Despite the fact that installing a dashboard camera could help exonerate these innocent motorists and that 94% of drivers are aware of the technology, just 15% have installed one, the study by comparison site uSwitch.com found.

Almost half of drivers said they doubted the new technology would cut the cost of their car insurance premium.

However, more than nine in ten motorists recognise that a dashcam could prove their innocence in the event of a claim while a further 86% said protection against fraudulent claims was the biggest benefit of having one.

More than a third (35%) believed that having a dashcam fitted in their car would make them a better driver – all of which could help keep their premiums down.

The belief that dashcams are expensive to buy is putting more drivers off. Four in ten (40%) said that the cost is stopping them forking out for a dashcam, even though they are available for as little as £50. A further quarter of motorists (23%) said having a dashcam would make their car more desirable to thieves.

uSwitch.com is calling for insurers to offer discounts for motorists willing to install a dashcam in their car, in the same way that many do for ‘black box’ or telematics.

Rod Jones, insurance expert at the comparison site said: “Unfortunately, it’s not a case of innocent until proven guilty when it comes to car insurance. With so many motorists facing hefty insurance premium increases after making a claim, anything they can do to prove their innocence should get the green light.

“Installing dashcams in cars could save both drivers and insurers time and money. However, not enough insurers will take these devices into account when they quote. The insurance industry needs to follow AXA and Swiftcover’s lead and offer dashcam discounts in the same way that many providers already do for telematics. Any new technology that helps responsible drivers keep the brakes on rising premiums should be embraced.”

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