Can I Insure My Car If It’s Been Sitting Unused For Years

What Are The Legal Requirements For An Unused Car?

Before you can insure and drive a car that has been sitting unused, you’ll need to make sure it complies with UK laws for vehicle ownership. The key requirements include:

• Insurance: It is illegal to drive any car in the UK without insurance, even if the car hasn’t been used for years. If you’re planning to get back on the road, you’ll need to arrange insurance before driving it.
• Road tax: All vehicles used on public roads must be taxed, and this applies even if the car has been out of use for a long time. If your vehicle has been declared off-road with a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN), you’ll need to cancel the SORN and re-tax the car before it can be driven.
• MOT: If your car is more than three years old, it must pass an annual MOT test to ensure it’s roadworthy. An unused vehicle may require significant repairs or maintenance before it can pass its MOT, especially if it has been sitting idle for years.

Ensuring your car meets these legal requirements is the first step toward getting it insured and road-ready.

Is Your Car Still Roadworthy After Sitting Unused?

A car that has been sitting unused for a long time may have deteriorated, and it’s often a prudent step to check if the vehicle is still roadworthy before you attempt to insure it or take it out on the road. Several parts of the vehicle could have suffered from wear or corrosion because of lack of use, such as the tyres, battery, brakes, and fluids.

Here are some steps to take when assessing the condition of an unused car:

• Check the tyres: Tyres can become flat, develop cracks, or lose air pressure if the vehicle has been stationary for too long. Inspect the tyres for damage and replace them if necessary.
• Inspect the battery: Car batteries tend to lose charge if left unused for long periods. You may need to replace the battery or jump-start the vehicle to get it running again.
• Examine the brakes: Brakes can rust or seize up when a car isn’t used regularly. It’s often suggested to check the brake pads, discs, and overall braking system for wear or corrosion.
• Check fluids and oil: Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant may need to be replaced or topped up if they’ve been sitting idle for years.

If any repairs or maintenance are needed, it’s best to have them completed before scheduling an MOT or applying for insurance.

Do You Need An MOT Before Getting Insurance?

In the UK, cars over three years old are required to have a valid MOT certificate to ensure that they are roadworthy. If your car has been sitting unused for years, it is unlikely to have a current MOT, which means you’ll need to get one before driving the car legally on the road.

However, you can still apply for car insurance before getting the MOT, but keep in mind that the car cannot be driven on public roads without a valid MOT. Some insurers may also offer "laid-up" insurance, which covers the car whilst it is off the road, protecting it from theft or damage whilst it is being repaired or prepared for the MOT.

Once your car passes its MOT, you can notify your insurer that the vehicle is roadworthy and activate full cover.

What Is Laid-Up Insurance, And How Can It Help?

If your car has been off the road for a long period and you’re not planning to use it immediately, you might consider laid-up insurance. This type of insurance covers vehicles that aren’t being driven, providing protection against fire, theft, or accidental damage whilst they are stored. Laid-up insurance can be particularly useful if:

• Your car is undergoing repairs or restoration work.
• You’re waiting to get the car re-taxed and MOT certified.
• The vehicle is being kept in storage or a garage for long-term preservation.

Laid-up insurance is typically more affordable than full cover, as it doesn’t include cover for driving on public roads. Once your car is ready to be driven again, you can easily switch from laid-up insurance to full road cover.

Can You Get Temporary Insurance For An Unused Car?

If you only plan to use the car for a short period, or you need insurance whilst you get the vehicle back on the road, temporary car insurance might be a good option. Temporary car insurance provides cover for a limited period, ranging from one day to a few weeks or months.

Here’s how temporary insurance can help with an unused vehicle:

• Short-term cover: Temporary insurance allows you to insure the car for the exact period you need, whether it’s for taking the car for repairs, an MOT, or a few weeks of driving.
• Cost-effective: You’ll only pay for the cover you need, making it a more affordable option if you don’t plan to use the car long-term.
• Flexibility: Temporary insurance can be arranged quickly, and you can adjust the length of the cover to suit your needs.

If your vehicle has been idle but you want to get it back on the road for a short period, temporary insurance could provide the solution you need.

How Can You Reduce The Cost Of Insuring A Car That Hasn’t Been Used?

Insuring a car that has been sitting unused for years might seem costly, especially if the vehicle requires repairs and an MOT. However, there are several ways to reduce the cost of insuring an unused vehicle:

• Consider third-party cover: If you’re only looking for basic cover, third-party insurance may be more affordable than comprehensive cover, although it provides less protection.
• Use laid-up insurance: If you don’t plan to drive the car immediately, laid-up insurance can save money whilst still protecting the vehicle from damage or theft.
• Increase your voluntary excess: Opting for a higher voluntary excess (the amount you agree to pay towards a claim) can help reduce your premiums.
• Limit your mileage: If you don’t plan to use the car regularly, opting for a lower mileage limit can help lower the cost of your policy.
• Shop around for quotes: Always compare quotes from different insurers to look for the most affordable option for your specific circumstances.

By taking these steps, you can minimise the cost of insuring a car that’s been out of use whilst ensuring it’s fully protected when you’re ready to drive it again.

What Are The Benefits Of Insuring An Unused Car?

Even if your car has been sitting unused, getting insurance can provide several benefits:

• Protecting your investment: Whether the car holds sentimental value or is worth a significant amount, insurance protects it from theft, damage, or fire.
• Ensuring legal compliance: If the car is parked on a public road, it must be insured, even if it’s not being driven. Insuring the car ensures compliance with UK laws.
• Preparing for future use: Once the car is roadworthy again, having insurance in place allows you to drive it without delay, avoiding potential fines or penalties.

By insuring your vehicle, even after a long period of inactivity, you protect both your investment and your ability to legally drive the car when needed.

Is your car ready to hit the road again after years of sitting idle? Compare car insurance quotes today to look for the best policy for your unused vehicle and ensure it’s fully protected when you’re ready to drive again.

Why not get quotes now?