Dash Cams: What Do You Need To Know?

Considering getting a dash cam for your car? You aren’t the only one. Research has shown that 31% of British motorists own a dash cam, with a further 75% holding the view that every driver should own one.

Chances are, you’ve probably seen dash cam footage on the news or on social media, and many insurance companies now use the recordings as evidence to settle disputes caused by road accidents or insurance claims. Not only can they be used to find out who was to blame for a collision, but they can also encourage people to drive more safely. 

So, if you’re thinking about buying a dash cam and want to find out more information, here’s what you need to know.

What are dash cams?

A dash cam (or “dashboard camera”) is a small video camera mounted to a car’s dashboard or windshield to continuously record the area in front of a car while driving, capturing any notable events like nearby movement or contact with other vehicles.

Dash cams are usually powered by the vehicle’s 12V power outlet (also known as the cigarette lighter) or can be hardwired into the fuse box. Dash cams often include features such as GPS tracking, night vision, and wide-angle views to capture footage as accurately as possible, providing drivers with peace of mind. As they record, dash cams overwrite older footage when the memory card reaches maximum capacity, unless a sensor detects an impact (in which case the footage is kept). 

The different types of dash cams

There are three main types of dash cam available. 

1. The cheapest versions are front-view cameras, which are placed on the dashboard to record the road in front of the car. The downside of these models is that they don’t have the ability to record anything behind the vehicle, so if you’re involved in a rear-end accident, they won’t be of much use. 
2. As the name suggests, front- and back-view cameras have the benefit of being able to record both in front and behind the vehicle. These models are slightly more expensive than front-view cameras, but spending a little bit more may be worthwhile if you want the added peace of mind that you’re covered at both ends. 
3. There are also cabin view cameras, which record from a birds’ eye view inside the vehicle. These cameras are frequently used by taxi firms or driving instructors, but they can also be useful if you share a car with another driver or if you want to check on your driving habits. 

Some dash cams also feature a parking mode or impact sensor, which is activated when they detect sudden force. For example, if another driver scrapes or knocks your car and drives off, the camera will begin to film, so you’ll be able to find out who caused the damage.

Is a dash cam worth it?

Dash cams are one of the most useful pieces of technology for motorists, especially for those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Even if you consider yourself a safe and careful driver, accidents do happen. 

To avoid the expensive and drawn-out process of settling claims and insurance disputes, investing in these devices can provide you with valuable evidence and the reassurance. It’s also worth noting that the more dash cams are used, the lower insurance premiums are likely to be.

Here’s a summary of the main dash cam benefits:

• Protection against fraud or theft - A dash cam can help protect you against fraudulent or unlawful claims (EG: “crash for cash” scams).
• Evidence - Dash cam footage is permissible in court for legal disputes (more on this later).
• Peace of mind - Relax knowing your journey is covered should you have an accident or get into a scrape.
• Possible insurance benefits - Fitting a dash cam can cause some providers to offer you a reduced premium.
• Business benefits - For businesses with fleets, dash cams can help with driver visibility and standards.
• Location tracking -  Dash cams can be used as a GPS tracker in the event that your car breaks down. This means that road services will be able to easily locate you if you’re in need of emergency assistance. 
• Improving driving - Dash cams can also encourage people to improve their driving standards. By recording how you act behind the wheel, they allow you to pick up on any bad habits you may have developed over time. 
• For example, if you’re guilty of tailgating, being able to view footage of your driving techniques might prompt you to keep a greater distance between you and the car in front. Knowing that you’re being recorded is also likely to make you more aware of what’s going on around you and encourage you to drive more safely in general.

Dash cam recordings can be used as legal evidence

Dash cams are particularly useful when deciding who is responsible for a car crash. In many road incidents, it’s not always clear who is at fault. This means that it’s often a case of one driver’s word against another's. 

However, footage from a dash cam can easily resolve the dispute, and can be used by insurers to settle a claim quickly. If the recording shows that the other driver caused the collision, you could be saved from paying the excess on your insurance policy, and it could also mean you don’t lose your no claims bonus. 

