What are the benefits of a dashcam? (2024)
The benefits of a dashcam include protection against damage, theft, and fraud, meaning you avoid unnecessary and costly claims. At around $100-$250, the dashcam benefits make up for its price. We'll overview the benefits of dashcam footage for your insurance and some of the dash cam disadvantages.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
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Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
The benefits of a dash cam are great, as they help protect against costly auto insurance claims stemming from theft, fraud, or vandalism. So, a dash cam is worth it if you’re willing to pay $100-$250.
Other uses for dash cam footage include collecting evidence in the event of an accident or monitoring your teen’s driving behavior. (Read More: Companies With the Cheapest Teen Auto Insurance)
Keep reading to compare the pros and cons of installing a dashcam and learn how it can lower car insurance premiums. Ready to find affordable car insurance? Get started today by entering your ZIP code above into our free comparison tool.
- Dashcams help to monitor your car on the road and while parked
- Unlike traditional cameras, dashcams turn on when motion is detected
- Dashcams may not reduce rates, but it could prevent insurance claims
Understanding the Benefits of Dashcams for Insurance
Considering how quickly and unexpectedly a major vehicle accident can happen and the associated resulting trauma, it’s no wonder that many drivers’ recollections and descriptions of events may differ significantly from what actually happened, despite their best efforts. This is how you can be incorrectly blamed for an at-fault accident.
A video recording provides conclusive proof of what actually occurred and may even help identify the responsible party during the incident. This factual record your dashcam produces can speed up insurance payouts and police reports alike.Kalyn Johnson Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Similarly, a dashcam can protect you if you were incorrectly cited for a traffic or vehicle infraction, like wrongful parking tickets from broken meters. Many courts allow the submission of video that supports your innocent plea.
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How Dashcams Work
What separates a dashcam from a normal camera is how it functions and captures the details of its environment. A dashcam will automatically turn on using motion sensors, unlike a cell phone camera or GoPro, which you’d have to turn on manually every time.
This is how having a dashcam lowers auto insurance rates, albeit indirectly.
A dashcam will record everything, including when your car gets scratched by someone who parks inconveniently close, if another car runs into you while making a turn, or if someone ever vandalizes or tries to break into your vehicle.
Read More: Does auto insurance cover vandalism?
You can view the video and prove your claim to insurance while not being penalized for something that wasn’t your fault. You’ll have video-documented proof of anything that occurs to your vehicle as it occurs or immediately after, saving you the grief of wishing you’d turned your camera on.
Top 5 Benefits of Having a Dashcam
While dashcams provide verifiable proof during an accident or insurance claim, installing one has many more advantages. The sections below compare the advantages and disadvantages of having a dashcam.
These are some of the benefits of dash cameras.
Dashcams are Small and Inexpensive
The price range for car cameras is only between $75 and $150, depending on the model. Compare this to other types of traditional video cameras, GoPros, or smartphones, which can cost up to thousands of dollars and be quite large. Dashcams are also just as incredibly compact and small.
Dashcams are Automatic
Dashcams turn on and off by themselves, as needed. Many people take these features for granted, but they’re actually among the dashcam’s most useful and practical features.
If you were to use any other kind of recording device, you would have to install it every time you got into your car and then turn it on and press record. This is a major inconvenience because you might be pressed for time and forget to set it up. One mistake is all it takes to ruin you severely.
Additionally, motion detectors automatically switch on and activate to ensure the dashcam can monitor your car around the clock, even when the vehicle is turned off.
Dashcams Deter Insurance Fraud
Staged auto accidents are becoming more and more common, which hurts both insurance companies and honest drivers. When a car accident is staged, and the perpetrator attempts to blame you for receiving a free insurance payout, this is known as traffic accident fraud.
A different kind of fraud is pedestrian fraud, in which a pedestrian runs out in front of your car while claiming you weren’t paying attention, so they can claim a sizable insurance payout to cover their medical expenses.
Dashcams deter insurance fraud by recording the incident as it occurs so both the police and the insurance company can see who was really at fault.
Dashcams Prevent Rate Increases
Does having a dashcam lower insurance? Yes, considering filing a “no-fault” accident claim might raise your insurance premiums by 4% on average.
This table shows how auto insurance rates change after an accident.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Clean Record vs. One Accident
| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 | $225 |
| American Family | $117 | $176 |
| Farmers | $139 | $198 |
| Geico | $80 | $132 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $234 |
| Nationwide | $115 | $161 |
| Progressive | $105 | $186 |
| State Farm | $86 | $102 |
| Travelers | $99 | $139 |
| U.S Average | $119 | $173 |
So, does having a dashcam reduce your insurance? Not directly. Dashcams can prevent your insurance from going up if the accident is not your fault. Still, a no-fault accident will raise your average premiums much less than if you were found responsible or at fault.
Dashcams Offer Peace of Mind
Like the feeling you get full coverage for added protection against unforeseen circumstances, a dashcam can help you relax as a motorist and enjoy a more carefree driving experience.
