The gadgets have become widely popular in the UK and are seen as a valuable tool for your motor – helping protect drivers from illegal driving behaviour and even fraudulent claims.

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But now hundreds of thousands of Brits could be at risk of being fined £1,000 if they don’t admit to having a dashcam and are being urged to tell their insurance.

Experts say keeping their ownership a secret could be seen as “non-disclosure of important information”, and could even see a claim rejected.

They say around 18% of all drivers across the UK have a dashcam – and they could be at risk of being fined £1,000 and being hit with six points on their licence.

Experts at MotorMatch say: “Failing to notify your insurer about a wired dashcam can be seen as non-disclosure of important information.

“This might lead to a rejected claim in the event of an accident and affect future insurance premiums.

“Drivers need to understand that while improving their vehicle’s security and accountability, they must also adhere to their insurer’s policies to maintain coverage validity.”

The experts explained that many drivers see dashcams as a way to protect themselves in many ways, but they are classed as modifications if they’re hard-wired in.

They continued: “Installing a dashcam incorrectly can lead to significant fines up to £1,000 and three penalty points under Rule 30 of The Highway Code, which requires drivers to maintain a full view of the road. Motorists must ensure their dashcams are clear of obstructing their view to avoid these penalties.

“We often see cases where drivers assume that all types of dashcams are treated equally by insurers. However, hard-wiring alters the vehicle’s electrical system and is considered a modification.

“Operating a dash cam while driving can equate to using a handheld mobile device, which clearly violates Rule 149 of The Highway Code. This can result in a fine of £1,000 and up to six penalty points, stressing the importance of setting up and activating dash cams before you start driving.”

Graham Conway of Select Van Leasing recently explained this, too.

He said: “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 dashcams.

“Some of the more expensive dashcams on the market are wired directly to the car’s battery, rather than simply plugging-in to a socket in the vehicle’s cabin.

“Being hard-wired means the dashcam offers added protection and can remain switched on, even when the engine isn’t running, so that it continues to record after the owner has vacated the driver’s seat.

“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.

Hard-wiring alters the vehicle’s electrical system and is considered a modification.

“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.”

This could be an issue for a large portion of car owners, with the RAC claiming 2.9 million people across the country use a dashcam.

It comes as drivers were left divided by dash cam footage appearing to show cyclists running a red light – but who is in the wrong?

The video was posted on social media by Surrey Police’s Vanguard road safety team, sparking intense debate.

In the clip, four cyclists can be seen past the stop line on a main road while the lights are on red.

The group then turns right onto a side street, taking advantage of the fact that the oncoming traffic has been stopped.

The cops’ tweet read: “VanguardRST stopped these 4 cyclists in Esher after they were observed contravening a red traffic light.

“FPN’s [Fixed Penalty Notices] issued to all.”