“Are dash cams worth it?” we hear you cry! With technology becoming more prevalent in your car these days, having a dash cam is now relatively inexpensive. Perhaps you’re considering a dash cam yourself and trying to justify the cost, or just have a curiosity about what it can do? Have a read through this article and decide for yourself whether a dash cam is suitable for your needs.
First of all, what is a dash cam?
A dash cam – or dashboard camera by it’s full name – can be fitted to your vehicle inside your car, usually connected close to the windscreen (often behind the rear-view mirror). It constantly records video and audio of your journeys on the road.
There are several types of dash cam you can have fitted, including:
- front view – a more standard position to film what’s in front of your vehicle
- front and rear views – recording front and back of the vehicle
- cabin view cameras – providing a bird’s eye view of the inside of the car, perfect for taxi drivers
What are the benefits of a dash cam?
Dash cams can be useful in certain circumstances. Should you be in an accident and are not to blame but there are no other witnesses it can be a godsend. Dash cams also are regularly accepted as evidence by UK police and UK courts, so it could help prove your innocence if required.
Many car insurers now also offer incentives to lower your premiums when a dash cam is installed by an approved installer.
They’re also relatively inexpensive to purchase in the realms of car ownership and maintenance.
What are the disadvantages of a dash cam?
The downsides to having a dash cam are that they will usually need some professional fitting unless you’re a whizz with car electronics. Some will power down with your vehicle and some will remain constantly on depending on their set-up. The latter could also drain your battery over time.
Also, there is a matter of privacy which may concern drivers. Not only is your every move in the vehicle being recorded but everyone else’s which can raise issues concerning privacy – you’re not asking consent to make private recordings of other road users.
There are some sceptics that may argue that driving a car with a dash cam enforced by the insurance company could in the short term reduce premiums but at the same time allow the insurance company to start to monitor your driving 24/7 and take into account which roads you drive on and other statistical data in future if they include GPS, which could harm renewal costs and privacy for drivers.
We’re here to help
We hope you’ve found this information useful and can make an informed choice when it comes to deciding whether you need a dash cam fitted. Don’t forget, our knowledgable and friendly VW mechanics and technicians can help advise and fit a variety of after market parts to your car. If you’re local to Bath and Radstock, why not book an appointment with us today?