Should You Buy a Dash Cam for Your Car?

People don't just have video footage for their home security; there is also an increase in the average number of consumers using dashboard cams to record footage while driving.

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Recording things has become a norm in modern society. From posting dinner on TikTok and Instagram to recording porch traffic with a doorbell camera, nearly everyone has gotten into the surveillance era. Plus, people don't just have video footage for their home security; there is also an increase in the average number of consumers using dashboard cams to record footage while driving.

Law enforcement and long-haul truck drivers have extensively used dashcams for years. However, the market is experiencing a huge increase in popularity by commercial and private drivers. The global dashboard camera market was estimated at $3.9 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9% to reach $11.2 billion by 2032. This significant growth is driven by an interest in car safety, protection against car theft, and faster insurance claims. In this article, we'll look at what is a dashcam and whether you should consider getting one.

What is a dashcam

A dashcam is a small video camera mounted to your vehicle's dashboard or windscreen to continuously record video footage of the road while you are driving. Some dashcams have a second camera that can be placed on the rear window. Most dashcams have an extended power cord that is required to be plugged into the cigar lighter, while others can be connected to the vehicle's electrical system.

Dashcam videos can be stored on a memory card or uploaded to the cloud, which makes the data more secure and less likely to be tampered with. Some dashcams have Wi-Fi capability, which allows you to connect to them via your smartphone.

Keep in mind that your dashcam's storage determines how long it records. For instance, a 16GB dashcam can record up to 110 minutes. However, your dashcam will not go off after the storage is full; most use continuous looping, meaning they will record over older footage.

Types of dashcams

Many different types of dashcams are available in the market, each with unique features and capabilities. Here are a few of the most common types.

Single-lens dashcams: Single-lens dashcams are the most basic type of dashcam. They capture everything in front of you, including the traffic you are following. They are the most affordable, but they can't see what is happening behind you. These dashcams are best suited for drivers who only need a basic visual record of events.
Dual-lens dashcams: As the name suggests, dual–lens dashcams capture footage from both the front and the back of your car. This makes them an excellent choice for drivers who want an extensive view of their ride.
4K dashcams: These cameras offer ultra-high-definition video recording, giving incredibly clear and detailed footage of your road trips. 4K dashcams are more expensive than other dashcams, but they are worth the investment for drivers who want the best quality footage.
360-degree dashcams: 360-degree dashcams have several cameras that capture footage in all directions, offering an all-around view of your vehicle and its surroundings. These dashcams are perfect for drivers who need maximum coverage and a full view of events.

Pros of having a dashcam in your car

While not everyone needs a dashcam, it can be valuable in certain situations. Here are a few benefits of investing in a quality dashcam.

Reduce insurance premiums

Auto insurance is required by law in almost every state to help protect individuals involved in accidents that aren't their fault. While insurance companies usually don't offer a specific dashcam discount, having one can indirectly help you save on your premiums.

Having video footage of an incident involving another driver can help you avoid contradicting moments. It allows police and your insurer to clearly see who was at fault. Without it, you can be found partially to blame, and you might even have to split the cost of the damages.

Provides first-hand evidence in the event of an accident

Dashcams provide solid, non-biased evidence of what happened in real time before, during, and after an accident. They help eliminate an accusatory point of view.

The video recording can be used as evidence of injuries or damage during a wreck, which you can provide to your insurance company when making a claim. If you aren't at fault, this might speed up the process and save you money on repairs. State laws differ when it comes to what can be used as evidence, but having dashcam video can certainly help your case.

Protects against insurance fraud

Auto insurance fraud is very common in the US, and it costs customers over $300 billion every year. Sometimes, an at-fault driver, cyclist, or even a pedestrian tries to shift blame to the victim to avoid being liable for the accident. Other times, criminals engage in insurance fraud schemes with the intention of defrauding.

A dashcam provides clear evidence proving your case if you get into a dispute after an incident. This surveillance device captures every detail during your travel, making it hard for anyone to hold false accusations against you.

The captured video can also help your insurance company in defending you against false claims, including a staged accident. This can safeguard your claim history and keep premiums fair.

Monitors driving behavior

Most companies have turned to dashcams to promote and monitor safe driving. A dashcam can help keep track of your employees' driving behavior, providing invaluable insight into their habits on the road. It can record instances of overspeeding, harsh braking, and other risky behaviors that can impact their safety and that of other road users.

Most parents also dread the day their children get behind the wheel, and younger drivers already have higher insurance rates than older drivers. This is because they tend to drive rashly and get involved in more accidents.

When your children know you can review the video every time they drive, they might be more inclined to drive safely and follow the law. This is where a dual-lens dashcam may come in handy. It will record what happens outside the windscreen as well as what is going on inside the car. This can discourage bad habits, such as texting or eating while driving.

Helps capture fun and memorable road trips

Dashcams are a great choice for people who love traveling and individuals who are always on the road. A high-quality dashcam can capture interest or scenic footage during road trips, providing a fun and unique way to put into record your travels. Whether you have been on a memorable road trip with your family or want to see that scenic sunset again, your car's dashcam will have it all.

Helps protect your parked car

Some dashcams offer functionality beyond your everyday commute. For instance, some are equipped with parking functionality that you can turn on, or that switches on automatically when you park your vehicle.

This added layer of protection can deter potential thieves from breaking into your car, giving you peace of mind while parked. The camera also records whatever happens while you are away, which can provide video evidence to support any insurance claim or police report in case of theft, vandalism, or hit-and-run.

Cons of having a dashcam in your car

Installing a dashcam in your car has many benefits, but there are also some downsides. Here are a few cons of having a dashcam.

Privacy issues

Any recorded video has the potential to invade your or your passengers' privacy. This is especially true for any video captured inside the vehicle. Different states have varying regulations when it comes to dashcams and privacy.

Provoke theft

Of course, most dashcams can detect and capture a break-in of your parked vehicle. However, a high-end dashcam left out in plain sight in your unattended car can be an appealing target for thieves. Consider buying a dashcam that records when your car is off.

Some dashcams can be expensive

Some dashcams, whether built-in or aftermarket, can be quite expensive, especially when they come with extras. The cheapest dashcam costs around $60, while high-end business models can go up to $500. Having an aftermarket dashcam professionally installed will also further increase the cost.

It won't automatically lower your insurance premiums

Dashcams can help with the claim process and proving fault, but they are less likely to get you a discount. Most insurance companies don't offer reduced insurance premiums for drivers who have installed dashcams in their cars.

Should you buy a dash cam?

A dash cam is a valuable device for any driver on the road. It can provide crucial evidence in the event of an accident or other occurrences on the road, potentially saving you from legal disputes and expensive insurance claims. A dashcam also offers peace of mind while driving since it captures unexpected events and dangerous driving habits of other motorists. While they do have their own sets of considerations, their benefits outweigh the downsides, marking them a worthy investment.