Laid Up/SORN

WHAT IS A SORN?

A SORN is a ‘Statutory Off-Road Notification’. You can apply for a SORN if you want to take your vehicle off the road. You should make a SORN if your vehicle isn’t taxed, if your vehicle isn’t insured (even for a short time), or if you’re breaking your vehicle down into parts. You can find out more about a SORN and what you need to make a SORN here. 

WHAT IS SORN INSURANCE AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

SORN / laid up car insurance protects your pride and joy, even if it’s not on the road.  

Whether your classic car, campervan or motorhome is garaged due to the seasonal changes, or whether you’re in the process of restoring your classic, our laid up / SORN insurance can give you the cover you need, including: 

  • Cover for your vehicle for in case of accidental damage, fire and theft 
  • Free agreed valuation if the vehicle is complete 
  • Convert your laid up insurance to on the road cover once you’re ready to get driving again 

CAN YOU TAKE OUT SORN INSURANCE ON A MOTORCYCLE?

Absolutely, SORN / laid up insurance is equally available, and we would suggest equally important, for a classic motorcycle that is currently SORN. 

It comes with all the same provisions and benefits as laid up car insurance, so feel free to speak to us about SORN motorbike insurance today to find exactly the right option for your needs. 

GET A QUOTE FOR SORN INSURANCE COVER

If you’re in need of a free, no-obligation quote for SORN car or motorcycle insurance, simply fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch. 

NEED TO MAKE A LAID UP CAR INSURANCE CLAIM?

Need to make a claim against your SORN insurance with us? You can report your claim direct to the insurer within 30 days of the incident by calling them and quoting your policy number. You can call us within business hours if you would like us to support with your claim too.

LAID UP AND SORN VEHICLE INSURANCE FAQs

How do I insure a SORN car?

You can insure a SORN classic car with Heritage laid up car insurance just by giving us a call, whether or not you have currently got your car insured with us. The SORN vehicle needs to be garaged and will have no cover for road use under a SORN car insurance policy, so your cover will be for accidental damage, fire and theft only. If you’re in need of SORN insurance, we can provide you with a competitive quote.

If I declare my car SORN, do I need insurance?

It’s not a legal requirement to have insurance if your car has been declared as SORN, as long as you don’t at any point park it or drive it on the road while it’s SORN, but it is advisable if you’d like to cover your vehicle for accidental damage, fire and theft. Otherwise, it won’t be possible to claim for any damage that your vehicle sustains while laid up.

Can I SORN a car and keep it insured on a normal policy?

Yes, you can SORN your car and still keep it insured on your existing insurance policy. You can even do this for a single vehicle on your multi car policy with Heritage, while the others are being driven. But, for the time that your vehicle is on a SORN, it will only be insured for accidental damage, fire and theft during that period, and you’ll be unable to legally drive or park the car on the road. Once you need your car on the road again and take it off SORN, you’ll need to adjust your insurance accordingly.

What are the SORN insurance rules?

For Heritage SORN car insurance, you’ll need to ensure that your car is garaged throughout the policy. Your laid up and SORN car insurance policy will ensure that your car is covered for accidental damage, fire and theft.

Can I drive my car if it is on a SORN?

Our SORN car insurance covers your vehicle for accidental damage, fire and theft, but not for driving on the road. You can’t legally drive or park your car on the road if a SORN has been applied.

How much does laid up insurance cost?

Your exact SORN vehicle insurance costs can depend on the exact nature of your vehicle and your storage situation. Cover can start from as little as £56 per year in some cases, but this can rise when a vehicle’s value increases.

Is laid up insurance car worth it?

Laid up / SORN insurance is definitely worth it for many classic vehicle owners, giving the peace of mind that comes with knowing their cherished vehicle is protected at all times, whether on or off the road. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and laid up / SORN insurance provides all the cover you’ll need, as well as being easy to convert once you’re ready to put the vehicle back on the road.