Today, we are going to talk about an essential gadget that every driver should consider having in their car- a dash cam.
You might have heard about dash cams, but did you know that they were once considered a luxury item for private motorists due to their high cost? However, with the increasing need for proof of innocence (or negligence) in road accidents, more drivers are now fitting dash cams on their car windscreen.
Dash cams can protect you in many instances, for example, when you’re an innocent participant in an accident, or if you are targeted by unscrupulous car crooks and insurance scammers. The best part is that prices for dash cams have reduced drastically in the last few years. You can get a good value dash cam from as little as £30, and they are readily available from automotive parts stores and internet sites.
Apart from the obvious benefits of having clear and irrefutable evidence to support your insurance claims, having a dash cam can also save you money on your future insurance premiums. With one in five vehicles now fitted with a dash cam in the UK, it’s not just an accessory but rather an essential tool for protecting yourself on the road.
So, what exactly is a dash cam? A dash cam is a video camera mounted on the dashboard or windscreen of your car that continuously records the view of the road and traffic through the windscreen. It typically stores footage either on an internal memory or a removable card (such as an SD card), and when the memory fills up, it automatically overwrites the oldest files.
Now, you might be wondering if it is legal to use a dash cam without notifying anyone else. The answer is yes, it is legal in the UK as long as the car is yours and yours alone, and you are not using it for business (such as taxi work).
So, where is the best place to fit a dash cam? It is recommended to fit it in the center of your windscreen, behind the rear-view mirror, ensuring that it does not obstruct your forward vision.
Finally, can having a dash cam save you money on insurance? Yes, it can! The installation of a dash cam could see a discount of up to 25% from some insurance companies. It is always worth asking your insurer what they can offer. Plus, you don’t have to tell your insurer that you’re using a dash cam, as it is not considered a vehicle modification.
To sum up, having a dash cam in your car is not just a trend but a smart decision. With clear and irrefutable evidence, it can protect you against dangerous drivers, road rage incidents, and even minor car park knocks. Additionally, it can save you money on your insurance premiums and give you peace of mind on the road. So, why not consider investing in one today?