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Dash Cams are small cameras that continuously record the view through your vehicles front windscreen or rear. They usually work through a 12V socket or your car’s fuse box and therefore record whenever the car is on. They are simple to install, just plug it into your vehicle and attach it to your front or rear windscreen. Some models will also stay on when your car is turned off if your car will accommodate this but must be used sensibly to protect the battery.
They can cost anything from £25 for a basic camera to £400 for a camera with advanced features such as HD resolution, GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity. They can be timestamped in a tamper-proof way making them a great source of evidence for any kind of road incident. Also, some have a parking mode which starts recording when an impact is detected so if someone bumps your car when it’s parked and they don’t leave you a note then you have a better chance of tracking them down.
Front view – the cheapest but only record what’s in front of you.
Front and back view – catch evidence of rear end collisions as well as what’s in front of you.
Cabin view – capture everything that happens inside your car. These are mainly used in taxis and car services.
A blackbox or telematics unit records how a car is driven, it determines how safe a driver you are and is sent to your insurer who uses it to decide on your premiums. They are a popular choice for new and young motorists promoting safe driving and helping them make big savings on their annual premium. Dash cams just provide a visual record of your journey.
Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular with motorists in the UK, and you see footage used on the news or crime programmes and sometimes clips go viral on social media! They are an effective way of finding out who was at fault in a car accident as well as providing evidence of how we and others drive. They can also act as a GPS tracker if you break down which ultimately helps the emergency services find you.
If you think you’ve been a victim of ‘crash for cash’ fraud then dash cam footage could help you to get properly compensated and prevent it happening to others. The police use dash cam videos in their cars and their footage is often used as evidence when prosecuting bad or dangerous drivers.
If you’re involved in a car accident and a dispute ensues as to whose fault it is then submitting evidence in the form of dash cam footage can help resolve matters. This may save you paying your excess or getting it reimbursed if the other party are proven to be at fault. The evidence could also protect your no claim discount and lower car insurance premiums. A growing number of insurers accept dash cam footage as evidence in claims.
So, if you are thinking of getting a dash cam then here are a few points to consider:
Evidence following an accident – this is the main reason drivers get dash cams. They provide solid evidence when making a claim with your insurance company and could save you money and time.
Encourage safer driving – if you don’t drive safely when you have a dash cam fitted then it can capture evidence of your bad driving – or others.
Reduce Insurance Premiums – Not all insurers offer this but many do and some will even give you a discount of up to 20% if you use a dash cam.
Memories – can capture memorable moments on road trips!
Illegal! – in some countries dash cams are illegal, for example Austria and Portugal.
Privacy – personal privacy, a trending topic and dash cams are included in the conversation – considered an invasion of people’s privacy!
Expensive – although you can pick a basic one up for £40, good ones can cost upwards of £100.
Getting a dash cam for a leased vehicle is personal preference it is not a must and not pushed by lease companies. Obviously they have their benefits like evidence of an accident where damage comes outside your fair wear and tear policy meaning that dash cam evidence could potentially help you claim against another driver if they were at fault.
Also, if you’ve leased a vehicle in your name for a minor may be, then a dash cam could help you monitor how they are driving.
Ultimately though it is your decision whether you fit one in your lease car based on whether you think it will be useful or a life, time or money saver. It does not affect your agreement. If you have any further questions regarding dash cams or just leasing a vehicle with us then contact one of our account managers who will be more than happy to help.
