Do you need van insurance while a van is SORN? You do not need compulsory road insurance while it is genuinely kept off the public road and a valid Statutory Off Road Notification is in place. SORN does not cover theft, fire or damage, and it does not allow normal road use.
Where the van must be kept
A SORN vehicle must not be kept on a public road. A private drive, garage or land may be suitable if you have permission to use it. Declaring SORN without moving the van off-road does not solve the legal problem.
Keeping protection without road cover
Some insurers offer laid-up or storage cover for fire, theft and accidental damage at the declared location. Read the movement restrictions; a policy intended for storage may not cover a trip to a workshop.
Driving to an MOT
There is a limited legal exception for driving to or from a pre-arranged MOT or certain test-related work, but insurance is still required and the van must be roadworthy. Check the exact rules before setting off.
Putting it back on the road
Arrange appropriate insurance and tax before ordinary use resumes. SORN normally ends when the vehicle is taxed, sold, permanently exported or scrapped; it does not transfer to a buyer.
Useful official guidance: vehicle insurance, SORN, MOTs and driving abroad.