Preventing insurance fraud is another major benefit of having a dash cam. If you find yourself a victim of a ‘crash for cash’ scam - when fraudsters crash into vehicles on purpose or make a false claim for a road accident - dash cam videos can be used as evidence to ensure you’re properly compensated, and can help to prevent these incidents from happening to others.

What are the downsides of a dash cam?

Dash cams come with many benefits, but there are a couple of downsides that drivers should be aware of before purchasing and fitting one. 

• There is a chance that your own dash cam footage could be used against you if you are at fault during a collision.
• Dash cams, as with anything on the windscreen or dashboard, do pose a slight distraction to the driver.
• Occasionally, dash cams themselves become the target of theft due to their value.
• Dash cams come with privacy concerns, since they record continuously when the car is moving.
• Depending on the model, dash cams can be expensive to purchase up front.
• Footage quality varies between models.

Do dash cams drain car batteries?

Although the power consumed by dash cams is low, sometimes they can drain car batteries, most commonly when the car has stopped running but the dash cam has not been switched off.

If the dash cam is hardwired to a constant power source the risk of draining the battery is greater. However, most dash cams are designed to automatically turn off when the car is turned off too, preventing this problem.

What to look for in a good dash cam?

There are thousands of models of dash cam on the market, designed for every type of driver - from learners to fleets. So, how do you pick the right dash cam for you? Here are a handful of the most important features to check when selecting your dash cam:

Essentials

• Footage quality - How well can the dash cam capture accurate, clear footage? Opt for HD or UHD (“Ultra High Defenition”). For pricier models, 4K dash cams are available, offering crystal-clear images of things like numberplates.
• Filming angle - How far around your car can the dash cam see? Most options vary from 140 degrees to wide-reaching 180 cameras.
• Night-time filming - If you do a lot of driving after dark (we’re thinking of commuting home from work in winter especially, here), your dash cam needs to be able to clearly capture footage in low light and poor visibility conditions.

Extras

• WiFi or app integration  - Higher-end models often come with the option to view the footage on your mobile device via an app, cutting out the need for an SD card and manual transfer of files.
• Parking mode - For extra conscientious drivers who want to record their car even when it's stationary, some dash cams come with a “parking mode”.
• Voice activation - Some of the most sophisticated dash cam models can be voice activated, reducing the need for you to take your hand off the wheel to capture an image or start recording. 
• Still image capture - Sometimes you may wish to take a picture of something you’ve witnessed, like a crime or an accident that wasn’t involving your car. In these cases, still image capture is a good option to record an event without using lots of memory.

Dash cams & the law

Although dash cams are legal in the UK, there are some caveats to bear in mind to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law. If you plan to drive abroad with a dash cam, make sure you do some research about the rules of the country beforehand, as they may differ from the UK. It’s also worth noting that although they are legal, dash cams can be an infringement on privacy, as they are filming members of the public who are unaware. 

If you work for a taxi firm and share a vehicle, you should inform the company you work for and any passengers in the vehicle if you’ve installed a dash cam. This is because many cameras record video and sound inside the car, and if people are not aware that they’re being recorded, this can be a breach of privacy.

It’s also important to remember that you could be breaking the law if your dash cam is not fitted properly. If the camera obstructs your vision while driving and you’re involved in an accident, you could face a hefty fine, and the footage could be used as evidence against you in court.

Do you need to tell your insurance company about your dash cam?

There is no legal requirement to inform your insurance company when you get a dash cam for your car. However, considering that some insurers offer reduced premiums for having dash cams, it can’t hurt to let them know. If you’ve hardwired your dash cam into your car for its power source, though, you should let your insurance company know - as this may be considered a type of vehicle modification. 

Stay safe on the roads with Kwik Fit

Whether you’re a learner who’s kitting out their car with some handy gadgets or a long-time driver who’s keen to invest in the safety of their prized vehicle, dash cams are a great option.

But keeping your vehicle safe extends further than tech and gadgets. A well-maintained car is a safe car, so book in for a free Vehicle Safety Check at your local Kwik Fit, or reach out to one of our team with any questions you may have about your car’s safety.