Why you can’t pause a policy
All Marshmallow policies are 12-month fixed-term contracts. That means they can’t be paused, frozen, or extended mid-term for any reason. If your circumstances change and you’re not planning to drive for a while, here’s what you need to know instead.
What to do if you won’t be driving your car
Option 1: Declare your car off the road (SORN)
If your car won’t be used or parked on a public road, you can declare it as off the road using a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN) through the DVLA. You can do this if:
You’re going abroad for an extended time.
Your car is broken and you’re not fixing it soon.
You don’t have a valid licence or cannot legally drive.
You’re simply not planning to drive for a while.
⚠️ A SORN car must not be driven or parked on any public road.
✅ Your Marshmallow policy can remain active during a SORN period. You’ll still be insured for:
Theft
Vandalism
Storm or weather damage
Other risks while parked
Option 2: Cancel your policy
If you no longer need insurance—such as if your car is parked off-road and you're not worried about theft or damage—you can choose to cancel your policy.
Please note:
Your vehicle won’t be covered once your policy is cancelled.
If your car is not declared SORN and not insured, you could be fined. This is because all vehicles must be insured unless SORN is in place.
Important reminder about the law
It is a legal requirement in the UK to have valid insurance on any car that is:
Being driven
Parked on public roads
You do not need insurance only if the car is SORN and parked off-road.