My car is parked off the road - do I still need insurance? | Ask Honest John

My car is parked off the road - do I still need insurance?

I have a vehicle undergoing repairs for several weeks it is taxed until 2022 but the insurance has expired. My previous insurance provider says the car must have insurance or be declared off the road. Surely, if it is off the public highway, I do not need either of these things?

Asked on 13 August 2021 by geoff askew

Answered by Dan Powell

Your previous insurer is giving you good advice. The car must be insured or stored away from the public road and declared SORN. This is due to ‘continuous insurance enforcement’ rules. Failure to do so could leave you liable for:

- A get a fixed penalty of £100
- Having your vehicle wheel-clamped, impounded or destroyed
- A court prosecution, with a possible maximum fine of £1000

Tags: legal and consumer advice insurance

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