4 Reasons to Own a Dash Cam

updated: May 14, 2024

As digital cameras became smaller, less expensive, and easier to operate, we found new and innovative ways to utilize the powerful technology. Originally used in police work, dash cams began to pop up on the dash of cars throughout the world roughly a decade ago. At first it seemed ridiculous: Placing a video camera on the dash of your car to video tape your exploits, your witty banter, or your epic road trip. However, as time went on, these little cameras began to display purposefulness that went far beyond mere entertainment.

Today, dash cams are used throughout the world to ward off criminals, record personal interactions, and document accidents. While Americans are still slow to adopt this seemingly invasive piece of modern technology, they’d be smart to join their International brethren in putting a dash cam in their vehicle. Here are four reasons why you should run, not walk, to purchase and install a dash cam in your vehicle.

#1 Dash Cams and Insurance: Beyond Direct Discounts

While the CNET video rightly notes that installing a dash cam won’t directly lower your insurance premiums, it overlooks the significant impact dash cams can have on your insurance savings. Indeed, the presence of a dash cam can be a game-changer in various scenarios, particularly when it comes to protecting your legal interests in the aftermath of an accident.

Although merely installing a dash cam won’t trigger a discount from your insurer, its footage can serve as crucial evidence in proving your innocence in an accident that was not your fault. This is where the true value of a dash cam shines: by providing irrefutable evidence of the events leading up to the accident, it can safeguard you from unjust blame and prevent your insurance rates from skyrocketing due to being categorized as a high-risk driver post-accident.

Consider the following scenario: Without a dash cam, the driver in the provided clip might have been unfairly held responsible for a rear-end collision. However, with the footage captured by the dash cam, they could successfully demonstrate their innocence and avoid being wrongly penalized.

In essence, while dash cams may not directly reduce your insurance costs, their ability to protect your interests and prevent unwarranted rate hikes makes them an invaluable investment for any driver concerned about their financial and legal well-being on the road.

#2 Using Dash Cams to Contest Traffic Tickets: Safeguarding Your Record and Savings

We all know cops and first responders do their best, but hey, they’re human too. Sometimes they make mistakes, and that’s where dash cams come in handy. They’re like your silent sidekick, capturing everything that happens during a traffic stop or run-in with the law.

If you ever get slapped with a ticket you don’t deserve, dash cam footage can be a lifesaver. It’s your proof that you’re innocent, and it can help you fight that ticket like a pro.

But here’s the best part: Winning your case doesn’t just keep your driving record clean, it also saves you from a nasty spike in your insurance rates. Because let’s be real, most of the time when you get a ticket, your insurance company sees dollar signs.

So, next time you hit the road, think about having a trusty dash cam by your side. The footage it captures can prove to be hugely influential when contesting a traffic ticket or other violation.

Check out this video where a regular guy proves he’s innocent after getting pulled over. His dash cam footage was his ticket to victory, and it could be yours too.

#3 Monitoring Your Teen Driver: The Power of Dash Cams

We all want to believe our teenager is the epitome of responsibility behind the wheel. But let’s face it, reality often falls short of our idealized visions. While we hope they’re following all the rules, driving courteously, and staying off their phones, the truth is often less reassuring. That’s where dash cams come in.

Having a dash cam isn’t just about keeping tabs on your teen’s driving escapades; it’s about ensuring their safety on the road. As parents, we want the peace of mind that comes from knowing our kids are making safe choices behind the wheel. Dash cams provide crucial insights into their driving habits and behaviors, empowering us with the information we need to guide and protect them.

So, while we may not always like what we see on the footage, it’s a small price to pay for the reassurance that our teen is driving responsibly and staying safe out there. With a dash cam, we can be there for our kids, even when we’re not in the passenger seat.

#4 Helping Another Person in Need

Navigating through crowded parking lots can be a real headache, especially during busy shopping seasons or events. With cars backing out unexpectedly, pedestrians darting between vehicles, and tight spaces galore, it’s a recipe for potential accidents waiting to happen. But fear not! There’s a simple solution to safeguard your vehicle and your sanity: the trusty dash cam.

Sure, we’d all like to think we’re masterful parkers, but let’s face it, mistakes happen. That’s where dash cams step in to save the day. By recording your every move as you navigate those tricky parking lots, dash cams provide invaluable evidence in case of a mishap. Whether it’s proving you weren’t at fault in a fender bender or capturing the license plate of a hit-and-run culprit, dash cams offer peace of mind and protection for your vehicle.

So, next time you’re gearing up for a shopping spree or heading to a crowded event, don’t forget to activate your dash cam. It’s like having a silent guardian watching over your car, ensuring you can navigate those parking lot pitfalls with confidence.

Conclusion

No matter the motivation behind it, adding a dash cam to your vehicle is a smart and prudent move for any driver. From averting insurance premium spikes to thwarting criminal activity and even safeguarding our loved ones from risky decisions, the benefits are clear. Dash cams serve as a silent guardian, providing a layer of protection and accountability in the unpredictable world of driving. With their ability to deliver both financial savings and peace of mind, it’s no surprise that these handy gadgets are becoming increasingly popular among motorists.

video sources:
CNET (Aug 18, 2014) – “Car Tech 101: Dashcams explained”
Eric Cheung (Nov 2, 2012) – “Honda civic Rolling back dash cam accident rear end scam?”
JewsOnTelevision (Nov 27, 2013) – “Jewish Man Claims Dashcam Video Proves Wrongful Ticketing By Cop”
AAA Distracted Teens Crash Causation (Mar 27, 2015) – “Terrifying video shows how distracted teens can be while driving”
michaelsmart61 (Aug 11, 2015) – “7th of August 2015 Our Dash Cam captures a crime in Lincoln City”