Dashcams and car insurance

MrA2012

I was thinking of getting a dashcam and having it professionally fitted/wired in to my car. I called my insurance company to check if it counted as a modification and whether it would make a difference to my policy. To my surprise, I was told that they probably wouldn't insure me if I fitted a dashcam!

If anyone else has had a dashcam fitted (or wired it in themselves) what affect did it have on your insurance? Can anyone recommend a decent, reputable car insurance company that is dashcam-friendly?

stator

I would be very surprised if they refused to cover you. What they tell you on the phone is often wrong, the people in call centres don't understand much.

Switcover are the only insurer I know that offer a discount for Dashcam drivers.
Remember the camera could be used against you if you make a mistake too

forgotmyname

If its not wired in then its not a modification. Just the same as plugging a satnav or phone in and sticking it on a temporary cradle.

Ive seen adverts where some companies offer a discount, but they maybe more expensive to start with.

Phone your insurer again and speak to a different person, you may get a different answer unless its a company that dont like cars that are not exactly as they left the factory.

MrA2012

If I get one I'd want it wired in properly to avoid trailing wires and keep the power socket free. I believe they are connected to the fuse box if you get them installed professionally? That's why I wanted to check if it counted as a "modification". However, they seemed more concerned about it being on display and therefore increasing the risk (although I intended to make it as discrete as possible).

It wasn't just that person's opinion, though. They told me that the system came up with "do not insure" when they selected options for a dashboard camera. My policy is up for renewal soon, so I'll ask when I phone around for quotes.

I've now spoken to my father, who has a dashcam in his car, properly installed with no visible wires and connected to the fuse box so it turns on and off with the ignition. He is insured with Zurich and apparently they told him it made no difference to his policy.

forgotmyname

No matter how discreet it will be visible to those that make a living from relieving people of their property.