Laying up a car for winter: SORN, battery care and storage

Car Maintenance11/13/2026
Laying up a car for winter: SORN, battery and storage tips | Rooster

If you have a second car, a classic or a convertible that sits unused from November to March, laying it up properly can save you money and stop it deteriorating. Batteries go flat, tyres develop flat spots and damp gets in when a car is left to its own devices.

This guide covers when and how to declare SORN, what happens to tax and insurance, and the practical steps to keep a stored car in good shape.

Last updated 9 November 2026. SORN rules come from GOV.UK.

Key takeaways

  • A Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) means you do not have to tax or insure the car, but it must be kept off public roads.
  • You can SORN online for free. You get a refund for any full months of tax left.
  • You can only drive a SORN car on the road to a pre-booked MOT, and it must be insured.
  • Keep the battery charged with a smart charger, inflate the tyres and store the car clean, dry and covered.
  • When you want to use the car again, tax it before driving, and insure it.

In this guide

What is SORN?

A Statutory Off Road Notification tells the DVLA that a vehicle is being kept off the road. Once you have declared SORN:

  • you do not have to pay vehicle tax
  • you do not need insurance by law (but see below)
  • the car must be kept in a garage, on a driveway or on private land, not on a public road

If a car is untaxed and not SORN, you can be fined, and it can be clamped or removed. Our guide on when and how to SORN your car has the full process.

How to SORN a car

  1. Have your V5C logbook, or the reference number from a new keeper slip or tax reminder, ready.
  2. Go to the SORN page on GOV.UK, or call the DVLA.
  3. Declare SORN. It takes effect straight away.
  4. You will get a refund of any full months of tax remaining, and any direct debit stops automatically.

SORN is free and lasts until you tax the car, sell it or scrap it.

Do I still need insurance?

If the car is SORN, you do not legally need to insure it. But an uninsured car parked at home is not covered for theft, fire, vandalism, flood or a falling tree.

Some insurers offer laid-up or off-road cover, which protects against these risks for less than a full policy. If you own a valuable or classic car, it is worth considering. See can you insure a SORN car, and should you?

Preparing the car for storage

  • Clean it thoroughly, inside and out, including the underside, to remove road salt. Dry it fully. See our guide to road salt and rust.
  • Wax the paint for extra protection.
  • Fill the fuel tank to reduce condensation inside it, unless your handbook says otherwise.
  • Change the oil if it is due, as old oil contains acids that can damage the engine.
  • Top up coolant with the right antifreeze mix.
  • Inflate the tyres to the upper end of the recommended pressure to reduce flat spots. For long lay-ups, move the car a little every few weeks.
  • Keep the battery charged with a smart charger or maintainer, or disconnect it if you cannot.
  • Release the handbrake if it is safe to do so on private, level ground, and use wheel chocks. This stops the brakes seizing. Do not do this on a slope or on the road.
  • Leave a window open slightly in a secure garage, or use moisture traps to prevent damp and mould.
  • Use a breathable car cover. A plastic sheet traps moisture.
  • Deter pests in garages and barns, as mice can chew wiring.

Bringing the car back on the road

  1. Tax the car online. You cannot drive it on the road until it is taxed, unless you are going to a pre-booked MOT.
  2. Make sure it is insured.
  3. Check the MOT is valid.
  4. Reconnect or check the battery.
  5. Check tyre pressures, fluid levels and lights.
  6. Drive gently at first, testing the brakes, which may have a light layer of surface rust.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep a SORN car on the road outside my house?

No. A SORN car must be kept off public roads. A driveway, garage or private land is fine.

Do I need an MOT if my car is SORN?

No, but it will need a valid MOT before you can tax it again, unless it is exempt. You can drive it to a pre-booked MOT test while it is SORN, as long as it is insured.

Can I start the engine while it is SORN?

Yes, on private land. Starting it briefly does not help the battery much, though. A smart charger is more effective.

Sources and further reading