Dash Cam Disadvantages
Dashcams are not without flaws when it comes to driving and car insurance. These are some of the top reasons not to have a dashcam:
- Distracting and view-obstructing: Dashcams can cause a blind spot when driving because they are placed on the dashboard or windscreen, respectively
- Relatively easy to steal: Dashcams are typically placed in plain view of onlookers and can be easily removed from their 12v power socket, then re-used.
- Privacy violations: Having footage of someone without their permission could present a legal issue, especially if a third-party app that monitors the video feed has a backdoor. Thus, a cybersecurity issue is always present.
- No dash camera insurance discount: Unfortunately, the best auto insurance companies don’t usually offer a dashcam discount for insurance.
To save even more on your auto insurance rates, see our list of auto insurance discounts you may also be eligible for.
Considering that you only get one opportunity to install a camera now to record a potential hit-and-run or reckless driver in a parking lot, the indirect cash value it represents could be vastly more than just the sticker price of the dashcam itself.
Read More: Hitting a Parked Car, Auto Insurance Implications
So, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you decide to get a dashcam.
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Determining Whether Dashcams Are Worth it
We think dashcams are worth it, depending on your risk tolerance and budget for risk mitigation when it comes to owning and operating a motor vehicle.
Why use a dashcam? Dashcam use is encouraged in rideshare, public transportation, and truck fleets, especially for professional drivers. It can record auto accidents and provide evidence in hit-and-run incidents or if you catch someone driving while intoxicated.
Read More: Does auto insurance cover a hit-and-run?
Wide-angle dash cameras can also record people who may be endangering drivers’ safety, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users.
The video footage can be given to the police if you happen to witness a vehicle driving carelessly, whether it be excessively speeding or running a cyclist off the road. If you witness a hit-and-run, waiting for the police to arrive and sharing dashcam evidence can help identify the offender and help the victim.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) October 9, 2023
So while you may not earn a discount for one, the dash cam benefits are still great, as they could save you time and money if you’re ever in an accident or need to file a car insurance claim.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dashcam for cars?
A car dash cam is a video device mounted on your dashboard or windshield that records any events triggered by motion.
Is a dash cam worth it?
A dashcam can protect you financially by providing a recording of an accident on the road or even minor damage when the vehicle is parked, and no one’s around. It can also help prove innocence in the event of an accident or prevent fraudulent claims from other drivers or pedestrians.
Is there a car insurance dashcam discount?
Insurance companies generally don’t offer discounts for dashcams. Still, they can help you avoid an increase in your insurance rates by providing evidence that you weren’t at fault in an accident.
Are there certain insurance-approved dashcams?
There are currently no insurance-approved dashcams. We recommend you do your consumer research and due diligence and opt for a high-definition device with real, positive reviews. Don’t forget to find an easy-to-use app that complements your comfort level with technology.
Is a dashcam worth it?
The money you save over a lifetime, assuming that most people get into at least a few car accidents on average, might just be worth it if you can afford a $100-$250 dashcam set.
What are the benefits of having a dashcam?
Here are seven benefits to having a dashcam, including:
- Evidence in accidents
- Fraud prevention
- Insurance claims
- Driver behavior monitoring
- Parking surveillance
- Record memorable journeys
- Lower insurance premiums
Are there any downsides to using a dashcam?
While the benefits of using a dashcam are significant, it’s important to consider these four potential downsides, which include:
- Privacy concerns
- Limited field of view
- Distraction
- Technical issues
Are dashcam recordings admissible in court?
The admissibility of dashcam footage as evidence in court varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. In many cases, courts consider dashcam footage as valuable evidence, especially if it is clear and unaltered. However, it’s advisable to consult with legal professionals or local authorities to understand the specific rules and regulations regarding the use of dashcam recordings in your jurisdiction.
Does a dashcam lower insurance rates?
Some insurance companies offer discounts to policyholders who have installed dashcams in their vehicles. The presence of a dashcam can be seen as a proactive step towards responsible driving and reducing the risk of accidents. However, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to determine if they offer such discounts and what criteria need to be met to qualify.
Are there any legal restrictions on using a dashcam?
The use of dashcams is generally legal in most jurisdictions. However, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding dashcam usage. Some areas may have specific rules regarding where the camera can be mounted, how it should be powered, and whether audio recording is permitted. Additionally, be aware of privacy laws and restrictions when using a dashcam to avoid infringing on the rights of others.
What are the best dash cams?
While the best dash cam depends on your needs, the following dashcams are regarded for their quality and performance:
- Garmin Dash Cam Series
- Thinkware Dash Cam Series
- BlackVue Dash Cam Series
- Viofo A129 Pro Duo
- Nextbase Dash Cam Series
Does Geico offer a dash cam insurance discount?
No, you won’t be able to get an auto insurance discount with Geico for having a dash cam. However, it could help keep rates low by preventing costly claims.
Read More: Geico Auto Insurance Review
Which insurers offer a discount for dash cams?
Unfortunately, none of the top providers offer a dash cam auto insurance discount. However, depending on the provider, a dashcam could qualify you for an anti-theft discount on car insurance.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Laura D. Adams
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.