Motoring experts have warned drivers across the UK about a ‘little-known’ mistake which could invalidate their car insurance.

From spotting illegal manoeuvres on the motorway to protecting drivers from crooked claims, dash cams have come to the rescue for many.

Dash cams are becoming so in demand a staggering 2.9 million motorists are believed to be using them on UK roads, the RAC reports.

Although the accessory boasts several advantages including cheaper insurance and lower premiums – one small mistake could render your coverage void.

Managing Director at Select Van Leasing, Graham Conway, has urged motorists to notify their insurance providers if the device is hard-wired into their car.

Motoring experts have issued a stark warning to dashcam users about a ‘little known’ mistake which could render their car insurance void (stock image)

Many dash cans simply require users to plug them in via the vehicle’s USB port or cigarette lighter.

However while a hard-wired dash-cam boasts several advantages such as remaining on whilst no one is present or when the engine isn’t on – it is considered a modification.

Car insurance comparison site, Confused.com, also confirmed an insurer would need to be notified of a wired dash cam.

‘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,’ Graham Conway said.

He explained that many pricier devices are not plug-ins and need to be connected directly to the car’s battery.

‘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.

Explaining the several benefits of a wired dash-cam, he divulged they offer ‘added protection’ as they remain on even when the driver isn’t present and when the engine is off.

He added: ‘While a plug-in dashcam is considered a simple accessory in the eyes of most insurers, a hard-wired dashcam 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.’

Graham Conway from Select Van Leasing urged those with a hard-wired dashcam to notify their insurance provide as the installation is classed as a ‘modification’ (stock image)

The warning comes shortly after driver dashcam submissions to police rose by 77 per cent in only two years. 

26 out of 43 regional police forces across England and Wales responded to a Freedom of Information request submitted by dashcam experts iCompario and the findings show more motorists are highlighting dodgy driving. 

An average of 342 pieces of dashcam footage were submitted to the police every day in 2023 – a total of 72,000 videos – the FOI shows.

The number of submissions has risen every year following the rollout of the Police Operation Snap dashcam portal in December 2017.

And much of what is sent in is usable by police. It is suggested that roughly 70 per cent of dash cam footage submissions leading to police action – from warning letters to penalty points, prosecutions and fines, and potentially even jail time.

An estimated 90,000 fines have been dished out because of ‘DIY traffic cops’.