Dash cam benefits

If you’re a driver in Canada, then you may have heard of dash cams. Dash cams can be useful tools for drivers, especially when you’re involved in an accident and need evidence to settle a car insurance claim. Continue reading to learn more about how dash cams work and the many benefits of installing one in your vehicle.

What are dash cams for?

Dash cams are video cameras that are installed in vehicles. They record footage as you drive, with recordings typically starting as soon as you turn on your car’s engine. The footage that a dash cam records can be used for various purposes.

For example, if you get into a car accident, handing over dash cam footage to your insurance company can help prove that you were not liable. Additionally, a dash cam can help parents monitor the driving habits of their teenage children who are learning to drive. It can even be a way of capturing important memories, such as breathtaking scenery, as you take a road trip. Ultimately, dash cams have many purposes.

Types of dash cams

There are multiple types of dash cams available to consumers. Knowing the differences between each can help you decide which one makes sense for you. We outline a few of the main types of dash cams below:

Single channel dash cams

Single-channel dash cams are one of the most popular types of dash cams. They are basic and affordable, and they work by recording footage from the front of the car.

Dual channel dash cams

Dual-channel dash cams are a step from single-channel dash cams as they record footage from both the front and rear of the vehicle.

360-degree dash cams

As the name suggests, 360-degree dash cams record footageof all cars in all directions. They capture a very comprehensive view of your surroundings as you drive.

4K dash cams

4K dash cams are essentially high-definition dash cams. This means that the quality of the footage they record will be much higher than your average dash cams. 4K dash cams are available in multiple forms, including 360-degree dash cams and dual channel dash cams.

Rear-view mirror cameras

One final type of dash cam is rear-view mirror cameras. These cams are installed on the rear-view mirror in your car. They are designed to be as discreet as possible so that they do not obstruct the driver’s view of the road in any way. Rear-view mirror cameras typically come with larger screens that display the live feed from the camera. This allows drivers to monitor their surroundings and review footage live while behind the wheel.

The advantages of installing a dash cam in your vehicle

Now that you know a little bit more about the types of dash cams out there, let’s dive into the advantages of installing one in your car:

1. A dash cam will give you evidence if you get into a car accident

One of the top benefits of installing a dash cam in your car is that you will have evidence to provide your insurer if you get into a car accident. After being involved in a collision, you will need to report the car accident to the police.

However, after you’ve reported the accident to the police, you will then need to notify your insurer to file a claim. Insurance claims can be contentious, which is what makes evidence so important. The more evidence you have to support the fact that you were not liable for the accident, the less likely you are to be found at fault for it.

If the dash cam footage successfully shows that you were not at fault for the accident, this means that the other driver will be on the hook for paying for the cost of damages instead of you. Thus, installing a dash cam in your car can help you avoid paying for the cost of damages out of pocket.

2. A dash cam can help you become a safer driver

Another perk of installing a dash cam in your vehicle is that it can help you become a safer driver. How? A dash cam will force you to become more disciplined. Knowing that you are being recorded can motivate you to obey the rules of the road and drive as safely as possible at all times.

Otherwise, you would have clear footage of poor driving habits, which could be used against you. For a list of safe driving tips, get in touch with BrokerLink today. A BrokerLink insurance advisor can also explain how driving safely and maintaining a clean record can help you lower your insurance premiums.

3. A dash cam can help you report reckless drivers

A dash cam can help you report reckless or careless drivers on the road. Most of the time, if you have a bad encounter with another driver or you witness another driver’s poor driving habits, you would simply let it go, especially since you don't have a way of proving it if you report them.

However, with a dash cam, their reckless driving behaviour will be recorded. For example, if you suspect a driver of driving drunk or committing another infraction, such as texting and driving, you can use the footage from your dash cam to prove it and report them accordingly. In turn, you will make the road a safer place for everyone.

4. A dash cam can help you monitor another person’s driving habits

A fourth advantage of a dash cam is that it can help you monitor another person’s driving habits. For example, nervous parents may wish to monitor the driving habits of their teenage children who are just learning to drive.

