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Campervans Motorhomes

Should I SORN my Campervan or Motorhome?

Published 27 April 2022 | Last updated 13 October 2025

If your home on wheels is taking a break from the open road, you might be wondering whether to declare it SORN. This handy guide walks you through what it means, when and how to do it, how it affects your tax and insurance, and how to keep your camper safe while it’s not in use.

If your campervan or motorhome is laid up for months at a time, such as over the winter, it may be time to consider applying for Statutory Off-Road Notification, commonly known as SORN. Even though this will be a cost-effective option for many campervan owners, there are still implications that should be considered before taking this route.

Registering for SORN is common in the UK, where in March 2020 there were 526,747 declarations alone. Given how common this process is, we explain everything you need to know about registering and taking your campervan off the road (SORN). This includes MOT and insurance requirements, as well as where the vehicle must be kept during this period.

What Does SORN Mean?

For road users who may be unfamiliar with taking their vehicles off of roads, SORN stands for ‘Statutory Off-Road Notification’ and this process is handled by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

SORN describes when a vehicle owner notifies the government that they have taken their vehicle off public roads. During this time, you won’t have to tax your vehicle or pay for insurance.

When a vehicle is laid up (SORN), whether a campervan or motorhome, it will not be allowed on public roads and cannot be parked in the street. Before you can legally SORN a campervan, it will need to be laid up on a private driveway or garage.

Once the SORN is in place, it will stay in place until you tax or sell the car, so there is no need to renew it. Previously, SORN was only valid for 12-months, but it’s now indefinite.

VW T2 Bay stored off the road - should I SORN my campervan?

How Do I SORN My Campervan?

Registering for a SORN is a straightforward process, handled via the DVLA. This can be achieved in one of three ways:

Complete a SORN registration online through the government site
Send a V890 form via post to

DVLA,

Swansea,

SA99 1AR

Contact the DVLA via 0300 123 4321

Before registering your campervan for a SORN, you will need to have to hand certain items of information about the vehicle.

✓ The 16-digit number from your V11 (which is a reminder about vehicle tax issued by the government)

✓ Your V5C 11-digit reference number for the vehicle (or your logbook)

Why Should I SORN My Campervan?

The main reason why people choose to SORN their vehicles is to save money on road tax. It also might make sense to SORN your camper if you know you won’t be using it for a significant period of time, such as during the winter or if you’re renovating it.

Commonly, camper owners decide to register their vehicle with a SORN for one of the following reasons:

✓ If they don’t plan on driving over the winter

✓ If the vehicle is in the garage for repairs or restorations

✓ If the driver is recovering from an injury and can’t drive for several months

✓ If they will be travelling abroad for a long period, without taking their campervan

✓ If they have a temporary driving ban

✓ If a change in financial circumstances means they cannot afford to keep their camper on the road permanently

Regardless of the reason, if you make the decision to SORN your camper, you need to be aware of the legal implications involved. This means drivers are legally prohibited from using public roads, even for parking.

Working on a project camper, or doing some resotorations on your pride and joy? Insure with us and enjoy an exclusive discount on vehicle parts from our sister company, Just Kampers.

Get a quote today to see how much you could save!

Should I Lay-up My Camper During the Winter?

Driving a campervan or motorhome during winter does not appeal to everyone. And so, registering to SORN a campervan is a practical way to save money on tax when your vehicle is inactive.

Although there are definitely some benefits to off-season camping, for some, winter touring in a campervan can seem impractical or even risky without the right preparation, especially if your vehicle hasn’t been winterised. From challenging driving conditions to trying to keep one warm, you might decide that driving a camper in the winter is not right for you.

A blue VW T2 Bay camper parked on the road in the snow

Where Can I Keep a Laid-Up Campervan?

By laying-up your campervan, you have declared to the DVLA that you will not be using it to drive on UK roads. As a result, your camper needs to be stored off the road.

Suitable places to keep a campervan or motorhome that has been laid-up, include:

in a garage
on a private drive
on private land
in a private parking location
in a private storage facility

Unfortunately, if the only place you can keep your campervan or motorhome is parked on a public road, then you cannot legally SORN it.

A hand holding a key with the sunset in the background

Do SORN vehicles need to be insured?

After arranging to SORN your campervan because you won’t be driving it, you legally do not need insurance for it.

However, if you cancel your campervan insurance, this does mean it will not be protected against any damage. While in storage, your camper could still be affected by:

theft
vandalism or accidental damage
fire
floods
weather damage

For this reason, many experts recommend keeping an insurance policy in place to protect your campervan, even when it’s off the road.

It’s also worth knowing that some camper and motorhome storage facilities will stipulate how vehicles need insurance cover to use their services. Be sure to check their terms and conditions if you do choose this option.

Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we offer Laid Up Cover to keep your vehicle protected while it’s off the road.

Find Out More about Laid Up Cover

Do I Need to Arrange an MOT for a Laid-Up Camper?

An MOT remains valid while a vehicle is laid up; however, if it runs out while your camper is off the road, you will need to arrange an MOT before it can be taxed and driven again.

You are legally allowed to drive any SORN vehicle on UK roads if you are travelling to a pre-booked MOT appointment. If you are stopped by the police while driving, you will likely be asked to give the appointment details, so that the police can verify your MOT booking with the garage.

How to Cancel a SORN for a Campervan

A SORN will be automatically cancelled as soon as you arrange to tax your campervan or motorhome, or if you sell it and the registered keeper changes.

