Why Would You Want to Insure a Non-Running Vehicle?
Even though your car isn’t operational, there are still some valid reasons to consider keeping it insured. The fact that it’s not on the road doesn’t mean it’s without risk. If the vehicle is parked on your property or a public road, there are still potential issues that insurance can help protect against.
- Theft: Even if your car doesn’t run, it could still be at risk of being stolen, especially if it has valuable parts.
- Vandalism: A car parked in an exposed location, even one that’s not roadworthy, can still be targeted by vandals.
- Damage: Accidents can happen, such as a falling tree branch or another vehicle causing damage whilst the car is parked. Insurance can offer protection against these unexpected events.
These risks can make it worthwhilst to maintain at least some form of cover on a vehicle that’s not currently in use. It’s not just about keeping the car legal; it’s also about protecting your investment from unforeseen costs.
What Is a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)?
If you don’t intend to drive the car for a significant period, you might want to declare it off the road by applying for a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). This is a declaration made to the DVLA that your vehicle won’t be used on public roads, which means you’re not required to insure or tax the vehicle whilst it’s under SORN.
Once your car is declared off the road, it must be kept on private property, such as a driveway or garage. You cannot legally park it on public streets, even if it’s not being driven. Whilst SORN relieves you of the legal requirement to have insurance, it’s important to remember that the vehicle won’t be protected against the risks mentioned earlier, like theft or damage.
- No tax or insurance needed: With a SORN in place, you’re not required to insure the vehicle, nor do you need to keep it taxed, as long as it’s off the road.
- Private property only: The vehicle must stay on private land-if it’s found on a public road, you could face fines or penalties.
If you choose to go the SORN route, keep in mind that your car could still be vulnerable to damage or theft whilst it’s off the road, unless you take steps to insure it in some other way.
Is Laid-Up Insurance a Good Option?
If you decide that keeping some form of insurance on your non-running vehicle is a smart move, laid-up insurance could be an ideal solution. This type of insurance is designed specifically for cars that are not being driven and covers only risks that might occur whilst the car is stored, such as fire, theft, or vandalism.
Laid-up cover is typically cheaper than standard car insurance because it doesn’t need to cover the risks associated with driving. It’s worth considering if you’re keeping a project car, waiting for parts or repairs, or simply storing the vehicle for a whilst.
- Fire and theft cover: Laid-up insurance may protect your vehicle against the risk of it being stolen or damaged by fire, even when it’s not in use.
- Vandalism: The policy may also cover vandalism, ensuring that the car is protected whilst parked.
- No driving risk: Since the car isn’t being driven, you won’t be paying for cover related to accidents or third-party liabilities.
If you expect your car to be off the road for a long period but still want it to be covered, laid-up insurance offers peace of mind at a lower cost than a standard policy.
Can You Get Third-Party Only Cover for a Non-Running Vehicle?
Some people may be tempted to consider third-party only insurance for a vehicle that isn’t running. However, third-party cover is typically designed for cars that are driven on public roads, offering protection against damage to others in the event of an accident.
This type of insurance is unlikely to suit a non-running vehicle since it won’t provide any protection for theft, vandalism, or accidental damage. It’s also not a common option for cars that won’t be on the road. In most cases, third-party insurance is unnecessary for a non-running vehicle unless the car is being stored in a place where it might interact with other vehicles, like a shared parking space.
What Are the Legal Implications of Not Insuring a Non-Running Car?
In the UK, it’s illegal to own a vehicle that’s neither insured nor declared off the road with a SORN, even if it’s not running. The law requires all vehicles that are registered with the DVLA to be insured, unless they’ve been officially declared as off the road. Failing to comply with this can result in fines, penalty points, and even the car being seized.
- Penalties for no insurance: If the car is found to be uninsured and not declared off the road, you could face a fine or penalty points on your licence.
- Seizure of the vehicle: In some cases, the authorities may seize or clamp an uninsured vehicle, even if it’s not in a drivable condition.
It’s vital to ensure that the vehicle is either insured or properly declared off the road with a SORN to avoid any legal issues. If you don’t intend to drive the vehicle for an extended period, applying for a SORN is often the simplest option.
How Do You Declare a SORN?
Declaring your vehicle off the road with a SORN is a straightforward process. You can do it online via the DVLA’s website or by post. Once the SORN is in place, you’ll no longer need to insure or tax the vehicle, but it must stay on private property for the duration of the SORN.
- Online: You can declare your vehicle off the road through the DVLA’s website, using the 11-digit reference number from your vehicle’s logbook (V5C).
- By post: If you prefer, you can apply by post using a V890 form, which is available to download from the DVLA website.
A SORN remains valid until the vehicle is taxed again or sold. Remember, it’s illegal to drive or even park the car on public roads once the SORN is in place, so ensure the car is safely stored on private property.
When Might You Want to Avoid Declaring a SORN?
Whilst declaring a SORN can be a great way to avoid unnecessary costs, it may not be the best option for everyone. If you’re expecting to get the car repaired soon and back on the road, maintaining some form of insurance without applying for a SORN might be more convenient. Once a SORN is declared, it can take time to get the car back on the road legally, as the vehicle might need to be taxed and insured before you can drive it again.
- Repairs in progress: If your car is undergoing repairs and might soon be roadworthy again, it may be simpler to keep it insured without declaring a SORN.
- Short-term storage: If the vehicle is only going to be off the road for a short period, temporary or laid-up insurance might be more suitable than declaring a SORN.
It’s worth considering how long the car is likely to be off the road and weighing the benefits of maintaining insurance against the convenience of declaring a SORN.
Conclusion: Protect Your Vehicle, Even If It’s Not Running
Owning a car that doesn’t run brings unique difficulties, but understanding your insurance options can help you make the best decision for your situation. Whether you choose to declare the vehicle off the road with a SORN or opt for laid-up insurance to protect against risks like theft or damage, taking the right steps can provide peace of mind whilst the car is out of action.
To learn more about the best insurance options for your vehicle, whether it’s on or off the road, explore car insurance comparison tools and look for the policy that suits your needs.
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