Warning to anyone with a dashcam as little-known mistake can invalidate insurance

Motorist with a dash cam fitted into their car may accidentally be doing more harm than good to their insurance.

According to the RAC, around 2.9 million people in the UK currently have the handy security device fitted into their vehicle. Due to the added protection dash cams bring from risks such as fraudulent claims and thefts, some insurance providers may offer lower policy premiums for motorists who have one fitted.

However, Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Van Leasing, has warned that in some cases, you may actually invalidate your claim with a dash cam. This is due to the fact that some dash cams are hard-wired to the vehicle's battery so they're always one.

Read more: Parents warned as popular baby car seat recalled over safety fears

He explains: “It’s frustrating to think that doing something proactive to protect yourself from a claim, or even theft, might come back to bite you, but motorists need to be aware of the legalities concerning dash cams.

“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.

“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.

“While a plug-in dash cam is considered a simple accessory in the eyes of most insurers, a hard-wired dash cam is deemed to be a ‘modification’ to your vehicle, and you need to notify your insurer that you’ve got one fitted.

“If you don’t, and the worst does ultimately happen, you might not be covered against a claim - even though you could have clear evidence to prove any wrongdoing.”

Louise