Dash cams are one of the most useful tools for drivers. There’s one main reason why drivers install a dash cam: they catch auto accidents and can prove you’re not responsible for the accident.
But is this really true? Dash cams can catch auto accidents, but not all of them. What if you’re rear-ended or hit on your side? There are also important laws to consider and approving dash cam footage by insurance companies.
Can dash cams help you in an auto accident? Continue reading and discover the truth.
The Pros
Dash cams have pros and cons. They are useful, but there are times when a dash cam won’t help you.
Discover the pros of having a dash cam.
Dash Cams Can Help With Insurance Claims and Even in Court
If you were in an auto accident and not-at-fault, you have to prove your case. Unfortunately, this can be difficult.
Your memories are fuzzy and you may experience short-term memory loss if you sustained an injury.
The at-fault driver will likely make up a story and defend their claim. If you didn’t have enough witnesses, then you could easily lose your case.
You can review the footage and send it to your insurance agency and even the other driver’s insurance. If you have to go to court, the dash cam footage will help defend your claim. Learn more here to get the best car insurance.
There Are More Safety and Legal Benefits
Dash cams don’t only identify auto accidents. Many other auto hazards can occur and your dash cam will pick it all up.
Let’s say someone steals your car. The dash cam can follow the route the thief is taking and can track down the car. The camera may even catch the thief and identify them, especially if you have a dual-lens dash cam.
But you can’t access the footage unless someone finds your car. The thief may even notice the dash cam and take it. It’s best you link your dash cam to your phone to view the footage.
You Could Need One
A dash cam is one of those tools you don’t need but you could need. In other words, most drivers don’t buy a dash cam unless they were already in a car accident and couldn’t prove their innocence.
As a driver, it’s up to you to decide what’s best. Should you buy a dash cam? You’re better safe than sorry and you could need one. Or would you rather buy one when you understand the dash cam importance?
The Cons
There are many dash cam benefits. Unfortunately, a dash cam won’t help in every situation. Here are the cons of owning a dash cam.
You Won’t Receive an Insurance Discount
This is probably the biggest bummer of them all. While many insurance companies use recording methods to track safe driving, a dash cam doesn’t count.
And there’s a good reason why: dash cams don’t promote safe driving. They are only used to prove claims in court and to insurance agencies.
But don’t be discouraged. U.K. based insurance companies are now providing 10%-15% insurance discounts for drivers who use dash cams.
It’s unlikely U.S. based insurance companies will offer dash cams discounts for a long time, but it could be in the future.
There Are Strict Dash Cam Laws
With the prevalence of electronic devices, many new laws are popping up. Among these laws are recording audio and video against the consent of the subjects in the video.
Consent doesn’t only apply when someone disagrees to video and audio recordings. Consent includes video or audio footage of a subject who was unknowingly recorded. This is also known as surveillance laws.
But surveillance cameras are constantly used. Homes and businesses set up surveillance cameras to identify burglars and other home and business harms. There are even cameras to ensure babysitters are protecting children and pets.
This is why recording footage while driving doesn’t break any laws. But it’s how you use the footage that could result in a lawsuit.
If you use any dash cam footage, be sure it’s only used in court and sent to insurance companies. Don’t post any videos or recordings on the internet, especially not social media.
You should still be careful when using dashcam footage, even if it’s proving your innocence. Inform anyone who was in your car or any witnesses. If they appear in your footage, ask them to sign a contract freeing you from legal obligations.
They Could Obstruct Your View
Are you one of those drivers who prefers a large windshield? If so, you probably wonder how your Uber driver and other drivers can see when their phone and GPS devices are propped on their dashboard.
Some states have laws about attaching electronic devices to dashboards. Most states usually monitor the size and the location of the device.
For example, a dashboard device that’s only a few inches in size and propped on the passenger side is usually okay. But a large device propped right in front of you is illegal.
The same goes for dash cams. Your dash cam may be too large and you could place it in an intrusive area.
For safety and lawful concerns, buy a dash cam no larger than five inches. Place the cam toward the passenger’s side.
Will You Buy a Dash Cam?
As a driver, you’ve probably considered buying a dash cam because of the many benefits they offer.
They help identify police brutality, can identify a car thief, and can catch some amusing footage while you’re on the road. But can dash cams really help you in an auto accident?
In short, yes they can. But many drivers don’t use one unless they think they should.
There are also responsibilities on your part. Never upload any dash cam footage online and ensure your dash cam doesn’t obstruct your view.
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