Alternatively, perhaps you run a company and your employees use your car for business purposes. A dash cam can help you keep track of driving habits to ensure your employees are driving safely and adhering to the rules you’ve set out for them.

Overall, a dash cam can serve multiple purposes, one of which being to ensure your car is being driven safely by anyone else who drives it, whether it be an employee, friend, or family member.

5. A dash cam can record precious memories

The fifth benefit that a dash cam offers is that it can record precious memories. If you want to capture the breathtaking scenery on a road trip you’re taking or the fun you’re having in the car with your family or friends, a dash cam can be a helpful tool. Plus, you can pull the footage from your dash cam and use it to create a video to commemorate your trip.

6. A dash cam doubles as a GPS device

Further, modern dash cams often have GPS capabilities. This will not only help you track your location but also your speed. Many even allow you to store past destinations and will help make your travel journey as fast and efficient as possible.

7. A dash cam can help prevent theft

Beyond protecting you in the event of a car accident, having a dash cam can also help prevent theft and vandalism. For example, depending on the type of dash cam you have, it might record a thief or vandal who attempts to break into your car.

This footage can again be used when filing an insurance claim under the comprehensive car coverage portion of your policy. This is the type of auto insurance that reimburses drivers for damages or losses associated with theft and vandalism.

What to consider before buying a dash cam

Before you buy a dash cam, you will need to think carefully about what your dash cam needs are. We outline a few factors to consider before purchasing a dash cam in Canada:

Footage options

First, you will need to decide what types of footage you would like your dash cam to be able to record. As broken down previously, there are several types of dash cams on the market, including single channel dash cams, dual channel dash cams, 360-degree dash cams, 4K dash cams, and rear-view mirror cameras.

Dash cams range in price, depending on their capabilities, with single channel dash cams being among the cheapest, most basic models, and 360-degree and 4K dash cams being among the most expensive, in part due to the many advanced features they offer. Consider how comprehensive you want your dash cam footage to be before purchasing one.

Mounting options

Dash cams can be mounted in multiple ways, and there are pros and cons to each. For instance, suction cup mounts, the most common method of mounting a dash cam in a car, is where the dash cam is affixed to the windshield using suction cups. The benefits of suction cup mounts are that they are easy to install and adjust and inexpensive.

The drawbacks are that they may result in greater vibration, which can affect video footage, and they are generally less secure, in some cases even falling off the windshield when temperatures are extreme.

Adhesive mounts are another option. They are more secure than suction cup mounts. However, they are much harder to adjust as they are semi-permanent. The advantage is that they are less prone to vibration and are far less likely to fall off the windshield in extreme weather.

Next, rear-view mirror camera mounts allow drivers to install their dash cams on their rear-view mirrors. Typically, it is mounted using rubber straps or with an adhesive. But either way, the dash cam is affixed to the rear-view mirror rather than the windshield, which can be less distracting and obstructive to drivers.

At the end of the day, you must ensure that any type of dash cam you install does not obstruct your view and is securely affixed to your windshield or rear-view mirror. You should also avoid installing it somewhere prone to extreme temperatures or sunlight exposure.

Battery type

Another factor to consider when buying a dash cam is what battery type you want your dash to have. There are two main types of batteries that dash cams use: lithium-ion batteries and capacitor batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are ideally suited to casual drivers, i.e. those who do not intend to overuse their dash cams.

This is due to the fact that lithium-ion batteries have a reputation for deteriorating with time. They also have a limited amount of charge cycles, which makes them unsuitable if you wish to continue recording footage while parked or drive regularly in hot temperatures.

Meanwhile, capacitor batteries are far more durable than lithium-ion batteries, which means they can be used when driving in extreme temperatures. They are also less prone to deterioration, but they are more expensive than their lithium-ion counterparts.

Storage capacity

When buying a dash cam, you will need to think carefully about the storage capacity you would like your device to have. Dash cam models vary significantly when it comes to memory storage capacity, with some having as little as 32GB and others having as much as 256GB.

Depending on how frequently you drive, a larger storage capacity might be necessary. However, if you don’t spend much time on the road, then a cam with a smaller storage capacity might be sufficient.

