Having a dash cam on your vehicle is becoming more and more popular amongst Canadian drivers. If you're ever in a car accident, having a recording device on your car can significantly help you during the insurance claims process with your insurance company. To learn more about the advantages of installing a dash cam, keep reading.
What is a dash cam, and what is it used for?
Essentially, dash cams are small cameras mounted on either the front end or back end of your vehicle. The purpose of a dash cam is to record video footage as you drive. And, in the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident with another vehicle, someone damages your car while you're parked in a parking lot, or there is an attempt to steal your vehicle, your dash camera is able to provide valuable evidence of the occurrence, which can be used when filing police reports and insurance claims. Some important features of dash cams include:
Parked car mode
Some dash cams continue recording your surroundings even when your car is parked. This can be incredibly beneficial against hit-and-run accidents, attempted break-ins, and more.
Wifi and app connectivity
Most modern dash cams have Wifi connectivity, which enables drivers to download recorded footage directly to their phones using an app.
Night vision
Many dash cams will also be equipped with low-light abilities, allowing you to maintain video quality even during the night.
Memory card
If your dash cam doesn't have an app or wifi, they typically include a memory storage capacity, which you can remove and download onto a computer for use.
Different types of dash cams
If you're thinking about having a dash cam installed on your car, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the fact that there are several different types of dash cam models available. To make things a little easier for you, take a look at some of the many dash cams you can install:
Single-channel dash cams
Single-channel dash cams are the most basic camera models available. They are typically installed on the front of your vehicle and record footage of what's in front of you as you drive. These models are generally affordable and easy to install.
Dual channel dash cams
Dual channel dash cams are a bit more complex than single cameras. Rather than only recording from the front, these dash cam models can record from both the front and the back, leading to more footage captured and potentially more of an ability to provide crucial evidence in the event of a collision.
Rearview mirror cameras
If you have a newer model vehicle, it's likely that your car is already equipped with a rear-view mirror camera. This type of camera not only helps you gauge where your vehicle is in a situation compared to your surroundings while parallel parking or reverse stall parking, but it also provides dash cam footage of vehicles behind you as you are actively driving.
360-degree dash cams
360-degree dash cams offer unparalleled video evidence of what is going around you as you're driving or when in parking mode. This offers drivers more extensive protection and video evidence should something happen to their vehicle.
4K dash cams
Lastly, 4K dash cams are known for their clear footage. And video quality, which can help you in the event of an insurance claim. Whether you're looking for a 360 dash cam, dual, or single channel model, you'll be happy to know that the majority of cameras available do come with 4K dash cam footage.
How to install a dash cam
If you've purchased a dash cam and need help with the installation process, know that installing a dash cam can look a little different for drivers, depending on the type of camera you install. Regardless, here's a general overview of how to fit this type of device in your car:
1. Choose where you want to install your new dash cam
Depending on the model of dash cam you've bought, you'll install it toward your front windshield or your rear windshield.
2. Insert your SD card
Next, you need to install the MicroSD card into the actual dash cam, so when it's turned on, it will begin recording footage.
3. Mount your new dash cam
Clean the section of your windshield or dashboard where you want to mount the dash cam. Use either suction cup mounts or adhesive mounts to attach the dash cam to your windshield. Make sure that the dash cam is not pointed toward direct sunlight.
4. Connect your dash cams to their power source
Plug the power cable into your dash cam and connect it to your cigarette lighter. That way, it will turn on and begin recording each time you turn your car on.
5. Turn on your car and test
Start your car to power the dash cam. Adjust the dash cam angle to ensure it's recording the view you want. If it has advanced features like motion sensors, test them to guarantee they're working correctly.
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What are the benefits of dashcams?
If you're still undecided about whether a dash cam is a good idea, take a closer look at some of the advantages below:
Clear 4K video resolution
Dash cams provide video evidence in the event you get into a car accident by showing exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the collision and after.
Aids with insurance claims
Dash cams can help speed up and simplify your claims process as it provides a visual record of who may be at-fault.
