The Future Of Dash Cameras: Are They Standard In Cars?

Dashcams are becoming an increasingly popular accessory for drivers. They can be a silent witness in the event of a collision, providing video evidence of a traffic accident or violation committed by another motorist. While not all cars have built-in dashcams, they are becoming more common, with automakers including cameras with various degrees of functionality. Aftermarket dashcams are also widely available and relatively simple to install, but they may require professional installation which can increase the cost.

Dashcams can record road trips and fun drives

Dashcams are a great way to record road trips and fun drives. They can capture memorable moments, beautiful vistas, and unusual events. With the right dashcam, you can easily relive your favourite drives and share your experiences with others.

When choosing a dashcam for recording road trips, it's important to consider the video quality. Look for a camera that records in at least 1080p full HD resolution to ensure clear and detailed footage. If you want even better quality, go for a dashcam that offers 4K resolution, which will capture your trips in stunning detail.

Another feature to look for is GPS tracking. This allows you to track your route and record the location of your videos, making it easy to revisit or share landmarks and points of interest.

Some dashcams also offer LCD screens, which can be helpful for adjusting camera settings to ensure you're capturing the best footage. You may also want to consider a dashcam with voice control, especially if you're travelling alone, as it allows you to operate the camera while keeping your eyes on the road.

When recording your road trips, remember to check the laws and regulations of the areas you're driving through. Some states and countries have specific restrictions on mounting items to your windshield, so be sure to position your dashcam in a way that doesn't obstruct your view or break any local laws.

Additionally, be mindful of privacy laws and regulations when recording. While it's generally legal to record with a dashcam in public spaces, the rules may vary for private property or when recording individuals without their consent. Always review and respect the privacy laws of the locations you're driving through.

By choosing the right dashcam and following the necessary laws and regulations, you can safely and effectively record your road trips and fun drives, creating lasting memories to share with others.

They can be used to establish liability in the event of a crash

Dash cameras are increasingly becoming a must-have accessory for drivers. In the event of a crash, a dashcam can establish the sequence of events, recording exactly what happened, and therefore, establishing liability. This can help determine fault for insurance purposes.

Dashcams are particularly useful in the case of a hit-and-run accident, where a driver crashes into another vehicle and leaves the scene. In such a scenario, it can be difficult to prove that the other driver was responsible for the accident. However, with a dashcam, you can have solid evidence to support an Uninsured Motorist (UM) claim against your insurance company, if you have UM coverage on your automobile policy.

Additionally, in the case of disputed liability accidents, a dashcam can be crucial in moving insurance companies to accept liability. It is always advised to have an attorney review all the evidence before submitting it to insurance companies.

Some vehicles, such as certain models of the Tesla, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, offer built-in dashcam functionality. These systems can automatically save footage in the event of a crash and offer seamless integration without the need for dangling wires associated with aftermarket DIY installations.

They can help lower insurance premiums

Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular with drivers, and for good reason. While they don't automatically lower insurance premiums, they can still positively impact your insurance in several ways and help to keep your insurance rates down.

Firstly, dashcams can provide objective evidence in the event of an accident, helping to establish liability and determine fault. This can prevent you from being found at fault and protect you from a major premium increase. Dashcam footage can also speed up the claims process, leading to a faster claim settlement. In one example, a Florida driver used dashcam footage to prove he wasn't at fault in an accident, and as a result, his insurer waived the deductible.

Secondly, dashcams can help to fight insurance fraud. If you are involved in a staged accident or "crash for cash" scheme, dashcam footage can help to clear your name and prevent you from incurring costly legal fees and increased insurance premiums.

Thirdly, dashcams can encourage safer driving habits. Monitoring your driving with a dashcam can increase your awareness of your driving habits and help you to develop better defensive driving skills, reducing your risk of accidents. If you can avoid traffic violations and accidents, you may be rewarded by your insurance company with a lower rate and a good driver discount.

Finally, dashcams can act as a security camera for your vehicle. If your car is damaged while parked, a dashcam that's hardwired to record even when the car is off could capture the incident and provide valuable evidence for your insurance claim. This is especially useful in rural areas where wildlife-related accidents are common.

