Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular and valuable in recent years. A recent study by Which? One in three dash cam owners involved in accidents used their dash cam footage to support their claim.
There are lots of benefits to having a dashcam in your car. The same research by Which? One in five drivers noticed their driving improved with the dash cam in the car. It may help other drivers become more alert and confident in their driving.
Dash cams are a significant investment, but how do you choose the right one for you and your car? We will outline some factors to consider when purchasing your new dashcam.
Can You Get Cheaper Insurance For Having a Dash Cam?
Yes, you could save money on your car insurance by installing a dash cam. Some insurers may consider this, although it is not a commonly asked question across insurers. They are an excellent way to prevent theft and capture footage from car accidents. They can help identify if the other driver was in the wrong. Your insurance may be reduced because you’re taking more steps to become a safer driver.
Can You Get Cheaper Insurance For Having a Dash Cam?
You could save money on your car insurance by installing a dash cam. Some insurers may consider this, although it is not a commonly asked question across insurers. They are an excellent way to prevent theft and capture footage from car accidents. They can help identify if the other driver was in the wrong. Your insurance may be reduced because you’re taking more steps to become a safer driver.
Important Dash Cam Features
You should always look at the following features when purchasing a dash cam.
Video Quality: You will want a dash cam that shoots at least high-definition (HD) to see your captured footage. The video quality can become very important if you’re trying to claim for an accident you were involved in. If you want even better quality, you should look out for an Ultra High Definition (UHD), which is twice the resolution of an HD dash cam or even 4K, four times the quality of an HD dash cam. A UHD or 4K dash cam will help you see small details that can be very important, such as license plates or the face of someone who tried to rob your car.
Viewing Angle: A dash cam’s viewing angle is how much of the road ahead or behind can be recorded. Dash cams can go from 120 degrees up to a full 180 degrees. 180 degrees is more than the 140 degrees that humans can see. It will capture more detail of what’s going on at the side of your car. This can be very helpful for an accident on the side of your vehicle.
Night Time Recording: Most dash cams sold will be capable of nighttime recording. Accidents are common at night, so it is crucial to capture these accidents. More premium models will have a night vision mode capable of recording perfect 4K video on dark or unlit roads.
Wi-Fi: It is beneficial to have Wi-Fi on dash cams. This helps users save the clips on their phones or other devices. You only need to connect to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi, and you can transfer videos quickly.
GPS: Having GPS built into your dash cam can prove crucial. It will automatically add a location to video clips, letting you know where incidents occurred. It is helpful for the Gardaí and your insurers.
Voice Mode: Some dash cams have a voice activation mode. It allows users to capture an image or video clip by saying voice commands. Your hands don’t have to leave your steering wheel, and you can focus on the road.
Dash Cam Maintenance Tips
Properly maintaining your dash cam can significantly extend its lifespan and ensure that it functions optimally when needed. Here are some maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your dash cam:
Cleaning the Lens
- Frequency: Clean the lens at least once a month to ensure clear footage.
- Materials: Use a microfibre cloth and a lens cleaner to avoid scratches.
- Technique: Gently wipe the lens circularly to remove dust and fingerprints.
Managing Storage Space
- Regular Check: Frequently check the storage space to avoid missing important recordings.
- Data Backup: Regularly back up important footage to an external or cloud storage device.
- Formatting: Format the memory card every few months to ensure optimal performance.
Protecting from Extreme Temperatures
- Summer Care: In summer, try to park in the shade to prevent overheating, which can affect the dash cam’s performance.
- Winter Care: In winter, remove the dash cam when not in use to prevent damage due to freezing temperatures.
- Battery Care: If the dash cam has a battery, ensure it is not exposed to extreme temperatures to prolong its life.
Benefits of Dash Cams
There are several benefits of having a dashcam mounted in your vehicle. Their popularity has soared in recent years, and their quality is increasing.
Provides Both Protection & Evidence
As we mentioned earlier, dashcams are highly effective at recording video footage of the accident. Having this video footage can prove very helpful to prove that you were not at fault for an accident that occurred.
Improve Driving
Dash cams may make you a safer and more responsible driver on the road. Some dash cams even offer eye-tracking features. If it sees that your eyes are not on the road, an alarm will sound. It will help keep you focused on driving and not on your phone or falling asleep. Other drivers may become aware that cars now have dashcams fitted to their cars, encouraging them to drive more sensibly.
Protect Your Parked Car
A lot of newer dash cams have a parking mode feature on them. If your car is damaged when parked, it will automatically start recording. You will have a great chance of discovering who hit your car when you weren’t there, something impossible without a dash cam.
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