Dash cams have grown in popularity in the last few years thanks to the advancement in technology, but do they affect your insurance premium?
Logic would dictate that video footage from a dash cam would help prove you were in the right should you be involved in an accident or a scrape, but is that really the case? This blog will outline what dash cams are, the benefits to having one and crucially whether they can save you money.
What is a dash cam?
Quite simply it’s a camera that is fitted inside a car and records what is happening on the road, usually from the driver’s perspective. It is moulded behind, or adjacent, to the rear view mirror.
Some dash cams are both front and rear facing or you can buy a separate rear-facing camera, which may be mounted to the centre of the rear window or externally on the rear of the car.
They will typically cost between £50 and £250 depending on which one you buy.
Are dash cams legal on UK roads?
Dash cams are entirely legal to use on UK roads on the provision that they are installed properly in a safe place in your car and it does not distract you or obscure your view whilst driving. If this is the case, you can get in trouble with the police and be issued a fine, as touching anything electronic while driving is against the law.
Dash cams are now regularly used by police regarding accidents and the footage they capture can be used as evidence when taking drivers to court.
Dash cams typically record using a microSD, but be aware most will automatically overwrite older footage each time you make a journey.
While this will ensure you never have to worry about recording your trip before setting off, if you need the footage to make a claim to your insurer you will not want to overwrite it. Some will upload to the cloud whereas others you can transfer to your computer, so it’s best to check what your camera is capable of.
When you make a claim your insurer will ask if you have dash cam footage and will subsequently provide you with a link to a secure website to upload the footage of the incident.
You can also use the National Dash Cam Safety Portal, a website set up by dash cam provider Nextbase, which allows you to upload footage directly to the relevant police force.
You can use your footage as evidence in court if needs be, as long as the footage is clear.
You should also bear in mind that it needs to be good enough quality and show the car’s registration in order to be used as evidence.
What are the insurance benefits of having a dash cam?
One of the many benefits of having a dash cam in your car is it may provide vital evidence that you were not at fault in an incident rather than relying on alibis, which in turn can help protect your no-claims discount.
Submitting dash cam footage can also speed up the process of how long it takes to settle a claim, as you have provided clear evidence that you were not at fault. It can also prove vital if you are the subject of a fraud case where a driver has claimed they were not driving, not in the area or if someone is trying to stage an accident.
Some of the high-end dash cams can also detect motion. It means when you are parked, if another car hits yours or a thief breaks into your car, recording will be triggered.
Some insurers offer discounts for dash cams, but it isn’t industry standard to do so. When renewing or creating a new policy it’s best to check if a discount is offered for drivers with one installed.
You can save up to 15% on your car insurance with the right provider such as Adrian Flux, as you are proving you are a careful driver who values their vehicle.
However, if you tell your insurer that you own a dash cam, but don’t turn it on and use it, they can refuse to pay out any claim you make.
Are there any disadvantages to owning a dash cam?
Owning a dash cam could attract thieves to your vehicle if it’s left on display. If your camera is portable it’s a good idea to remove it and take it indoors with you and only have it in your car when you’re making journeys.
Adrian Flux – experts in providing car insurance
Talk to one of our experts today to find out how you can save money on your car insurance.
We’ve formed relationships with insurers over decades to ensure you get the best value deal for your individual needs, including dash cam insurance.
Call us on 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that suits you.
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