SORN, car with mechanic

Ascenn

My car is currently with a garage being repaired but they are closed for christmas. My insurance has ended and I am not sure about renewing just yet as the car might end up costing more than its worth. With the car without insurance, I have declared a SORN on it. Will this be problematic for the garage?

Aylesbury_Duck

It'll be a problem if they move it onto the highway to test it or just to park it out of the way whilst it's still SORNd. If you're sure they'll do neither, it'll be fine.

Ascenn

Also are they liable for damage/theft of the car since it is in their possession (law of bailment) despite the car being uninsured by myself?

Aylesbury_Duck

I've no idea, but if I were you I would have checked that before leaving the car with them over Christmas and letting your insurance lapse.

facade

Ascenn wrote: »

Also are they liable for damage/theft of the car since it is in their possession (law of bailment) despite the car being uninsured by myself?

Not if they take reasonable care of it. If it is stolen or set on fire whilst parked up and locked normally on their property you would get nothing.

EdGasketTheSecond

facade wrote: »

Not if they take reasonable care of it. If it is stolen or set on fire whilst parked up and locked normally on their property you would get nothing.

The garage should have their own insurance cover for these perils, no?

Ascenn

Just an update, the garage has said they have parked the car outside, which means i have to undo the sorn and tax the car. They have also said their insurance only covers them whilst driving the cars so they are not liable for fire/theft...

I really should have checked first... this is my bad.

Aylesbury_Duck

Well done for finding out, get it taxed and insured immediately.

facade

EdGasketTheSecond wrote: »

The garage should have their own insurance cover for these perils, no?

Why?



Their insurance would cover loss or damage caused by the negligence of the garage. Leaving a locked car parked outside would not be negligent (unless it was a fiesta and the garage was in my street ).


Law of Bailment requires that you take reasonable care, I'd suggest that means take care of it as if it were your own, if you'd happily park your own car there then that would be reasonable.