![The advantages of using a dash cam for insurance]()
Dash cams (cameras) are becoming a very popular piece of technology to have in your vehicle. Having a dash cam in your car can provide many benefits to you as a driver, your passengers and even to other drivers on the road.
Dash cams are more widely used by long-haul truck and other commercial drivers. Since this product is relatively new to the consumer market, we’ll explain it a little further. In the simplest of terms, a dash cam is a video camera that is mounted on your dashboard or windshield. It’s used to continuously record the view of the road and surrounding traffic in front of the driver.
There are many different makes and models of dash cams available on the market. Some cars even come with a dash cam pre-installed!
Here are four benefits to owning a dash cam, and some reasons why you should consider investing in this piece of technology.
1. A dash cam can serve as evidence
If you are ever involved in a car accident or become a witness to one, a dash cam will become super handy. Having a dash cam installed in your car essentially means that you have supporting evidence right at your fingertips. These devices are conveniently placed to observe the whole of the road ahead of you. Therefore, any accident that you happen to see or be involved in will be recorded. Most authorities in Canada now accept dash cam footage as evidence.
Dash cams can even be used to prevent future accidents by reporting reckless and dangerous drivers. Road rage, drink driving and other dangerous behaviours behind the wheel are unfortunate occurrences that take place on the road. However, a dashboard camera can help police and other law enforcement officers punish offenders before the worst-case scenario happens.
2. A dash cam can help settle claims
Unfortunately, a dash cam won’t lead to cheaper insurance rates at this time. Sometimes insurance companies give discounts for safety features, but since this is a new technology, there are no discounts available yet. However, it’s possible that once more data is available, insurance companies will give discounts for customers who have dash cams so be sure to let your broker know if you have one installed.
While you won’t notice a discount on your premiums, dash cams can help with settling claims. If there is a disagreement over who is at-fault, dash cams can help settle any issues. Avoiding at-fault claims can help you keep a clean driving record that will in turn keep your premiums as low as possible.
3. A dash cam advocates for safer driving
The power a dash cam has to reward safe driving and punish dangerous habits behind the wheel naturally encourages drivers to use one in order to make better decisions.
Dash cams can also just make a driver feel safer in general. Most dash cam technology comes with a built in GPS and Cloud connectivity. If your dash cam is running, it will also record the time, date, speed, and direction of travel. You can even watch what is happening in real-time using your smartphone. This could be a great tool for parents and anyone driving alone at night.
4. A dash cam can help fight insurance fraud
Dash cams can also provide you with another line of defence against fraudsters. This is because they act as a visible deterrent. Fraudsters can be discouraged from targeting you if they see that you have this kind of technology installed. For example, if someone motioned you into moving traffic or braked suddenly for no reason, you’d be able to prove it. If you are involved in some sort of fraud, dash cam footage can be used as evidence to support your side of events.
Contact BrokerLink to explore your car insurance options
Here at BrokerLink, our brokers are experts when it comes to car insurance. We know all the ins and outs of insurance, even when it comes to new technologies such as dash cams.
When it comes to finding the right insurance plan, we will take the time to get to know you and your needs. If you’re interested in learning more about car insurance, or even just your insurance options in general, we’re here to help!
It’s easy to get in touch with a BrokerLink insurance advisor:
- Give us a call
- Complete a quote online and we will call you back
- Visit one of our branches in person
Advantages of using a dash cam for insurance FAQs
Do dash cameras work when the car is off?
Most dash cams typically turn on and off with the engine, automatically recording video while your car is running. However, some dash cams have the option to be set up to stay on and keep recording even when the car is parked and the engine is off. This will depend on the brand, make and type of dash cam that you purchase, so do your research if this is a feature you would like to have.
Does a dash cam drain the battery?
Most dash cams will not drain your car’s battery, even while in park mode or if the engine is off. This is because dash cams actually consume very little power and energy, and only need half the amount of power that a standard lightbulb needs. Some dash cams also come equipped with a “low-voltage mode” that will monitor your car’s battery while in use.
Do insurance companies accept dash cam footage?
Yes, most insurance companies will accept dash cam footage for a variety of things. Dash cams can be used to provide evidence if you have to submit a claim due to an accident. Speak with a broker or your insurance provider to confirm your insurance company will accept dash cam footage.