Final Thoughts on Declaring Your Campervan as SORN

Whether or not you choose to SORN your campervan, it’s important to ensure it’s fully protected at all times with an insurance policy that works for you. Here at Just Kampers Insurance, we’ve been keeping campervans protected since 1998, so we know exactly what you need. Find out more information about campervan and motorhome insurance and enjoy complete peace of mind.

While it might be beneficial to save money on road tax by laying up your camper, cancelling insurance can end up costing you a lot more if damage occurs whilst it’s in storage, so it’s best to keep it insured for peace of mind.

Get Competitive Camper Insurance for the Full Year

Stay safe in the knowledge that you’re completely covered, with a competitive campervan insurance policy from Just Kampers Insurance. Our team are experts when it comes to arranging policies to suit individual needs. So whether you have a coveted classic camper or a modern campervan, get a quote today to see what we offer.

What Does SORN Mean?
How Do I SORN My Campervan?
Why Should I SORN My Campervan?
Should I Lay-up My Camper During the Winter?
Where Can I Keep a Laid-Up Campervan?
Do SORN vehicles need to be insured?
Do I Need to Arrange an MOT for a Laid-Up Camper?
How to Cancel a SORN for a Campervan
Final Thoughts on Declaring Your Campervan as SORN
Get Competitive Camper Insurance for the Full Year

What Should I Do and Not Do if I Have an Accident? FAQs

Do I need to tell my insurer about an accident if I’m not making a claim?

Yes, you should still notify your insurer about the incident, even if you don’t intend to claim for damage to your own vehicle. Your policy may require you to report incidents which could potentially lead to a claim, particularly if another driver later decides to make a claim against you.
Reporting the accident promptly also ensures your insurer has a record of your version of events.

How quickly should I contact Just Kampers Insurance after an accident?

You should report an accident as soon as reasonably possible. Having your policy number, details of what happened, information about the other people and vehicles involved, photographs and any witness details to hand can help make the process easier. Just Kampers Insurance customers have access to a claims service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Will I have to pay my excess if the accident wasn’t my fault?

If you make a claim through your own insurance policy, your policy excess may still be payable initially. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may subsequently be able to recover this from the responsible party.

Your claims handler can explain what applies to your particular claim and whether your excess may be recoverable.

Can legal protection help if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Just Kampers Insurance policies include legal protection, which can provide assistance following a non-fault accident, subject to the policy terms, limits and exclusions.

This can include help pursuing eligible uninsured losses, such as an excess you have paid, as well as assistance with certain legal expenses, vehicle hire or claims relating to injuries and other losses.

Will I get a courtesy car while my vehicle is being repaired?

This will depend on your cover and how your claim is handled. If you make a claim under a comprehensive policy and use an approved repairer, a courtesy car may be available for the duration of the repairs, subject to availability.

Different arrangements may apply following a non-fault accident, so speak to your claims handler before arranging alternative transport yourself.

What happens if my campervan or motorhome is written off?

Your insurer will assess the vehicle and the terms of your policy before determining how the claim will be settled.

This is particularly important for classic, converted and specialist vehicles, where modifications and the vehicle’s specification can have a significant impact on its value. If your policy includes Agreed Value cover, check your policy documents to understand how this applies to a total-loss claim.

What if modifications to my campervan are damaged in the accident?

Make sure you tell your claims handler about damage to modifications and converted parts of the vehicle, rather than documenting only the exterior bodywork.

Photograph damaged pop-tops, awnings, furniture, fitted equipment and other converted elements where it is safe to do so. Keeping photographs and documentation relating to modifications before an accident can also help demonstrate your vehicle’s specification and condition.

Should I arrange my own garage to repair the vehicle?

Speak to your insurer or claims handler before authorising significant repairs. The insurer may need to inspect the vehicle, review photographs or agree repair costs before work begins.

This can be especially important with classic vehicles, campervans and motorhomes, where specialist components or conversion work may require particular expertise.

What should I do if the other driver’s insurer contacts me directly?

Don’t ignore correspondence about the accident, but avoid getting drawn into discussions about liability or agreeing a settlement without speaking to your insurer.

Just Kampers Insurance advises customers to forward third-party correspondence unanswered so it can be dealt with appropriately.

What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance or leaves the scene?

Gather as much information as you safely can, including the vehicle registration, make, model and colour, photographs or dashcam footage, and witness details.

Don’t attempt to chase a vehicle that leaves the scene. Report the incident to the police where required and contact your insurer promptly so they can advise you on the next steps.

Can I claim for belongings damaged inside my campervan or motorhome?

Whether damaged belongings are covered will depend on your individual policy and the cover you have selected.

If items inside your vehicle are damaged in an accident, photograph them and keep any evidence of ownership and value, such as receipts. Don’t dispose of damaged items until you have spoken to your claims handler.

What happens to my no-claims bonus after an accident?

The effect on your no-claims bonus will depend on factors including how the claim is recorded and the terms of your policy. Even where you have a protected no-claims bonus, a fault or pending claim may still affect future insurance premiums.

Check your policy documents or speak to the Just Kampers Insurance team if you’re unsure how a particular claim could affect your policy.

What information should I have ready when I report an accident?

It helps to have as much information as possible available, including your policy number, the date and location of the accident, details of the other driver and vehicle, photographs of the scene and damage, witness details, dashcam footage and any police reference number.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything immediately. Report the incident promptly, and your claims handler can explain what additional information may be needed.

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Written by: Jason Sims

Jason is a Senior Marketing Executive at Just Kampers who is a fully-fledged VW enthusiast, with over 20 years’ experience in keeping Volkswagens old and new on the road, he currently owns a 69 Cal Look Beetle, and enjoys attending VW shows and Camping with friends and family.