Dash cam car insurance myth BUSTED - It may not actually save you cash, here’s why
IT HAS been generally perceived that dash cams can reduce the cost of your car insurance premium, as they offer evidence in the instance of a crash and can therefore determine blame, but this is not strictly true. Dash cams are small cameras mounted to the dashboard that record footage while driving.
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Dash cams can give you piece of mind while on the road.
The small dashboard-mounted cameras record high quality video clips, which could help protect you from a false claim in the case of a crash.
For years, it has been perceived that these devices can also see a driver receive a discount on their car insurance premium.
In 2017, Halford reported that sales of dash cams had increased by 104 per cent and GoCompare revealed that you can save 10 to 15 per cent off the cost of your insurance premium.
However, new research by Smartdriverclub suggests that not every motorists will benefit from having a dashcam in their vehicle.
According to their research, latest consumer tests revealed that a quarter of dash cams sold in the UK are not fit for purpose.
Research into 10 of the top motor insurance providers in the UK also revealed that not one will guarantee you a discount on your insurance premium.
In addition, only one price comparison site - Confused.com – allows motorists to state that they have a dashcam when they are shopping for a motor insurance quote.
This enables them to secure a three per cent discount on their premium from motor insurer Admiral.
However, there are a number of car insurance providers that will offer you a disocunt on your car insurance premum.
In addition to this, dash cams offer drivers more than just insurance discounts, as they can be used as evidence in the case of an accident to make a claim.
Penny Searles, CEO of Smartdriverclub said: “A small number of insurers offer a discount for a dashcam but motorists have to look really hard to find them.
A small number of insurers offer a discount for a dashcam but motorists have to look really hard to find them
“This is because only a few insurers are geared up to accept the video footage as part of an insurance claim.
“This situation isn’t likely to change as the motor insurance industry is now focused on technology and connected car data to improve safety and lower claims costs.
“Technology is moving at such a fast pace that dashcams are going to be redundant in a few years as more and more motorists get connected car services with telematics insurance that give them the peace of mind they want.
“Telematics insurance will prove their innocence in an accident, without the upfront outlay for the tech.
“It also offers the potential for insurance premium savings of up to 42 per cent at renewal putting any discounts offered for dashcams in the shade.
“Motorists are having a hard enough time as it is right now so we would caution against paying out for a dashcam in the expectation of a hefty insurance premium discount.
“We urge motorists to take advantage of connected services that make your motor more intelligent. It’s easy to get connected and it’s free as part of your insurance cover.”