Dash Cam Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide
Ever been in a car accident and left wondering who was truly at fault? The adrenaline might blur your judgements and could change the true events in your disadvantage if the other drivers are dishonest with you. This is when a dash cam could come handy in your situations.
If you are new to dash cams and unsure what it can do for you on the road, we've put together a comprehensive buyer's guide while bearing in mind the pros and cons they come with.
-
All about dash cams
What is a dash cam?
A dash cam, or dashboard camera, is a small recorder that fits on your car dashboard, either front or back or both. It records what's happening on your driving journey, a footage that can become a hard proof of the origin of an accident.
Are there different types of dash cams?
There are various models on the market, all varying in from size, functionality, multi views etc. The best dash cam for you may vary based on your budget or needs. If you want to record your casual journeys, you might be fine with a basic dash cam installed at the front of your car. But if you want extra peace of mind, you might want to opt for a multi-view dash cam, meaning installed back and front of the car. Covering most angles of the car will grant you maximum peace of mind if you get into an accident.
Some dash cams can be quickly installed at home by the car owner where others might need some in-depth installation by a professional. Some people ask if it's worth using a GoPro instead of a dedicated dash cam. If you are a forgetful person, you might forget to switch on/off your GoPro as it can't be fitted to automatically turn on with the ignition.
Do dash cams drain your car battery?
With the new technology and new dash cam models coming out, they are more and more energy efficient. It is unlikely for a dash cam to drain your car battery when driving. On the other hand, if you park your car and want the dash cam to keep running, it might affect your car battery. Some dash cam models are fitted with their own batteries, which could be something to bear in mind if you wish to have a dash cam that records while parked.
What's the difference between a dash cam and a car blackbox?
A dash cam records your driving journey to better protect you or understand the situation in case of an accident.
A blackbox is a monitoring device for insurance purposes that records your speed and driving performance.
These 2 devices can be fitted at the same time as they don't have the same end purpose.Are dash cams legal in the UK?
In the UK, you’re allowed to use dash cams as long as they’re not obstructing your view. If you have an internal dash cam that records audio, you need to notify your passengers. You are also allowed to upload your footages on the internet as long as strangers' faces are blurred. However, make sure to have everyone's consent before publishing your footage on the internet as data privacy in the UK is very strict and could turn against you.
-
Why install a dash cam?
What are the benefits of installing a dash cam?
-
Gone are the days of "your words against mine"
Have you ever been in a situation where you and the other driver(s) keep blaming each other because they can't pinpoint who was at fault in the accident? Gone are those days of uncertainty with a dash cam. Most of the time, a dash cam covers a wide angle giving maximum coverage of what's going on.
If you happen to have a car accident, refer to your dash cam to fully understand what has happened before making assumptions. It will help assess the situation and come to a clear conclusion.
-
It encourages better driving
Because dash cams records everything without discrimination, it also records your driving. By sticking to a good driving routine, you minimise the chances of causing an accident, hence, not being responsible for one.
Dash cam aren't just there for your own benefits. It is also a great tool for you to submit to the police when you suspect someone under the influence of substances, e.g. someone swaying between lines or having a dangerous driving behaviour.
-
Say bye-bye to fraud
Sadly, not all vehicular accidents are straightforward and honest. Some drivers take steps to deliberately cause crashes, exaggerate harm, and seek payouts for it. Such as 'cash for crash' schemes cost insurers a lot every year without the capabilities of fighting these. Having a dash cam would showcase footage of the opposite driver purposely causing the accident, such as flashing lights to let you pass & still driving ahead.
-
Could give you discounts on your car insurance
Not all but enough car insurances will take your dash cam into consideration and might offer discounts on your quote. Because you might save them a lot of money by providing hard proof of the cause of accidents, they reward your commitment with insurance discounts, some offer up to 15% off. Check with your car insurance to check if installing a dash cam in your car could change your pay-outs.
Convinced? Here's our Nextbase dash cam we can install for you at your nearest SLM branch.: Nextbase DashCam
-
-
Drawbacks of installing a dash cam
-
Self-incrimination
The police are allowed to take control over your dash cam and get the footages they need to understand the origin of the event. If you are the driver at fault, it will show on the footage.
-
Dash cams are illegal in certain countries
As mentioned above, dash cams are allowed in the UK as long as it doesn't obstruct your view. But if you plan to travel abroad, check the country's policy about dash cams. Make sure to check the laws prior on taking it with you to avoid bad surprises.
-
It doesn't necessarily deter thieves
If a thief was determined to get into your car, they might as well take over your camera and resell it for cash. Unless you opt for a premium service that allow remote footage viewing access, you might be able to catch who stole your car.
-
-
The verdict
If you are concerned about road accidents and would benefit from peace of mind by recording all events, you might find what you need with a dash cam. Having front & rear dash cams are the best combo for a full-angle coverage that can help understand the cause of an accident. On top of that, your insurance could reward you with a discount for being a responsible driver as they can use your footage for hard proof claims.
Not sure which is best for your car & needs? Or unsure how to install it?
At SLM Group, we fit & use the best dash cam that suits your needs. Book an appointment or visit your local branch for more information.
