Thousands of Brits have a dash cam installed in their car to protect them against theft and help them if they need to make a claim – but few know the device could actually be ‘invalidating’ your insurance
Dash cams have propelled into the mainstream in recent years, and could help save you thousands on a claim – but a mistake could end up invalidating your insurance.
The mini devices, which tend to be placed on the front windscreen of your car, record footage whilst you’re behind the wheel. Some even continue recording in three-minute lapses whilst you’re not in the vehicle, which is a great way to deter thieves.
They’re a great way to prove to an insurance company that you weren’t in the wrong if you’re in a crash, and can help assist police if you’ve witnessed a collision or crime nearby. However, a common mistake dash cam owners make could actually ‘invalidate’ your insurance altogether.
According to Birmingham Live, Graham Conway of Select Van Leasing says whilst investing in a dash cam is a ‘proactive’ way of protecting yourself from a claim or theft’ – it can actually ‘come back to bite you’. “Some of the more expensive dash cams on the market are wired directly to the car’s battery, rather than simply plugging-in to a socket in the vehicle’s cabin,” he said.
“Being hard-wired means the dash cam offers added protection and can remain switched on, even when the engine isn’t running so that it continues to record after the owner has vacated the driver’s seat [but it] is deemed to be a ‘modification’ to your vehicle, and you need to notify your insurer that you’ve got one fitted.”
The expert warned if you do not inform your insurance company of the modification, you might not be covered if you try and make a claim. Conway says this applies even if you have ‘clear evidence to prove any wrongdoing’.
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Earlier this year, car experts urged Brits to stop being polite behind the wheel – or risk a hefty fine. Sten Saar of Zego says giving a fellow driver a quick wave (often done as a courtesy) could land you a £1,000 fixed penalty.
This is because Rule 160 of the Highway Code requests drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel ‘as much as possible’ to keep control of their vehicle. “If you need to thank someone while driving, it’s safer to have a passenger do the waving,” Saar said. “This way, you can avoid penalties and stay focused on driving.”
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