Dash Cam Car Insurance | Saga Car Insurance

Dash cams have become increasingly popular among drivers, offering a reliable way to record what goes on around your vehicle.

This guide explores how dash cams can impact your car insurance, potentially lowering premiums and simplifying claims. We’ll cover the benefits of having a dash cam, how much they cost and all your burning questions.

What is a dash cam?

A dash cam is a small camera you attach to your car’s windscreen. It records the road and can provide proof you weren’t at fault in an accident, which can help protect your no claims discount.

There are two types of dash cams:

Single-lens camera: This camera faces one direction, usually mounted on your rear-view mirror to record the front of your car. You can also mount it to record the back.
Dual-lens camera: This camera records both the front and back of your car. It’s attached to your rear-view mirror and has a 50m zoom lens to capture what’s behind you clearly.

Every dash cam has a memory card that saves the footage. You can transfer this footage to a computer and share it with the police if there’s an incident.

What are the advantages of having a dash cam?

Having a dash cam has many benefits:

Accident evidence: If you’re in an accident that wasn’t your fault, for example, if someone hits your car, dash cam footage can prove who was really at fault and protect you from fraudulent claims.
Theft prevention: Dash cams are visible and can deter thieves from breaking into your car. It’s like having extra security.

How much is a dash cam?

The price of a dash cam varies widely, ranging from as low as £15 to as high as £250 (and sometimes more). It depends on various factors, including the brand and the features the product offers. On average, you can expect to spend between £40 and £70.

Can dash cam footage be used against you?

If the police stop you and think you broke the law, like speeding, they can ask to see your dash cam footage and use it as evidence. This also applies if you’re in an accident. Remember, it’s illegal to delete dash cam footage if it’s needed for a legal case.

Is my dash cam always recording?

Most dash cams need the car’s power to work, so they stop recording when the car is off. However, some dash cams can record all the time, even when the car is off, providing 24/7 protection.

Can a dash cam drain a car’s battery?

A dash cam can technically drain your car battery, but it’s not very likely. They usually use less than 5 watts when recording and even less in parking mode. It would take several days for the dash cam to be on without starting your car for the battery to drain. Plus, some dash cams are designed to cut off power if the car battery’s voltage gets too low.

Can you report drivers with dash cam footage?

In the UK, you can report drivers using dash cam footage through the National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP). Simply visit the NDSP website to report an incident and upload your video footage. The police force you submit it to will then be able to review the footage.

Can police prosecute you with dash cam footage?

Courts can use dash cam footage to prosecute driving offences like speeding or reckless driving. For the footage to be valid, it must:

Be clear and of good quality
Show the incident from start to finish (and show footage from before and after the incident)
Have a visible time and date, or the owner must be willing to testify about them in court
Clearly show the other vehicle’s registration plate
Comply with relevant laws and privacy regulations