Video quality

The quality of the video storage that your dash cam records is another consideration. Dash cams offer video quality ranging from 720p on the lower end to 8K on the higher end. The reality is that the quality of the video matters greatly, as it can impact how clear and detailed the footage is.

The higher quality the video footage, the better you will be able to identify people, objects, weather conditions, road conditions, and more. When deciding between different video qualities, look at the resolution, frame rate, and bitrate, which all contribute to overall quality.

Keep in mind that the footage won’t be any good to you if it’s blurry and unreadable. Whether you’re filing a collision car coverage claim or an accident benefits coverage claim, the clearer the footage, the better it can support you.

Audio quality

Audio quality is another factor to consider alongside video quality. Although the primary purpose of a dash cam is to record video footage, capturing audio can be just as important. Purchase a dash cam with high-quality audio coverage.

It might be able to capture everything from conversations happening inside the vehicle, as well as sounds of other vehicles, sirens sounding in the distance, and more.

This audio can be extremely valuable when filing a third party liability car insurance claim or an accident forgiveness claim.

GPS tracking capabilities

The GPS tracking capabilities of the dash cam you choose also matter. As mentioned previously, GPS tracking is a bonus feature that many dash cams offer. Through your dash cam, you can track your route, log destinations, and even record information like the speed you’re travelling at. This information can be helpful to you as a motorist, as well as to the police or an insurance adjuster in case of an accident.

Price

The final factor to consider before purchasing a dash cam is the price. Whether you’re buying car insurance in Toronto or a new dash cam for your vehicle, price is always a major consideration.

Do some research to discover how much the different types of ash cams cost, and then take a look at your finances to determine how much money you can afford to spend on one.

Keep in mind that certain types of dash cams may actually help you save money down the road. For example, even though a 4K, 360-degree dash cam is likely to mean higher upfront costs, the superior footage it records could be the difference between you being found to be at fault for an accident and you not being found at fault.

This could translate to huge savings since at-fault drivers are generally not responsible for the cost of damages. Overall, when purchasing a dash cam for your car, it’s important to compare the costs against the potential advantages that each offers. If you need help selecting a dash cam, don’t hesitate to contact BrokerLink.

Contact BrokerLink for more information on dash cams

If you want to learn more about how dash cams work, how they benefit drivers in Canada, and how they impact insurance claims, reach out to BrokerLink today. We are car insurance experts who can help you make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a dash cam.

For instance, we can provide a professional opinion on which type of dash cam best suits your needs, as well as explain how installing a dash cam in your car can help you save money on car insurance.

Speaking of car insurance, any one of BrokerLink’s licensed auto insurance specialists can help you with a variety of tasks, like buying car insurance, obtaining a free auto insurance quote, or renewing car insurance. Get in touch today to begin your auto insurance journey with BrokerLink.

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FAQs on dash cams

How are dash cams powered?

Dash cams need power to operate, which is typically found via the fuse box in your car. Your car’s fuse box, which is part of its electrical system, supplies power to your vehicle, whether the engine is turned on or off. Thus, a dash cam is able to continue recording, even when your car is parked and off. If you don’t want to connect your dash cam to your vehicle’s fuse box, you may also be able to use a power cable that connects it to your car’s USB charging port or cigarette lighter. However, by doing this, you will not be able to use your dash cam while parked. Instead, it will only record footage when your engine is on.

How do dash cams help with car insurance claims?

Installing a dash cam in your car can help capture important footage that can then be used as evidence when filing a car insurance claim. For example, if both parties involved in an accident are claiming that the accident was caused by different factors, having live footage from the accident can help settle this dispute in your favour. Thus, if you get into a car accident and you know that your dash cam was recording at the time of the accident, be sure to include the footage with your car insurance claim so an insurance adjuster can review it.

Are dash cams easy to install?

Yes, dash cams are generally easy to install, though the installation process varies. There are several mounting options for dash cams, ranging from suction cup mounts to adhesive mounts. Suction cup mounts are generally the easiest and cheapest, though they are less reliable than adhesive mounts.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.