Britain’s major car insurers are failing to offer discounts to policyholders who fit dashcams to record third party incidents, says smartdriverclub.
Cardiff-based Confused.com is the only comparison site which asked about a dashcam (shown fitted in Citroen C3) when compiling data and before giving quotes while fellow Welsh insurance business Admiral allowed a 3% premium discount for a camera-equipped vehicle.
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. 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% 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.”
Cardiff drivers are paying the highest premiums in Wales at approximately £771.21, but that’s just 44% of the typical cost in West London.
The Welsh average is £767.76and the cheapest average is Llandrindod Wells at £572.79 according to GoCompare.