Prevents insurance fraud caused by fraudulent claims
Dash cams prevent fraudulent insurance claims from happening, which can help protect your interests if someone claims you hit their car in an attempt to commit insurance fraud for money.
Allows you to review footage
If you're trying to improve your driving behaviour, having a dash cam installed can help encourage you to improve your overall habits.
You can monitor your teens
If you have a new driver in your home, parents can review their teen's driving behaviour by installing a dash cam on their car.
Parking surveillance
When parked, your dash cam can capture hit-and-run accidents, attempted break-ins, and vandalism.
Travel Log for your road trip
Going on a road trip? Dash cams can help you record your scenic drives across Canada.
Save money on insurance
Most insurance companies will lower your insurance premiums if you have a dash cam installed.
Peace of mind and confidence
Dash cams can offer you peace of mind knowing that any incidents with reckless drivers, law enforcement, other drivers, and scenarios will be recorded.
GPS tracking
Dash cams can actually record your vehicle's location and speed, which can be helpful in various situations.
Helps if you need to provide evidence
If you need to file a police report, dashcams can aid law enforcement by providing irrefutable evidence.
What is the downside of a dashcam?
While having a dash cam offers several benefits, there are some potential downsides to having one installed. Take a closer look below:
Can drain your car battery
A dash cam could potentially drain your vehicle’s battery if it is not properly managed or if your vehicle is older.
Footage overwriting
If your SD card is almost full and you don't transfer the data to your computer in time, important footage from your dash cam could be overwritten.
Initial cost
While some cars may already be equipped with front and rear-view mirror cameras, others may not. This means that you'll need to purchase your dash cam, which could vary in cost.
While there are disadvantages of dash cams, it's undeniable that these devices offer numerous benefits that are worth installing.
Is it worth having a dash cam?
Whether or not a dash cam is worth installing in your car or not, really depends on your individual circumstances, your driving habits, and personal preferences. While there is an initial cost to these devices and the opportunity for overwriting to occur, most Canadian drivers tend to agree that a dash cam and its associated benefits certainly outweigh the possible drawbacks.
If you're unsure whether a dash cam is right for you, ask yourself whether you frequently drive in high-risk areas with lots of traffic, have concerns about road safety, or if peace of mind is something you value. If you're looking to enhance your overall safety when on the road, a dash cam really does make a difference.
Why would I want a dash cam?
There really are numerous reasons why you as a driver may wish to install a dash cam in your vehicle, including the following:
Evidence in case of an accident
Having a dashcam can offer clear video evidence of what happened during an accident. This could be a make-or-break when determining who is at fault for the incident. Not only will this help you during your claim process, but it could also help law enforcement during their investigation if your car is vandalized or involved in a hit-and-run accident.
Can protect you against fraud
Having a dash cam can reduce your overall risk of being targeted in scams where individuals intentionally cause accidents to claim compensation from insurance companies.
Can deter theft
If you have a dash cam that records even as you are parked, it can potentially deter criminals from attempting to steal or break into your vehicle.
Can help you save on your insurance premium
Because they offer numerous benefits, having dash cams is a great way to save on your monthly insurance costs. Insurance providers appreciate drivers who go out of their way to enhance the overall security of their vehicles because it reduces the likelihood that a claim is filed, which in turn saves companies money in the long run.
Legal protection
In the event that you get into a legal battle with a third party that calls into question your liability for injuries or property damage, a dash cam can come to the rescue by providing evidence that determines you're not at fault.
Scenarios where dash cams are recommended
Dash cams are particularly important for these types of drivers:
You live or work in the city
If you drive in the city on a regular basis, you know that city driving is on a different level. With more congestion and different habits, the likelihood of accidents is significantly increased. With a dash cam, you can protect yourself from insurance claims.
You drive long distances throughout the year
If you drive long distances during the year, having a dash cam not only protects your interests, but other motorists as well if you witness an accident or other activity.
Commercial drivers
Companies that have a fleet of vehicles for their employees to use on the job often use dash cams to manage and protect the interests of their workers and their fleet while they are on the road.
High-risk areas
If you live or travel in areas with higher crime rates or accident rates, a dash cam is definitely a good investment moving forward.
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