Dashcams Are the New Trend in UK Cars—But One Tiny Oversight Could Leave You Out of Coverage
More British drivers than ever are splicing a camera into their dashboard, but don’t let that fancy gadget become your downfall. A recent roundup by motoring experts at Tiger.co.uk shows 62 % of motorists have switched on a dashcam, seeing it as a shield against fraud and a handy backup for insurance disputes. Yet 76 % of these gear‑heads don’t realise that hard‑wiring the camera is a vehicle modification, and failing to give the insurer a heads‑up could invalidate their policy.
Why Dashcams Are Gaining Ground
In the era of the cost‑of‑living crunch and dodgy road‑crime, dashcams are the go‑to tool for:
- Documenting real‑time accidents and proving who did what.
- Preventing “crash‑for‑cash” scams—where criminals stage a collision or fake an incident to pocket insurance money.
- Re‑instating confidence after vehicle theft or other crime.
Between June 2021 and July 2024 alone, these contrivances cost the City of London Police an estimated £70 million in bogus claims. That’s a fortune! And it’s the rising popularity of dashcams that helps curb that number.
Hard‑Wiring vs. Easy‑Plug‑In
There’s a difference between a dashcam that plugs into the USB port or a smartphone app (generally safe) and one that snags into the car’s electrical system.
- Hard‑wired dashcams count as a modification, because they alter how the car was originally built.
- Connecting via USB or an app is technically not a modification, but still it’s wise to inform your insurer—some companies may actually offer lower premiums for featuring added safety gear.
What to Tweak Before Installing a Dashcorder
Before you set up that circled camera, think about these key points:
- Location – Don’t let it block your view or get in the way of safety equipment.
- Connection Method – Decide whether you want a simple USB plug or a more integrated hard‑wired setup.
- Legal Compliance – Make sure any footage or audio capture follows GDPR so you don’t get in trouble later.
- Insurance Disclosure – Tell your provider if you’re hard‑wired; if you’re not, still let them know anyway.
If you keep your insurer in the loop, they often view the dashcam as a security upgrade that can actually reduce your premiums and keep the roof above your head.
Anyone will remember that moment when a dashcam saves you from a fat, fake claim and becomes a celebrity in its own right.
Words From The Director Who Knows
Ian Wilson, Director at Tiger.co.uk summed it up: “Dashcams have surged as motorists try to protect themselves against the growing menace of fake ‘crash‑for‑cash’ incidents. They’re not just great for evidence; they can also be a gateway to lower premiums if your insurer is in the loop. If you’re hard‑wired, the dashcam rewires the car’s original spec. That’s a modification, and it must be declared. Before you install, think about placement and privacy compliance. Once you’re informed, many insurers see the dashcam as an added safety belt.”
Key Takeaway
Own a dashcam? Check how you’re wired it and inform your insurer. That small extra step is the difference between an extra layer of security and an unexpected insurance void. Stay safe, stay insured, and keep that camera rolling—without the voids!