While dashcams offer many benefits, it's important to note that they may also have some disadvantages. For example, they can be a distraction while driving, create blind spots, or become a target for theft due to their prominent placement on the windshield. Additionally, if the dashcam footage shows that you were at fault in an accident, it could lead to higher costs for your insurer.

They can be used to monitor young/teen drivers

Dash cameras are becoming increasingly common in cars, with some manufacturers offering vehicles with built-in dashcam functionality. While not all cars have dash cameras, they are a useful accessory in the event of a crash, for insurance purposes, or to monitor young or teen drivers.

Dash cameras are a great way to monitor young or teen drivers and can provide parents with peace of mind. With a dashcam, parents can ensure their teens are driving safely and not engaging in risky behaviour such as texting and driving, speeding, or driving with too many passengers. The footage from a dashcam can be used to review a young driver's habits and pinpoint risky behaviour, allowing parents to have open and constructive discussions about safe driving practices. This can help improve their driving skills, prevent accidents, and keep insurance rates low.

In addition, dashcams can provide invaluable evidence in the event of an accident. They can help establish liability and fault, which is especially important when young or inexperienced drivers may not be able to clearly articulate what happened. The footage can also protect against insurance fraud and false claims, saving a lot of headaches and troubles.

Some dashcams offer remote monitoring features, allowing parents to keep tabs on their teen's whereabouts in real time. This can be done through cloud-capable dashcams that can be monitored remotely or with features like GPS tracking. The presence of a dashcam can also have a positive effect on the behaviour of the teenager, as they are less likely to engage in dangerous or risky driving when they know their actions are being recorded.

When choosing a dashcam for monitoring young or teen drivers, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the camera angles you want to capture. Front-facing dashcams are the most common, but you may also want to consider a rear-facing or inside-facing dashcam for additional coverage. Secondly, determine if you need remote monitoring capabilities or if you are okay with reviewing footage from the memory card later. Finally, consider whether you need a tamper-proof cover to prevent the camera from being unplugged or turned off.

Overall, dash cameras can be a valuable tool for monitoring young or teen drivers, providing peace of mind for parents and helping to promote safe driving habits.

They can record inside the car as well as outside

Dash cameras are becoming an increasingly popular accessory for drivers. They can be used to record fun road trips, establish liability in the event of a crash, and provide proof of theft. While some dash cams only record the road ahead, others can record both the interior and exterior of the car. This can be useful for ride-share drivers or parents of new drivers.

The Ring Car Cam, for example, has two wide-angle cameras that record both the interior and exterior of the car in 1080p HD. The camera has a physical privacy shutter that can be flipped up to disable the interior camera and any audio recording inside the car. However, the exterior camera will continue to record the action in front of the car. The Ring Car Cam also offers two-way talk functionality, allowing users to connect to their home's Wi-Fi and communicate with anyone in the car.

The Nextbase iQ Smart Dash Cam is another example of a dash cam that can record both inside and outside the car. It is available in 1K, 2K, and 4K variants and includes an interior camera, with the option to add a rear-facing unit. The Nextbase iQ also offers parking assistance, a voice-activated Witness Mode, and the ability to check in on your vehicle via the Nextbase iQ app.

The 70mai Dash Cam Omni is a unique dash cam that can rotate to provide a full 360-degree view, allowing users to record their journeys as well as the interior of the vehicle. The camera has a 140-degree field of view and records in 1080p resolution. It also offers user-friendly voice controls and AI-powered surveillance features.

The Nexar Pro is a dual-camera solution that can record video both inside and outside the vehicle. It includes two separate camera units connected by a cable, with one camera facing forward and the other facing the interior. The Nexar Pro records in 1080p resolution and offers cloud backup and break-in alerts.

The Vantrue N2 Pro is another dual-lens dash cam that records a detailed view of the road ahead and the vehicle's interior. It is designed with taxi drivers in mind and does not include speed camera alerts or collision warnings. The Vantrue N2 Pro records in Full HD resolution and offers clear audio, making it a comprehensive solution for those who want to record both the interior and exterior of their vehicle.

Frequently asked questions