Son's Car Insurance

UnsureAboutthis

Not having insurance and parked up/SORN/etc/etc, is a risk
in itself, if the car is worth more than peanuts, ie a couple of thousand.

What if it gets stolen, vandalised, or the roof tiles come down on it?

In the scheme of things, I'd weigh up the risks of having no insurance and
how much are you prepared to lose in a worst-case scenario?

Pleasereleaseme

Thanks all... much appreciated.  I'm veering on the side of paying it in full so it's insured for his return and I can take it out for a spin once a week or so to keep it running. Cheers

UnsureAboutthis

Pleasereleaseme said:

Thanks all... much appreciated.  I'm veering on the side of paying it in full so it's insured for his return and I can take it out for a spin once a week or so to keep it running. Cheers

Good decision for peace of mind and to keep the car in good condition.

born_again

Pleasereleaseme said:

Thanks all... much appreciated.  I'm veering on the side of paying it in full so it's insured for his return and I can take it out for a spin once a week or so to keep it running. Cheers

What does son say about it given their car & they should be paying for the insurance?

davidbrooks55

I’ve been in a similar situation before with a car sitting unused for months. If you declare a SORN, you won’t have to pay insurance while the car isn’t being driven, which can save quite a bit. The main thing to watch out for is that when your son insures it again next year, some insurers might ask about any gaps in coverage—but usually it doesn’t massively affect premiums, especially if he’s already an experienced driver.

One thing I’d consider is making sure the car is stored safely and maybe keeping it in good running order while it’s off the road—batteries can die, tires can flat-spot, etc.

Herzlos

Pleasereleaseme said:

Thanks all... much appreciated.  I'm veering on the side of paying it in full so it's insured for his return and I can take it out for a spin once a week or so to keep it running. Cheers

I'd check with his insurer that they are happy for him to be the main driver with such an absence.

It's still his car and he'll be the main user when he gets back, but until then you'll be the only user and presumably it's staying at your address and not his. 

Is he paying any kind of finance on it? or have any plans to change it in the near future? It may be more MSE (and less hassle) to sell it and buy a new one on return.