Does having a dashcam lower insurance is a common question policyholders often ask? A dashcam does not automatically lower your insurance cost. Most car insurance companies don’t offer discounts for dashcam installation, but having one on your vehicle indicates a positive outcome. It may qualify you for lower car insurance premiums when applying for a new policy due to your safety camera.
As premiums continue to rise, policyholders often look into reducing their premiums. Because of this, several policyholders tend to add a dashcam to their cars. This write-up contains answers to whether or not a dashcam lowers your insurance premiums.
What is a Dashcam?
A dashcam is a small camera typically found at the top of a car’s windscreen or dashboard. Videos and audio recordings are used to provide proof of the time and cause of an accident for insurance claims. The camera is available in four types, including rare view, carbin view, front view, and front and back view dashcams. Dashcam can be more effective for claim filing, especially for accidents where you are not at fault.
How Does Having a Dashcam Lower Insurance?
As previously stated, almost all car insurance companies offer discounts for a dashcam; the only company that does is an insurance company named Branch Insurance in partnership with Nextbase Dash Cams.
Dashcams serve as both a safety camera and a convenient method for capturing on-road scenes for artistic and personal purposes. However, having one will not affect your insurance premiums directly, either negatively or positively.
How Much Does Dashcam Cost?
Dash cams, available for iOS and Android smartphones, range from free applications to high-tech models costing over £3,000. You should budget between £40 and £50 for a budget model.
The price difference is typically attributed to the recording quality and additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, Amazon Alexa integration, and an emergency SOS service. Although there are online guides available on hardwiring a dash cam, you may want to factor in the cost of having the device professionally installed in addition to the device’s purchase price.
Benefits of Having a Dashcam
While having a dashcam will not reduce your insurance directly, it has a positive impact on your car insurance in several ways. It can help your insurance in the following ways:
A record of the accident
If you get involved in a car accident, dashcam footage can serve as evidence during insurance claim filing. The claim process for an accident can be very difficult due to the need for proof against the incident.
In the absence of a dashcam, a verbal statement and photographs of the incident must be provided. The use of a dashcam to record the accident scene could expedite the investigation and settlement of our claim.
Fight against insurance fraud
Car insurance fraud has become a common problem that can be reduced by a scam. If a person tries to get you involved in a staged car accident to get fraudulent claim payouts, a dash cam could get you out of this situation, shielding you against legal fees and increased insurance premiums. It can work as proof against these types of claims.
It makes you a better driver.
Because you own a dashboard, your car insurance premiums will not be directly affected. However, becoming a safer driver may positively impact your policy.
Monitoring your driving with a dashcam could increase your awareness of what goes on the road and take part in defensive driving habits that reduce your risk of accidents.
Acts as a security camera
Car accidents and parked incidents are common, and comprehensive insurance policies cover the damage to your vehicle. Hardwired dash cameras can detect theft, vandalism, falling tree limbs, and fire damage. In rural areas, encountering wildlife may also be advantageous. However, comprehensive coverage is needed.
Observes teen’s driving
Teenage drivers are classified as high-risk drivers by insurance companies, and they are charged higher premiums. Installing a dash cam in your teen’s car can help you monitor their driving habits and address issues before they result in a ticket or an accident. This added peace of mind can be beneficial while driving.
Disadvantages of Having a Dashcam
There are various minimal risks you would need to consider:
- You may be more vulnerable to a break-in if you have a dash cam because thieves may try to take it.
- Additionally, it could be a risky distraction while driving if it isn’t installed correctly.
- Dash cams can cause discomfort for some individuals due to their perception of continuous recording as an infringement on their privacy. That comes down to personal choice.
To ensure that both you and the camera can see the road clearly, make sure your dash cam is firmly fastened to your windshield behind the rearview mirror. It’s also necessary to securely fasten down and tuck the power cable out of the way.
How Do I Send Dashcam Footage to My Car Insurance Provider?
Sending your dash cam footage to your auto insurance company as proof of what occurred during an accident can be beneficial. Depending on the make and model of your dash cam, here’s how to get the footage:
- SD card: Dash cam videos are typically stored on an SD card, which can be inserted into a computer using an external SD card reader, depending on the device.
- USB cable: You might be able to access your files by using a USB cable to connect your dashcam to a computer.
- Wi-Fi: If your dash cam has Wi-Fi capability, you can download video straight to the device of your choice.
You can let your provider know that you have a video of the collision when you file a claim. Additionally, a page where you can upload your videos will be shown to you. After watching the video, the provider can decide how to proceed with your claim.
FAQs
Can I get a discount for having a dashcam?
Dash cam insurance doesn’t offer discounts, and it may increase insurer costs if it proves fault in an accident.
Are you permitted to have a dashcam in your vehicle?
Installing a dashcam in your car is entirely legal in the UK. If you plan to drive your car abroad, keep in mind that some nations such as Cyprus, Luxembourg, and Portugal do not permit dashcams.
How do dash cams help in case of traffic accidents?
Dash cams capture every event that occurs while you’re driving, which can be very helpful in avoiding false claims and serving as proof in traffic incident recordings.
How much do dashcams cost?
The majority of dash cams sold in commercial markets typically cost between $100 and $500. For instance, the leading dash cam in the market, the Nextbase 122, costs $80, while the AI-powered iQ Smart Dash Cam in 4K resolution costs $700.