Renewing Car Insurance during lockdown

Ed_E_G

Hi
My mother in law's car insurance is due for renewal soon. She is 72 years old and stuck indoors owing to lockdown.
Wondered if anyone has any guidance regarding renewing her policy if she is unable to drive. I think third party, fire and theft might be an option worth exploring with current insurers. She can't declare a SORN as the vehicle will not be insured against theft or damage.

Jeremy535897

There's no harm in exploring it, but:

• if the vehicle is vandalised there may be no cover, depending on what the cover involves
• you may find that third party is dearer than comprehensive

jimi_man

If the vehicle is off the road, driveway for example, then there is nothing wrong with declaring SORN and not renewing the insurance. Obviously it could get vandalised - off road that’s pretty unlikely - or stolen - depending on the car that’s also pretty unlikely too - and then start it again when she’s ready to drive again. TPFT can often be just as expensive as Fully Comprehensive. 

Obviously if it’s on the road then it will have to stay insured. 

The_Fat_Controller

Check with your insurer, I declared a SORN and they said it was still insured for theft as it was kept in a locked garage at my home as it usually is.

SidJ

This from CAB, The law says that you must normally have at least third party motor insurance if you drive or own a vehicle. You must also have insurance if you leave it parked on the street, on your driveway or in your garage. ... You don't need motor insurance if: you have a valid Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN)

Ed_E_G

The_Fat_Controller said:

Check with your insurer, I declared a SORN and they said it was still insured for theft as it was kept in a locked garage at my home as it usually is.

Thanks - for your situation, you must be maintaining insurance cover.

gettingtheresometime

The other thing to consider is how much the insurance company will charge to make it into a comprehensive cover once your MIL starts going back out again

macman

Whats the value of the vehicle? Does she actually need comp if it's low value? Could she afford to replace it herself?