31/10/2011
Do I Need a SORN for My Motorbike?
Navigating the world of vehicle legislation can sometimes feel like a minefield, especially when it comes to keeping your beloved motorbike legal and compliant. A common point of confusion for many riders, particularly those who only use their bikes during fairer weather or for specific seasons, is the requirement for a Statutory Off Road Notice, or SORN. So, if you're wondering whether you need to SORN your motorbike, the answer is a resounding yes, if you intend to keep it off the road and not insure or tax it. This guide will demystify the SORN process, explain what it entails, and help you decide the best approach for your riding habits.
What Exactly is a SORN?
A SORN, or Statutory Off Road Notice, is a declaration you make to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) informing them that your vehicle, in this case, your motorbike, will not be used on public roads. Essentially, it's your way of telling the authorities that your bike is being stored and will not be taxed or insured during that period. This is a crucial step for thousands of UK riders who, for example, lay up their motorbikes over the winter months and do not wish to pay for tax and insurance when they aren't riding. It’s a legal requirement to have a SORN in place if your vehicle is not taxed and insured, and you are keeping it off the public highway.
How Do I SORN My Motorbike? The Process Explained
The process of declaring your motorbike off the road is thankfully straightforward and can be done in a couple of ways. You have the flexibility to either:
- Complete a V890 application form and post it to the DVLA. This is the traditional paper-based method. You'll need to fill out the relevant sections accurately and send it off to the DVLA.
- Complete the process online. For those who prefer a quicker, digital approach, the DVLA offers an online portal. This is often the most convenient and fastest way to get your SORN sorted.
The good news is that there is no cost associated with applying for a SORN. However, it's vital to understand that a SORN is not a permanent exemption. You must ensure that your SORN is in place each time your motorbike is without both insurance and tax. If you decide to tax your bike again, the SORN is automatically cancelled, but you must then ensure it is insured and roadworthy.
What Information Do I Need to SORN My Motorbike?
To successfully declare your motorbike off the road, you'll need a couple of key pieces of information to identify your vehicle and your eligibility. These are:
- The 16-digit reference number found on your vehicle tax renewal letter (often referred to as the V11 form).
- The 11-digit reference number from your motorbike's log book, also known as the V5C registration certificate.
Having these readily available will make the SORN application process smooth and efficient. Ensure you have the most current versions of these documents.
How Long Does a SORN Last?
Once you have successfully applied for a SORN, it remains valid for 12 months from the date of application. The SORN is automatically cancelled on the day you tax your motorbike again. This is a streamlined, automated process, so you don't need to do anything further with the DVLA once you decide to put your bike back on the road and tax it. However, and this is a crucial point, remember that the moment your bike is taxed and therefore deemed back on the road, you are legally obligated to ensure it is also insured. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
Is it Worth Getting an Annual Insurance Policy? Weighing Your Options
This is where many riders face a decision: is it more cost-effective and practical to opt for an annual insurance policy, or to SORN the bike for the months it's not in use? Let's break down the considerations.
As mentioned, a SORN itself is a free service. The primary 'hassle,' if you can call it that, comes in the process of re-taxing your vehicle when you wish to use it again. If you only ride for, say, six months of the year, you might consider a six-month insurance policy. Similarly, you can choose to pay your vehicle tax every six months, although it’s worth noting there’s a small surcharge of 5% for this flexibility. This allows you to SORN your vehicle for the remaining six months when it's stored away.
The Risks of Short-Term Insurance and SORN
However, there are significant drawbacks to consider with this approach. The biggest worry when you SORN your motorbike and only take out short-term insurance is that your cover will likely only be for Fire and Theft. This means that if your bike is damaged in a non-weather-related incident while stored, or if it’s damaged by a third party in a way not covered by fire or theft, you could be left with the repair costs yourself. Furthermore, short-term insurance policies are often more expensive per month than annual policies. The administrative effort of re-taxing and re-insuring every six months can also be a factor.
Annual Insurance vs. SORN Insurance
So, should you insure annually or SORN it? Let's compare:
| Feature | Annual Insurance | SORN with Short-Term Insurance (Fire & Theft) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Potentially higher monthly cost, but often cheaper overall than multiple short-term policies. Covers 12 months. | Lower monthly cost for insurance during riding months, but potentially higher per month than annual. SORN is free. |
| Coverage | Comprehensive cover (including fire, theft, accidental damage, third-party liability) for 12 months. | Typically only covers Fire and Theft during non-riding months. Riding months require separate insurance. |
| Convenience | No hassle when deciding to ride. Bike is always ready to go (provided it’s taxed and roadworthy). | Requires administrative effort to re-tax and re-insure for riding periods. SORN needs to be in place when off-road. |
| Flexibility | Can ride whenever you wish, weather permitting. | Restricted to specific riding periods to maximise cost savings. |
| Risk | Minimal risk of being uninsured or underinsured. | Higher risk of uninsured damage if the bike is stolen or catches fire, or if you ride outside your insured period. |
The Middle Ground: SORN Insurance
There is another option to consider: a specific SORN insurance policy. These policies are designed for vehicles that are declared off the road but still require protection against fire and theft while they are stored. If you are realistic about the time you spend riding – for instance, you know you will never ride your motorbike during the winter months – this can be a very sensible and cost-effective choice. It provides a crucial layer of protection against the financial impact of fire or theft, which can be devastating.
We would never advise leaving your motorbike completely uninsured against the risks of fire and theft, even when it's in your garage or shed. It's always worth carefully weighing up the costs and benefits of each option before making your final decision. Consider your riding habits, your budget, and your tolerance for risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to SORN my motorbike if I only ride it in the summer?
A: Yes, if you are not taxing and insuring your motorbike during the winter months, you must declare it SORN to the DVLA.
Q2: What happens if I get caught riding a motorbike that is SORN?
A: Riding a motorbike that has a SORN declared is illegal and can result in fines, prosecution, and the vehicle being seized.
Q3: Does a SORN automatically mean my motorbike is insured?
A: No, a SORN only means you have declared the vehicle off the road. It does not provide any insurance cover. You must still arrange separate insurance if you wish to protect your bike against fire and theft.
Q4: Can I SORN my motorbike online?
A: Yes, the DVLA allows you to declare your motorbike off the road online, which is usually the quickest method.
Q5: If I SORN my bike for 6 months, do I need to re-apply for SORN after 6 months?
A: No, a SORN lasts for 12 months. You only need to take action when you decide to tax your bike again. If you are storing it for longer than 12 months and not taxing or insuring it, you will need to renew your SORN.
Understanding and correctly applying for a SORN is a vital part of responsible motorbike ownership. By keeping your SORN status up-to-date and making informed decisions about your insurance cover, you can ensure your motorbike remains legal and protected, whether it's on the road or safely stored away.
If you want to read more articles similar to SORN for Motorbikes: Your Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.