Why Using A Dashcam Can Help Cut The Cost Of Your Car Insurance

Updated on June 30, 2022

If you’re looking for ways to save on your car insurance, one option is to install a dashcam. A dashcam is a small, dashboard-mounted camera that records everything in front of your vehicle while driving.

While dashcams are most commonly associated with law enforcement and commercial trucking fleets, an increasing number of everyday motorists are also using them. And there’s good reason to do so: many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 20% for drivers with dashcams installed in their vehicles.

Why Does Having a Dashcam Reduce My Insurance?

There are several reasons why having a dashcam can help lower your car insurance rates.

Evidence in the Event of an Accident

For one, dashcams can provide evidence in the event of a car accident, and that can help determine who is at fault. This can be particularly helpful if you’re in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver or if the other driver tries to leave the accident scene.

Fraud Prevention

Another reason dashcams can help reduce your insurance rates is that they can deter fraud. If you have a dashcam installed in your vehicle, it’s much less likely that someone will try to stage an accident or otherwise commit insurance fraud against you.

Lower Risk of Distracted Driving

Lastly, many insurance companies see drivers with dashcams as being at lower risk of distracted driving. This is because dashcams can serve as a reminder to stay focused on the road, and they can also record any incidents of distracted driving should they occur.

How Do I Get a Dashcam Discount?

If you’re interested in getting a dashcam discount from your insurance company, the first step is to check and see if they offer such a discount. Many insurers list dashcam discounts on their websites, so that’s a good place to start.

You can also contact your insurance agent or company representative and ask about dashcam discounts. Some insurers may require you to submit proof of purchase or installation of the dashcam before they provide the discount, so be sure to ask about that as well.

Finally, keep in mind that not all insurers offer reduced price insurance for having a dashcam installed in your car. However, as the popularity of dashcams continues to grow, it’s likely that more and more insurers will start offering such discounts in the future.

How Does a Dashcam Work?

A dashcam is a small, dashboard-mounted camera that records everything in front of your vehicle while driving. The camera is typically connected to the vehicle’s power supply so that it can stay on and video while the car is in use.

Most dashcams have a built-in memory card that stores the recordings, and some models also come with GPS capabilities that can track the vehicle’s location.

When shopping for a dashcam, be sure to look for one with high video quality and night vision capabilities so that you can see clearly even in low-light conditions. You’ll also want to make sure that the dashcam you choose has an easy-to-use interface so that you can access and review your recordings as needed.

Installing a Dashcam

Installing a dashcam in your vehicle is a simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. First, find a suitable location for the camera on your dashboard or windshield. Then, use the included mounting bracket to secure the camera in place.

Finally, connect the power cable to the dashcam and plug it into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter or power port. Once everything is plugged in, the dashcam will start recording automatically whenever you turn on your ignition.

Some models also come with a suction cup mount that can be used to attach the dashcam to your windshield. If you choose this type of mount, be sure to follow the instructions carefully so that the camera is securely fastened and doesn’t become a risk in the event of an accident. 

Using a Dashcam

Using a dashcam is easy – simply turn it on and start driving! The camera will begin recording automatically, and most models will save the recordings onto a memory card for later viewing.

If you have a GPS-enabled dashcam, it will also track the location of your vehicle as you drive. This can be useful if you’re ever in an accident or other incident and need to know exactly where it happened.

To view your recordings, simply remove the memory card from the dashcam and insert it into your computer. Most recordings are stored as video files so that you can watch them just like any other video.

Is it Legal to Use a Dashcam?

In most countries, it is legal to use a dashcam while driving. However, there are some exceptions. For example, in Spain, continuous recording would be considered surveillance and so falls under the data protection legislation.

So, before using a dashcam, check the laws in your country or state to ensure that you’re not breaking any laws.

The Bottom Line

Using a dashcam can have many benefits – from decreasing your car insurance rates to providing evidence in the event of an accident. If you’re thinking about getting a dashcam for your vehicle, be sure to shop around and find one that meets your needs.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.