What is a Dash Cam?
Find out everything you need to know about dash cams and whether you should fit one to your car.
Dash cams are a great way to promote safer driving and keep a record of your journeys. This not only helps you in any potential disputes but can also in some cases lower your car insurance.
Read on to find learn more about dash cams.
What are dash cams?
A dash cam, otherwise known as a dashboard camera, is a camera that can be fitted inside your car to capture footage on the road.
Depending on the type of dash cam, you can film what’s going on in front, inside, and behind your vehicle.
The different types of dash cams available are:
Single lens – a single lens dash cam will only record what is happening in front of your vehicle.
Dual lens – a dual lens dash cam offers front and rear recording. You can also buy a dual lens dash cam that records in front and inside your vehicle.
The type of dash cam you choose will depend on your individual needs.
What are the benefits of a dash cam?
There are many great benefits to installing a dash cam in your car. These include:
Extra security – dash cams can record footage even when the car isn’t running. If you are worried about your car being stolen, they will provide an extra layer of security. It’s highly unlikely that a thief will steal your car if a camera is fitted and it provides video footage should something happen.
Added reassurance – if you are a new driver or a parent of a new driver, a dash cam can give you extra peace of mind and promote safer driving.
Keeping a record of any incidents – road accidents happen every day on UK roads. If you find yourself in a dispute with another driver, dash cam footage comes in extremely handy. This can help you get out of a sticky situation if the other driver is in the wrong.
Are there any downsides to dash cams?
While dash cams can be beneficial, it’s worth weighing up the pros and cons before deciding to install one.
The downsides of using a dash cam can include:
Footage can be used against you – one of the benefits of using a dash cam is to show another driver was responsible for an incident. However, other drivers can also use footage to prove that you were in the wrong.
They don’t give a complete picture – a dash cam will only capture what is happening inside the camera’s view.
Dash cams can be expensive – depending on the camera you choose they can be pricey to install.
Go against privacy laws – it’s likely that your dash cam will capture footage of other people without their consent. If you share this footage in a public forum such as social media, it’s a breach of privacy laws.
If you have one fitted, always make sure to tell your passengers. This is because dash cams typically film footage inside, as well as outside of your car.
Are dash cams legal?
Dash cams are legal in the UK if they do not obstruct your view of the road ahead.
However, some countries in Europe don’t permit the use of dash cams. If you are planning on driving abroad and your car is fitted with a dash cam, you’ll need to check if it’s legal before travelling.
Will my car insurance reduce in price with a dash cam?
Some car insurance providers will offer drivers a discount if they have a dash cam fitted. In the same way a black box reduces your insurance, a dash cam gives your provider extra reassurance that you are a safe driver.
Does a dash cam record your speed?
This depends on the type of dash cam you have fitted in your car. But many do have the ability to record speed.
While you might not like the idea of your speed being recorded, it may come in useful. If you are disputing a speeding ticket, you can use your dash cam footage to potentially avoid a fine and penalty points on your licence.
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