In an age when more and more people are on the road, travelling at greater speeds, a dash cam can make a huge difference when it comes to the safety of all road users, especially in the event of an insurance dispute. Here’s what you need to know about dash cams.
What exactly is a dash cam?
In case you have been living on a different planet for the past few years, a dash cam is a small action camera located on your car’s windscreen or dashboard; most people just have one dash cam but it is possible to get a rear camera, too. You don’t need to worry about switching your dash cam on; that will happen automatically when you switch on your engine. Some dash cams come with a parking mode, which is automatically switched on when there is an impact on your car, even with the engine off. What’s more, they are programmed to time stamp any recordings, so are a brilliant source of evidence in the event that you or another road user are involved in an incident.
Types of dash cam
There are three main types of dash cam: front only, front and back, and cabin view. Front view and front and back view dash cams are self-explanatory; the front view allowing you to see everything you can see up ahead, and the front and back view offering additional sight in the event of rear-end collisions or crashes that occur behind you. Cabin view cameras offer a view of the inside of the car, and are most often used in commercial vehicles, taxis and rentals.
Dash cam or black box?
While black boxes and dash cams both provide information about your driving style, habits and each journey, black boxes only provide data, whereas dash cams show a visual recording of your journey. Combined, the two give a great insight into how people drive and, as more people invest in both types of technology, insurance companies may be increasingly reliant on them when determining insurance premiums.
How much does a dash cam cost?
As with all technology, the cost of a dash cam varies hugely, from as little as £20 to around £200 for an advanced technology, front and rear view dashcam. It is always a good idea to shop around and consider what you need rather than choosing a product based on price. Check out reviews or ask your local garage if they have any experience or recommended brands.
Installing a dash cam
It is perfectly legal to install a dash cam in the UK, as long as it is done so in a way that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s view. Drivers are obliged to inform passengers if they are using a cabin view camera. This includes car sharers, taxi drivers and hire car companies; failing to inform individuals that they are being recorded with video and audio is a serious breach of privacy laws.
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