Unable to MoT my car, what should I do?

My MoT will expire in a month but I am outside the UK and unable to return in time. The car is parked in a private garage and insured and taxed. Do I need to declare it SORN or can I leave it as is until I am able to return and book the MoT? It is not being driven by anyone and remains off the public road. I am just concerned that in the event it were to be damaged in the garage (or there was a fire, for example) the insurance might not be valid after the MoT expiry.

Asked on 24 January 2022 by CanAmSteve

Answered by Dan Powell

The car should be MoT'd or placed on SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification). If you declare the car SORN then you'll get a refund for the remaining road tax VED.

When you return to the UK you will be able to legally drive the car to a pre-booked MoT appointment. Once it passes the test, you can tax it online or over the phone before collecting it from the garage and driving it home again.

Placing the car on SORN shouldn't affect your insurance. But I would suggest checking the terms and conditions of your policy to confirm this.

Tags: sorn insurance mot

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