Quick questions about second car SORN

[BHML]

Hi,

Having acquired a C63 AMG recently and the fuel bills that comes with it I have quickly come to realise that I need a second car as a runabout for shopping, dropping kids off at school, etc.

My policy is up for renewal at end of November, at which time I'll be looking at multi-car policies.

1) However if I do buy a second car in the meantime (if I see one that I cannot pass up on) can I sorn it and keep it in my driveway until end of November, at which time I can get the multi-car policy?

2) Can I buy a second car and drive it to my driveway on my existing policy (it lets me drive any car third party)

3) if the second car has any tax, I will need to ask for a tax refund, in order to sorn the car, is that right?

4) do insurance co's "frown" upon sorned cars, or just start a new policy without worries?

[judas]

BHML said:

2) Can I buy a second car and drive it to my driveway on my existing policy (it lets me drive any car third party)

Check the small print very carefully - most policies state that this covers you only for driving cars not belonging to you and not hired. Technically, once you've bought it this cover wouldn't apply and if you got stopped or in an accident you might find yourself deep in it.

[BHML]

judas said:

BHML said:

2) Can I buy a second car and drive it to my driveway on my existing policy (it lets me drive any car third party)

Check the small print very carefully - most policies state that this covers you only for driving cars not belonging to you and not hired. Technically, once you've bought it this cover wouldn't apply and if you got stopped or in an accident you might find yourself deep in it.

Thanks - are there any companies that offer 24 hour insurance for a one off payment?

[judas]

Here's one: http://www.dayinsure.com/ - have a google for day insurance. Alternatively, call your insurance company and ask them to temporarily add the new car to your current policy - it will probably be cheaper than getting separate day insurance.

I've had to use day insurance a few times myself but it's not cheap for what it is.

[Ozzie Osmond]

BHML said:

Having acquired a C63 AMG recently and the fuel bills that comes with it I have quickly come to realise that I need a second car as a runabout for shopping, dropping kids off at school, etc.

I should check your sums! If you think you can save enough fuel in the Merc to,

• Buy
• Tax
• Insure
• Maintain
• Depreciate
• Buy fuel for

a second car I think you've got your numbers wrong!

[judas]

Ozzie Osmond said:

I should check your sums! If you think you can save enough fuel in the Merc to,

• Buy
• Tax
• Insure
• Maintain
• Depreciate
• Buy fuel for

a second car I think you've got your numbers wrong!

Man maths is never wrong. Never

[BHML]

1) I am looking to spend £1000 max on a sheddy car, ideally around £600-800

2) using the Merc less saves on tyre wear, as well & general wear and tear (I am planning to keep it forever)

3) Need a sheddy car for winter (not taking the Merc out in snow!)

[andyps]

BHML said:

1) I am looking to spend £1000 max on a sheddy car, ideally around £600-800

2) using the Merc less saves on tyre wear, as well & general wear and tear (I am planning to keep it forever)

3) Need a sheddy car for winter (not taking the Merc out in snow!)

Perfect logic which would really relate in man maths.

You need to surrender tax for SORN, and if not insured do have to declare SORN (stupid law in my view, but the reality). What becomes a pain is if you surrender tax to declare SORN and then want to re-tax in a short time period as the system doesn't catch up quick enough, and potentially you end up paying tax for the same month twice so factor that in the money equation relating to temporary insurance - or take a chance that it won't be recognised that you have tax without insurance for a couple of weeks.

Insurance companies don't mind SORN, they won't ask in my experience.