You may have a silly reason to smile while driving in busy traffic with many plans for the day. You are on camera! The little camera adorning your dashboard or windscreen records all your actions as a driver and the driving environment around you. Dash cams are being used commonly in many countries and are gaining popularity in Canada too.

Isn’t it amazing that you could actually capture your entire fun road trip by using dash cam? A memory card could store all those memories and you could relive that trip many times over. Or on a more serious note, you may be able used dash cam footage as evidence. It could help to prove you not guilty in a lawsuit or insurance fraud case against you.  Let us check if installing the dash cam could be a trouble or lifesaver.

What You Need To Know You Buy A Dash Cam

So if you have decided to get a dash cam for your car, you may want to get one with apt features and specifications. Most dash cams are quite affordable and the cost starts in the range of $20 and could go up to $200 for the more advanced ones.

Automated Dash Camera – One of the most important features to look for in a dash cam is automation. The 12v power socket of your ignition will be connected to the dash cam cable. So, as soon as you switch the ignition on, the dam cam starts recording and stops when you turn off the ignition. Some dash cams may have a backup battery.

Stamping of Date and Time– It is very important that you set the correct time and date when you first install the dash cam. This is crucial for it to serve as an evidence if need be.

Memory Card – The memory card commonly used in the dash cams is 32GB micro SDHC. The storage size you require may depend on how much you drive and your budget. You may also play around with a lesser resolution and higher storage or vice versa. The cost ranges about $11.

Loop Recording– This feature enables the memory card on your dash cam to be overwritten once it is full. You may not have to format the memory card each time. You may periodically save the videos on another device so that you don’t lose any footage.

Resolution– The recommended resolution is 1080p that has the capacity to record license plates, surrounding streets and road signs clearly. Or you may set at 720p which is also pretty good.

Recording Angle– The default recording angle for dash cams is currently 120 degrees. More advanced cams have wider angles allowing recording of more areas of side streets.

Display – You may need to adjust the settings on the display when you first install the dash cam.

Built-in GPS Module– This feature will capture location, driving speed and route in the footage.

Legal Importance Of Dash Cams

Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among drivers, and they can have legal importance in certain situations. Some of the key legal importance of dash cams include:

1. Evidence in car accidents: Dash cams can provide valuable evidence in car accidents, especially in situations where fault is disputed. The footage from the dash cam can be used to prove who was at fault and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
2. Insurance claims: In some cases, insurance companies may request dash cam footage as part of the claims process. The footage can help insurance adjusters determine the cause of the accident and who was at fault, which can help speed up the claims process.
3. Protection against insurance fraud: Dash cams can also help protect against insurance fraud, such as staged accidents or fake injury claims. The footage can help prove that an accident was not staged or that injuries were not as severe as claimed.
4. Protection against false accusations: In situations where a driver is falsely accused of a traffic violation or other offense, dash cam footage can provide valuable evidence to refute the accusation.

It is important to note that the use of dash cams may be subject to certain legal restrictions, such as privacy laws or laws related to the placement of electronic devices on a vehicle. It is recommended to check the laws and regulations in your specific jurisdiction to ensure that you are using a dash cam in compliance with all applicable laws.

Overall, dash cams can provide important legal protection for drivers and can help ensure that justice is served in the event of a car accident or other legal dispute.

Cheaper Car Insurance With Dash Cam

For a claims loss adjuster, the evidence based on the dash cam does make the claims process pretty quick and straightforward. This is good for early claim settlements and to streamline the process of investigation in serious collisions involving fatalities. In many accident claims, the dash cams have proven to determine the fault percentage with the help of the actual footage. There is no room for any guesswork.

Also, having a dash cam installed may positively affect the driving habits. It may foster careful, ethical driving behavior thus reducing risk. Insurance companies do accept dash cam recordings as part of the claims process and also encourages its usage. As a result, certain car insurance companies do offer dash cam discounts and the monthly insurance premiums may reduce by up to 30% which is huge savings for the driver. Dash cams could help you to review driving behavior and enable you to steer clear of accidents. This could help you have a claims-free clean driving record.