- Motoring experts have urged drivers with wired dash cameras to do THIS
- A staggering 2.9 million drivers across the UK have a dash cam installed in their car.
Motoring experts have warned drivers across the UK about a “little-known” bug that could invalidate their car insurance.
From detecting illegal maneuvers on the highway to protecting drivers from fraudulent claims, dash cameras have come to the rescue of many.
Dashboard cameras are so in demand that a staggering 2.9 million motorists are thought to use them on UK roads, the RAC reports.
Although the accessory has several advantages, including cheaper insurance and lower premiums, a small mistake could void your coverage.
General Director at Select van rentalGraham Conway has urged motorists to notify their insurance providers if the device is connected to their car.
Motoring experts have issued a stern warning to dash cam users over a ‘little known’ bug that could void their car insurance (stock image)
Many dash cans simply require users to plug them in through the vehicle’s USB port or cigarette lighter.
However, while a wired dash cam has several advantages, such as staying on when no one is present or when the engine is not running, it is considered a retrofit.
Car insurance comparison site Confused.com also confirmed that an insurer would need to be notified about a wired dash cam.
“It’s frustrating to think that doing something proactive to protect yourself from a claim, or even theft, could backfire on you, but motorists need to be aware of the legalities surrounding dash cameras,” Graham Conway said.
He explained that many more expensive devices are not plug-in and must be connected directly to the car battery.
“If you don’t, and the worst happens in the end, you may not be covered against a claim, even though you may have clear evidence to prove any wrongdoing.”
Explaining the various benefits of a wired dash cam, he divulged that they offer “additional protection” as they remain on even when the driver is not present and when the engine is off.
He added: “While a plug-in dash cam is considered a simple accessory in the eyes of most insurers, a wired dash cam is considered a ‘modification’ to your vehicle, and you must notify your insurer that you have I have one installed
“If you don’t, and the worst happens in the end, you may not be covered against a claim, even though you may have clear evidence to prove any wrongdoing.”
Select Van Leasing’s Graham Conway urged those with a hard-wired dash cam to notify their insurance provider as the installation is classed as a “modification” (stock image)
The warning comes shortly after drivers’ camera submissions to police increased by 77 per cent in just two years.
26 of the 43 regional police forces in England and Wales responded to a Freedom of Information request lodged by dash cam experts iCompario and the results show that more and more motorists are highlighting questionable driving.
In 2023, an average of 342 dash cam images were submitted to police each day, a total of 72,000 videos, FOI shows.
The number of submissions has increased each year following the launch of the Police Operation Snap dash cam portal in December 2017.
And much of what is sent is usable by the police. It is suggested that around 70 per cent of dashboard camera footage submissions lead to police action, from warning letters to penalty points, prosecutions and fines, and potentially even jail sentences.
An estimated 90,000 fines have been issued because of “DIY traffic cops.”