Dash cams are gaining in popularity and it could be beneficial to install one in your vehicle. There have been a handful of viral videos that originated from dash cam footage, but what exactly is a dash cam?
Dash Cams
Dash cams are designed to capture the view from your front windshield, back windshield, or the interior of your car. You may use more than one camera depending on what you would like to monitor. Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are most often installed on your dashboard or your windshield using a suction cup.
How Are They Used?
The most obvious reason for installing a dash cam is to have hard evidence in case of a car crash. Dash cam footage can help to determine who is at fault. This can help to expedite insurance claims processing or even help police in filing charges.
‘Crash-for-cash’ insurance scams can attribute to more people installing dash cams. This is when scammers slam on their brakes in front of innocent drivers and try to claim money from that driver’s insurance. The reasoning behind this is that in these cases, the driver behind is usually assumed to be at fault.
While most places allow dash cams, others have strict rules for their use. For example, you won’t see dash cams in Austria as they are forbidden, and the use of dash cams in Switzerland is strongly discouraged. In Germany, however, dash cam footage is allowed to be used for personal reasons or as evidence in a court of law.
What To Look For
So you have made the decision and you want to invest in a dash cam. You can find forward-facing or rear-facing cameras, along with combination packs and ‘duo cams’. Be aware that ‘duo cams’ monitor the interior of the car, which is helpful for taxi companies, rather than out the back. Once you decide what type of dash cam you need, you can start thinking about specs.
As with nearly all cameras, you want the one with the best picture quality for a reasonable price. When it comes to insurance claims, you will want to be able to read the license plates of every vehicle in question.
And unless you only plan on driving while the sun is out, your dash cam should feature day and night vision, which most, if not all, possess. Aside from this, you will want to look for a polarized lens which helps to resist glare from sun during the daytime and from other cars and lights during the night.
You should also be conscious about prioritizing video storage so that you don’t lose vital evidence. Most dash cams record on a loop, but some have technology that senses a sudden change in g-force (which may be caused by an impact) and will prevent that footage from being lost.
Your dash cam video footage should also be easily accessible, whether it can be viewed on the device itself, through a mobile app, TV, or computer. Companion apps can be helpful as you are able to access and manage your dash cam remotely and easily.
While it seems like common sense, it is worth mentioning that your mounting equipment should be of top quality to ensure secure mounting.
Do you have a dash cam? What features do you like most? Share your experiences and advice with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Are you looking for a quality dash cam? Check out our Thinkware FXD700 2CH Full HD Car DVR Blackbox Camera With GPS. Feel free to browse our selection of security cameras and CCTV surveillance equipment online. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-888-203-6294.
Commonly used by authorities, dash cams are growing in popularity among drivers. Employing a dash cam in your car can help protect you. Should you be involved in a car accident, dash cam footage could provide evidence to who was at fault and help speed up the claims process. As a result, you may even avoid increases in your insurance premiums. But the benefits don’t stop there.
Fight Insurance Fraud
Aside from having record of your accident, you can help prevent insurance fraud. If you suspect the accident you were involved in, or one that you may have witnessed, may be a scam, you can turn in your video footage for review. It’s important to stop these scammers before you or someone you know becomes a victim.
Getting Out Of A Ticket
In the event that you were stopped for a traffic violation you did not commit, dash cam footage can help to prove your innocence. If the officer refuses to watch the video, you may bring it to court to contest the ticket.
Improve Your Driving Skills
Reviewing your driving footage can help you become a better driver. You can identify your weaknesses and improve upon them.
Review Your Teen’s Driving Habits
Or if you have newly licensed teenagers, you can monitor their driving habits. A two-way dash cam may help in this situation so that you can see whether they are paying attention to the road or not. Much like improving your skills, you can review the footage with your teen and offer tips or advice.
Keep An Eye On Your Unattended Vehicle
You can protect your car while you’re not in it. Most dash cams have standby mode, which is usually equipped with motion detection t activate recording. If someone hits your car, tries to break in, or causes any damage, you could potentially have footage of the responsible party. Releasing this footage to your insurance and to authorities could help you find the culprit.
Capture Unexpected Events
You’ve likely seen the incredible dash cam videos that captured the Chelyabinsk meteor in Russia or the plane crash in Taiwan earlier this year. While most of your footage may be mundane, you never know what you’ll record.
Dash cams can help to keep you safe and can be a great asset for your car insurance. Do you have a dash cam in your vehicle? How has it helped you? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
To explore our dash cam selection, please give us a call at 1-888-203-6294. We also carry a wide selection of security cameras and equipment, which can be found online at SecurityCamExpert.com.