If you own a vehicle you don’t use, you might think there’s no need to tax it. However, the law doesn’t see it the same way, which means you must SORN your car to avoid receiving a nasty letter.
Of course, you might not have heard of the process before, never mind how to do it and why it’s essential. In this short guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider to adhere to the rules of the road and get peace of mind.
What is SORN?
SORN stands for Statutory Off Road Notification. In short, it means that any vehicle that is on the SORN database is considered to be off the road. As a result, you don’t have to waste money on tax, MOT and insurance because the DVLA are aware of your circumstances.
Why is SORN important?
For the DVLA, SORN is a way to make sure that cars are always properly taxed. Before the internet and technological devices took off, it was challenging for the agency to know if vehicles were legally off the road or untaxed. After all, millions of cars changed hands regularly.
From your point of view, applying for a SORN can negate potentially dire consequences. Forget about the fine – it can reach £1,000 – instead, focus on your insurance policy that will be voided if it’s technically untaxed.
How do you SORN a vehicle?
The good news is, applying for SORN is incredibly easy. You can do it by post or email, yet the easiest option is to head to the government website. Here you can input your licence plate number and the corresponding 11-digit reference from the car’s V5C logbook. It’s 16-digits if you have a V11. Follow the instructions on the screen and you’ll have confirmation in a matter of minutes.
Don’t worry if you need to tax your car again. It will automatically restart when you purchase tax.
SORN or sell?
If you’re planning to SORN your car because it’s out of use, it’s worth considering whether selling would be a better option. While it might seem worthless to you, an old car can be used for part exchange on a newer model. Alternatively, it can simply be sold and used as your deposit on a new ride.
For the rest of the costs, you can count on My Car Credit. We use a large network of lenders to find great deals for drivers with a wide range of credit profiles. Use our car finance calculator today to get a better idea of the costs for your next car.
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