At a glance
Clear dash cam footage may be accepted as evidence in insurance claims
If dash cam footage shows that you weren’t at fault in an incident, it could help protect your no claims bonus
Some insurance providers also offer discounts to drivers with a dash cam
Dash cams must be installed correctly, so they don’t block the driver’s view
What is a dash cam?
A dash cam is basically an in-car camera that makes an audio and video recording of your car journey.
If you’re involved in a road incident, it can often be difficult to remember all the details of what happened. A dash cam can provide a video account of the incident and can even be used to determine who was at fault.
It’s estimated that millions of UK motorists are now using dash cams to record their journeys. And an increasing number of insurance providers are accepting dash cam footage as evidence in insurance claims.
Pros and cons of having a dash cam
What are the benefits of a dash cam?
Having a dash cam can provide evidence of any incidents you may be involved in.
Identify who was at fault.
Protect your no claims discount if you weren’t at fault.
Settle claims and disputes more quickly.
Deter insurance fraud and ‘crash for cash’ claims, where criminals fabricate accidents to claim the insurance payout.
A cabin view dash cam can record what’s happening inside your car – ideal for taxi drivers and car sharers.
Dash cams with a GPS tracker function can help emergency services find you if you break down or have an accident.
A dash cam could also help you improve your own driving. By recording your driving habits, they can make you more aware of whether you’re driving carefully or not. Research from the RAC Foundation has shown that dash cams can reduce bad driving if young drivers know the footage can be shared with their parents.
Are there any disadvantages to having a dash cam?
They’re not always going to support you – the footage you record of an accident is only one perspective. It may not tell the whole story, so don’t presume it’ll get you out of trouble. In fact, it could record evidence that works against you.
They could attract thieves – given that dash cams must be positioned where they can get a good view, this also makes them easy to spot by passers-by. This may make them attractive to thieves.
They can obstruct your view – if you install your dash cam incorrectly, it could obstruct your view and become a hazard while driving. However, if you install your dash cam as instructed, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Privacy concerns – you’ll need to be conscious of how you share footage to stay on the right side of the law. Businesses using dash cams must comply with data protection regulations.
Did you know?
While dash cams are typically bought as a stand-alone device, some car manufacturers are starting to offer them as a built-in feature. Cars with a built-in dash cam option include BMW, Tesla, Mini, Citroen and Mercedes.
Can dash cam footage be used as evidence in court?
Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court, as long as images and important details such as number plates are clear.
You can fill out an official police report and submit footage to the relevant authorities via the National Dash Cam Safety Portal. Some individual police forces also have websites where you can upload footage.
What’s the difference between a dash cam and black box telematics?
A dash cam provides a visual record of your journey, while a black box telematics device records data about your driving style. This can include speed, braking, mileage, steering and cornering.
If you have black box car insurance, the data from your device will be sent directly to your insurance provider. They may reward you with a discount on your premium for safe driving.
Can I get a dash cam discount on my car insurance?
You may be able to. Insurance providers are beginning to see the benefits of dash cams, and an increasing number are offering dash cam discounts on their car insurance deals.
Having a dash cam could also help you hold onto your no claims discount if you’re able to use the footage to prove a no fault claim. But you need to be careful that your dash cam, and the way you use it, meets the insurance provider’s terms and conditions.
Not all insurance providers offer dash cam insurance discounts.
If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance by installing a dash cam, shop around to find an insurance provider that offers a discount you’re happy with. But please note, you can’t currently get a dash cam insurance discount through Compare the Market.
FAQs
Are dash cams legal in the UK?
Yes, dash cams are legal to use on UK roads. You don’t need to fill out any paperwork or get special permission. But you do need to make sure that it’s fitted correctly and not blocking your view of the road.
To stay on the right side of privacy laws, avoid sharing dash cam footage publicly without blurring faces and registration details.
Are dash cams easy to fit?
Most dash cams are designed to be easy to install. They usually come with a suction cup fitting (similar to old sat nav devices) or are attached using adhesive pads. Dash cams with suction cup fittings have greater flexibility as they’re easier to move or uninstall.
Most dash cams plug into your car’s cigarette lighter or 12v power socket. Some models can be hardwired into your car’s fuse box by a professional. This is more expensive, but it means the dash cam can turn off and on automatically with your car, and it gets the wiring out of the way.
Where do I put the dash cam in my car?
Front view dash cams should be placed behind the rear-view mirror. Make sure you fit your dash cam in the correct place – it shouldn’t be anywhere that’ll obstruct the driver’s view. It should also be positioned centrally to capture both lanes of the road ahead.
If your dash cam is positioned poorly, it may lead to your footage being inadmissible in court.
How much do dash cams cost?
Like any tech, dash cams range from basic models to top-of-the-range gadgets. This means the price range is equally stretched. Basic models can cost from around £50, while others can cost hundreds.
If you’re looking to buy a dash cam to protect yourself against potential legal disputes, you should know footage needs to be of good quality to be used in court. This means you might want to invest in a decent dash cam to avoid it being a waste of money. However, it doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg.
Which dash cam should I buy?
There are some important features to consider when finding the best dash cam for your needs:
Video quality – HD, UHD or 4K to ensure sharp, clear video footage
Viewing angle – how much of the road ahead or behind is recorded. An 180-degree angle can capture what’s happening to the sides of your car, as well as directly in front and behind.
Night recording mode – ensures clear footage at night on unlit roads
GPS tracker – will automatically record the location, so you know exactly where an incident took place
G-force sensors – automatically save and protect footage in the event of a collision
How can I make sure my dash cam captures clear footage?
To ensure your dash cam footage is reliable and as clear as possible:
Position the dash cam behind the rear-view mirror in the centre of your windscreen, so it can record without obstructing your view.
Make sure you demist front and rear windscreens on rainy days
Don’t hang any items or place stickers on your windscreens that could obstruct the footage
Clean the dash cam lens regularly with a microfibre cloth
Choose an SD card with plenty of storage, so the memory doesn’t fill up too soon
Adjust the resolution in the dash cam settings so footage is as clear and sharp as possible
Check footage regularly to make sure the dash cam is recording properly, and videos are clear.
Where can I send my dash cam footage?
The National Dash Cam Safety Portal provides a free and easy way for drivers to upload and send their dash cam footage in the event of an incident. This allows motorists to act against dangerous drivers, even if they don’t stop to exchange details.
Some police forces also have individual websites where you can upload and submit footage directly to them.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
Karen’s areas of expertise include insurance products, such as car insurance, travel insurance and life insurance, as well as utilities such as energy comparison.
Stephen Maunder is an experienced personal finance editor, having spent more than a decade working for consumer print and online titles. He won several industry awards for his personal finance features at Which?, before becoming Deputy Editor at Compare the Market.
Amy helps make sure you get the best value when choosing insurance. Thanks to more than four years’ experience at Compare the Market, she understands what people look for, working closely with insurance providers to offer you deals and services that are fair, easy to understand and right for your needs.
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