After a close call on the road, I decided to install a dashcam to capture real-life incidents and protect myself during unexpected situations. This story dives into my personal experience, the benefits I discovered, and essential tips every driver should know.
- A dashcam is a small video device that records the road while driving.
- It provides clear video evidence of accidents, helping drivers prove fault and protect themselves against false claims.
- Most auto insurance companies don’t offer discounts for dashcams.
My personal experience: The decision to install a dashcam
I decided to install a dashcam in my vehicle after my sister, who was run off the road while driving along Interstate 80 in Nevada, was told by state troopers that she lacked evidence from the incident to prove the other driver’s fault.
Of course, the at-fault party was long gone. She had to foot the bill for repairs to the front fender of her Toyota Tacoma after she hit a traffic cone along the side of the road. Ouch. So, I hopped onto Amazon and found a 4K front-and-rear dashcam with night vision, built-in GPS, and loop recording.
The installation was easy, and the app was user-friendly. The pros? It turns on and off automatically, and I don’t have to mess with it regularly. The cons? The app is bossy and tells me I’m driving aggressively every time I turn right.
Since my dashcam has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology, it warns me about pedestrians, movement in front of the vehicle, lane departures, and whether the car ahead of me is too close. It came with an SD card and long charging cords, which I threaded through the weather stripping along the doors so the wires were less intrusive.
Keep reading to learn more about dashcams and reasons why you might want one.
What is a dashcam?
A dashcam (short for dashboard camera) is a compact video recording device mounted on a vehicle’s windshield or dashboard. It continuously records the road ahead and, in some models, the interior or rear of the vehicle as well.
Dashcams are used for safety, security, and evidence collection, capturing real-time footage of accidents, road conditions and unexpected incidents.
Dashcams come in different styles, ranging from basic front-facing cameras to dual-lens and 360-degree models with features like night vision, voice control and cloud storage.
How does a dashcam work?
Most dashcams start recording automatically when the vehicle is turned on and use loop recording, meaning older footage is overwritten when storage is full unless saved manually.
Many models include a G-sensor, or accelerometer, which detects sudden movements like collisions and locks the footage to prevent deletion.
Some dashcams also have a parking mode, allowing them to stay active even when the car is off, recording any motion or impact to protect against vandalism or hit-and-runs. Advanced models may include GPS tracking, which logs driving speed and location, adding another layer of information to recorded events.
Why do people install dashcams?
Dashcams have become increasingly popular among drivers for various reasons, offering security, accountability and potential cost savings.
Here are some reasons people install dashcams in their vehicles.
Dashcams provide evidence in case of accidents
A dashcam provides clear video evidence of accidents, helping drivers prove fault and protect themselves against false claims. This can be crucial when dealing with insurance claims or legal disputes.
Nick Schrader, owner of Texas General Insurance, says that dashcams help in accidents because they are considered like having an unbiased witness.
“I’ve seen numerous cases where footage proved someone ran a red light or fled the scene, (speeding) up insurance claims,” Schrader says. “In fact, in states like Virginia, even a 1% fault can hurt your claim. This is why cameras become extra valuable.”
Dashcams protect against fraud and scams
Who can forget this dashcam video of a driver stopping in front of another car and backing into her in a staged accident in New York? Some drivers fall victim to staged accidents or insurance fraud schemes, where scammers intentionally cause crashes to file claims. A dashcam can help expose fraudulent activities and prevent inaccurate liability.
They may lead to faster claims processing
Insurance companies may consider footage as supporting evidence in disputes, potentially leading to faster claims processing and avoiding premium increases due to wrongful blame if the other party was at fault.
Dashcams monitor driving habits
Dashcams help parents track teen drivers’ behavior, ensuring they drive responsibly. Businesses also use them for fleet management, monitoring employee driving habits to maintain safety standards.
They may prevent parking lot incidents and vandalism
Dashcams with motion detection and parking mode can record break-ins, hit-and-runs, or vandalism while the car is parked, providing valuable evidence for police reports and insurance claims.
Schrader says dashcams have features like parking mode, which watches your car when you’re not there and catches unexpected moments on camera.
“Above all, since you know you are being recorded, it quietly encourages safer driving,” he says. “Some drivers may get to capture cool moments like meteor showers or deer crossings.”
Case study from Reddit on dashcams
Reddit user UnSCo posted his experience with having a dashcam on Reddit:
“For example, I had a hit and run on my rear end. Built-in dash cam picked up everything. While I did file a third-party claim and got everything resolved without using my coverages, it would’ve been a collision claim that would likely be subrogated. Otherwise, it would’ve been an uninsured motorist’s claim, which could not be collected upon. That feature literally saved my carrier $16,000, among other costs like rental reimbursement. What if an incident occurs where fault is not clearly determined? Having that video footage is the difference between accepting liability and paying for damages.”
Are dashcams worth it?
Installing a dashcam can be a smart investment, offering benefits like accident protection, fraud prevention, and peace of mind. However, before using one, it’s essential to check local dashcam laws regarding privacy and recording in public spaces.
Are there any downsides to having a dashcam?
First, you have to account for the upfront cost. Dashcams range from $40 to around $300 online.
Schrader says certain drawbacks are associated with having a dashcam, such as the cost and video footage that could show you were at fault in a crash.
“If you were even slightly speeding before a crash, the insurers can use this fact against you,” he says. “Moreover, if you tend to choose a high-quality dashcam with good night vision and storage, it can also cost $100 to $300 upfront, which is quite expensive.”
Do insurance companies give discounts for dashcams?
Most large national insurance companies such as Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers and USAA don’t offer discounts for dashcams.
However, smaller companies might, such as Ohio-based Branch Insurance, which has a partnership with Nextbase Dash Cams. Branch customers can save 8% on car insurance in the first year by installing a Nextbase device, and Nextbase offers a 10% discount to Branch members.
Final thoughts on dashcams
Whether for security, insurance purposes, or personal use, a dashcam can be a valuable investment. But remember – it’s not just the other guy you have on camera – your driving will also be recorded.
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