s incredibly difficult to do so, and very rarely done. You’ll need to have scoured to internet for examples of vehicle valuations that match what you think your car was worth (which must be higher than what your insurance company has valued it at). You should, ideally, also have a second opinion on the level of damage it’s suffered, in writing, from another professional vehicle technician.
This route is not one that many people even attempt to take, but there is an alternative; you can buy the vehicle back from the insurer at a reduced rate. However, this does mean it’ll be branded as a write off for the rest of its existence.
Insurance for a SORNed car
Do I Need To Insure A Vehicle That Is SORN?
No. The purpose of the Statutory Off-Road Notice (SORN) is to allow the vehicle to be stored (off the road) without insurance (or tax). As long as your vehicle is registered as SORN, you won’t need insurance for it.
What types of SORN insurance are there?
There are two key types of SORN insurance available from most insurers. These are:
- Fire and Theft: This will cover you in the event your car is damaged in either a fire or is stolen. It will likely be the cheaper of the two options from most insurers.
- Fire, Theft and Accidental Damage: The more expensive premium from most insurers, this type of cover will protect you from fire and theft as above but will also cover you in the event you accidentally damage it while it is in your storage.
Is SORN insurance the same as parked car insurance?
SORN insurance can take a number of different names, most of which mean the same. ‘Parked car insurance’ or ‘laid up insurance’ is exactly the same as SORN insurance. If you ask for any of these from your insurers, you will receive the same type of service.
How much does it cost to insure a SORN car?
Like all insurance premiums, it is impossible to give an estimate for how much it might cost. The overall figure will entirely depend on a number of factors, such as what the car is and locations.
What to consider before taking out SORN insurance
The biggest thing to consider will be whether you actually need to take out the insurance. Having insurance is not a requirement on SORN vehicles, so weigh up the pros and cons and decide whether it’s right for you.
Is it possible to insure a vehicle for one day?
You can insure a vehicle for a single day should you wish, or even just for an hour if needed. Most providers will give quotes for temporary policies. Like all things, you’ll need to shop around to ensure you get the best price.
Can you drive a car to MOT test without insurance?
No, you can not drive a car to an MOT test without having car insurance. You can drive to an MOT test without an MOT or tax, but insurance is a must. Driving without insurance is a crime at any time. Insuring a car for an MOT test is simple, and is no different to obtaining temporary car insurance as above.
Will I lose my no claims if I SORN my car?
Whether your no claims will stay intact or not will depend entirely on what you do with your insurance when SORNing your car. If you keep the insurance going, then there will be no impact on your NCD. However, if you do decide to cancel your insurance, this is when there could be an impact. Most insurers offer a two year gap between policies, and then any longer the NCD will be affected.
What if I need to claim on my SORN insurance?
Claiming on SORN insurance is no different to claiming on any other type of insurance. Just get in touch with your insurers within 30 days of the incident and they will guide you through the rest. Remember making a claim is likely to have an impact on your No Claims Discount.
Does SORN Cancel My Insurance?
SORN does not automatically cancel your car’s insurance, but you can do so if you wish. You will need to inform your insurance company so that they can process the cancellation. It’s easy to do, but you might be charge an early cancellation fee. On the other hand, if you paid annually, you could also be entitled to a partial refund!
Do I Have To Insure My Vehicle If I’m Not Using It?
Yes, unless it is registered as SORN. It’s not enough to simply park it on your driveway and leave it without insurance, even if it’s going to sit there un-driven for the foreseeable future. You will still need it to be insured unless you opt to SORN it.
Can I Keep A SORN Car On My Driveway?
Yes, as long as it is your own private driveway. It does not need to be hidden away in a garage or lock-up. It’s important to clarify though that the driveway cannot be shared with other residents, and in the same vein, a residential car park is not acceptable either. Think of it like this: if other people can park their own vehicle there, it’s not entirely private.
SORNing Tax and Insurance Hub
SORNing Tax and Insurance HubExplore expert advice on tax, insurance, and legal matters for SORNed cars and motorbikes. Our Knowledge Centre offers essential information to ensure you’re fully informed to manage your vehicle off the road.
How and When You Need to Declare SORN
Learn how to declare a SORN online to save on tax, MOT, and insurance while keeping your car off-road. Quick and easy guide for UK drivers.
How to tax a SORN vehicle
Learn how to tax a car previously declared as SORN. This guide explains the steps to reactivate your vehicle for road use, covering the necessary documents and fees.
Can you drive a SORN car to an MOT with no insurance?
This guide explains the legal requirements for driving a SORN vehicle, including MOT exemptions and the necessity of insurance coverage.
How to tax a SORN car without MOT
This guide covers the steps, legal requirements, and alternative methods to ensure your vehicle is road-ready.
Or, visit our SORNing Knowledge Centre for guides on all topics related to SORNing and storing your car or bike
Sell your SORNed car
If you want to get rid of your old or SORNed car, it could be easier with our free, online comparison engine. Whether your car is SORNed and not too old to move, or in good working condition and sellable as salvage – our service can get you a private buyer in minutes.
