Right then, listen up. We all know the drill. You’ve got a track weapon or a project car that spends more time on axle stands than it does on the tarmac. Maybe the British weather has finally broken your spirit, or perhaps you’re waiting for that one obscure part from Japan that’s currently stuck in a container. Whatever the reason, if your car is off the road, you probably think you’re safe. You’ve filed your SORN with the DVLA, tucked the car away, and stopped paying for road insurance. But here’s the kicker: your standard road policy won't cover you if the car isn't taxed and MOT'd, and your home insurance definitely won't touch it if the garage goes up in smoke. That is where SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars comes into play.
Our mates at Track Day Addicts (TDA) have just launched a specialised Fire, Theft, and Malicious Damage (FTMD) product. This isn't your bog-standard "parked on the street" cover. This is for the serious enthusiasts who have high-value assets sitting in sheds, garages, or trailers. Because let's be honest, an Audi driver might not see your track-prepped Civic as a prize, but a professional thief definitely does. This policy is designed to protect your investment when it’s at its most vulnerable. Their specialized quote tool can be found at tdaservices.co.uk.
1. Why You Need SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars
You might think that because a car isn't moving, nothing can happen to it. That is a massive mistake. Fire doesn't care if your car is registered or not. Theft happens in the blink of an eye, even from "secure" locations. If you have a car that is SORN or unregistered, you are essentially sitting on a pile of cash with no protection. Standard road insurance usually requires a valid MOT and road tax to be fully effective. When you cancel that policy to save a few quid, you leave yourself wide open.
SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars provides that safety net. It specifically covers Fire, Theft, Attempted Theft, and Malicious Damage. So, if some local scumbag decides to key your project or, worse, jemmy the garage door open, you aren't left out of pocket. It is about financial security for assets that don't qualify for standard road cover. This is especially vital for track cars that may never see a public road again.
2. What Does SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars Actually Cover?
The scope of this cover is quite specific. It is not a Road Traffic Act policy. You cannot drive it to the shops or take it for a "quick blast" around the block. If you do, you’re on your own. Instead, it focuses on the risks associated with storage. Whether it is winter storage, a long-term project build, or because you are working overseas, the policy has you covered. It keeps things simple so you aren't paying for road risks you don't need.
One of the standout features is the valuation basis. Claims are settled on a "Market Value" basis. This means if the worst happens, you get what the car is worth in the current market. While there is no "Agreed Value" option, they do cover modifications. This is huge for us bikers and car enthusiasts. As long as you have the receipts or photos to prove what you’ve done, those expensive bits are included in the declared value. No more worrying about your custom turbo setup being ignored in a claim.
Protect your pride and joy while it's off the road with the right cover.
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3. Storage and Security: Keeping the Thieves at Bay
The TDA policy is very clear about where your car needs to be. If you have a classic, track, or race car, it must be kept in a locked building. No exceptions. They know these cars are targets. For standard road cars or vans, you have a bit more flexibility; they can be in a garden or on a driveway, provided they meet security requirements based on their value. This ensures that the risk is managed properly for everyone involved.
- Locked Building: Mandatory for track and race cars to ensure maximum security.
- Driveway/Garden: Permitted for road-legal cars and vans if security meets value-based tiers.
- Mandatory Security: Alarms, immobilisers, and trackers must be operative at all times.
- Datatag Requirement: Unregistered cars over £4,000 need a Datatag fitted within 28 days.
Security is non-negotiable. If you tell the insurer you have an alarm, immobiliser, or tracker, it must be working. If you forget to set the alarm and the car gets pinched, the claim will likely be rejected. For unregistered vehicles valued over £4,000, they insist on a Datatag being fitted within 28 days. It might seem like a faff, but it’s a proven deterrent and often comes with a discount on your premium. It also helps the police recover the vehicle if it does go missing.
Don't just rely on the garage door. If you're storing a high-value track car, use a ground anchor and a heavy-duty chain inside the garage. It's about layers of security. Thieves hate things that take time and make noise. Also, keep your keys in a Faraday pouch even inside the house; relay theft is a nightmare these days.
Higher Value Security Tiers
If your car is worth more than £40,000, the rules get even stricter. We are talking high-end builds and serious race machinery here. These vehicles have very specific "locked building" requirements. Essentially, the more your car is worth, the more the insurer expects you to do to protect it. It makes sense because nobody wants to lose a forty-grand asset because of a cheap padlock. The higher the value, the higher the standard of the building must be.
4. The "In Transit" Option: Moving Your Beast
Most laid-up policies cover the car only while it is static at a specific address. However, Track Day Addicts understand that track cars actually need to get to the track. For an additional premium, you can extend your SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars to include "In Transit" cover. This protects the vehicle against fire and theft while it is being transported in a van or on a trailer. This is a vital addition for anyone who doesn't have a dedicated secure transporter.
This is a massive benefit if you’re heading to a race weekend or taking the car to a specialist garage for some fettling. Imagine the heartbreak of your trailer being stolen from a service station while you’re inside grabbing a pasty. Without this extension, you’d be crying into your coffee because the car wouldn't be covered on the move. With it, you have that extra layer of protection while you’re on the motorway or parked up overnight at an event.
5. Final thoughts on SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars
Before you jump in, there are a few "gotchas" to be aware of. Firstly, this policy does not meet Road Traffic Act requirements. If you drive it on the road, you are breaking the law and you have zero third-party liability cover. Secondly, there is an occupancy rule. If your storage address is left unattended for more than 30 consecutive days, your cover might be invalidated. This is something to watch if you store your car at a workshop or a remote lock-up that isn't visited daily.
Lastly, remember the theft conditions. If there is no evidence of force or malicious damage, or if you left the keys near the car, they probably won't pay out. It is all about being a responsible owner. If you take care of the security, TDA will take care of the risk. Always keep your paperwork and photos updated, especially if you add new modifications to the car during its downtime.
So, if you’ve got a project car gathering dust or a track toy waiting for the season to start, don't leave it to chance. Check out the options from TDA and get your SORN and Laid Up Insurance for Cars sorted. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind while you're waiting for that next track day or finishing off your build.
