No, you generally cannot get a standard car insurance policy for a SORN (Statutory Off-Road Notification) vehicle that does not have a valid MOT certificate. The fundamental purposes of a SORN and an MOT are in direct conflict with the requirements of a typical insurance policy. A SORN legally declares that your car is off the road and will not be used on public highways, while car insurance is designed to cover risks associated with driving on those public roads.
An MOT certificate is a mandatory legal requirement in the UK for any vehicle being used on public roads. It serves as proof that the car met minimum safety and environmental standards at the time of the test. Since a SORN car is not being driven, it does not need an MOT. However, most mainstream insurers will not underwrite a policy for a car that lacks this key legal document, as it is a cornerstone of roadworthiness.
What are your options?
Your primary option is to seek out Fire and Theft Only coverage. This is a specialized type of policy that acknowledges the car is SORN and not being driven. It provides protection against risks like vandalism, fire, or theft from your private property (e.g., your driveway or garage). It does not provide any cover for driving.
Some insurers may also offer Third Party Only coverage for a SORN car, but this is rare and often unnecessary, as third-party liability is only relevant when the vehicle is in use on public roads. The most important thing is to be completely transparent with insurers about the vehicle's status. Misrepresenting the situation could invalidate your policy.
The table below outlines the key differences between standard insurance and the available options for a SORN car without an MOT.
| Coverage Type | Requires MOT? | Provides Road Use Cover? | Protects Against Fire/Theft? | Typical Use Case |
|---|
| Comprehensive Insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Cars in regular use on public roads. |
| Third Party, Fire & Theft | Yes | Yes | Yes | A more budget-friendly option for road-going cars. |
| Fire and Theft Only | No | No | Yes | SORN vehicles in storage or undergoing restoration. |
| Third Party Only | Rarely | No (but implies potential use) | Sometimes | An uncommon and generally impractical option for SORN cars. |
| Laid-Up Insurance | No | No | Yes | Another term often used for Fire and Theft coverage on SORN vehicles. |
