Are you looking to save money on your car insurance? Dash cams might be the answer. These small devices are becoming essential for UK drivers who want to protect themselves on the road and potentially lower their insurance premium.
How Dash Cams Help With Insurance Claim
Dash cam footage provides clear evidence when making insurance claims. If you’re involved in an accident, your dash cam recording shows exactly what happened, which can be crucial when determining who was at fault.
When choosing comprehensive car insurance, ask your insurance company if they offer discounts for vehicles fitted with dash cams. Many insurers now reduce premiums by up to 20% for drivers who use these devices, helping you save money while staying protected.
Providing Clear Evidence
The main benefit of dash cams for insurance claims is the unbiased visual record they provide. In situations where drivers disagree about what happened, dash cam footage shows:
- The exact sequence of events
- Traffic light status
- Road conditions
- Actions of all vehicles involved
This evidence helps insurance companies process claims faster and more accurately, often leading to quicker settlements.
Fighting “Crash for Cash” Scam
Dash cams are powerful tools against fraudulent claims, particularly “crash for cash” scams where criminals deliberately cause accidents to make false insurance claims. These scams cost the insurance industry about £1 billion yearly!
Just having a visible dash cam can deter fraudsters from targeting your vehicle, potentially saving you from being involved in these stressful situations.
Speeding Up Claims Processing
Insurance claims supported by dash cam footage typically get processed faster. Clear visual evidence allows insurers to quickly determine liability without lengthy investigations or negotiations.
This efficiency can save you time and hassle when making a claim on your car insurance cover. It also reduces administrative costs for your insurance company, which might eventually lead to more competitive car insurance quotes.
What To Do With Dash Cam Footage After an Accident
If you’re in an accident and have dash cam footage:
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed
- Secure your footage by removing the memory card or saving the recording
- Inform your insurer immediately that you have video evidence
- Keep the original footage until your claim is fully settled
When comparing car insurance options, ask about their process for submitting dash cam evidence. Most insurers now have specific procedures for handling video evidence during claims.
For quality car insurance that values dash cam evidence, check our car insurance options at Trident Insurance.
Choosing the Right Dash Cam for Insurance Purposes
When shopping for a dash cam to support potential insurance claims, look for these key features:
- High resolution (at least 1080p) to capture important details like number plates
- Wide-angle lens (minimum 120 degrees) to record more of the road
- Night vision capability for round-the-clock protection
- G-sensor technology that automatically saves footage when it detects impacts
For commercial vehicles, these features are especially important. Learn more about protecting your business vehicles with our van and fleet insurance.
Dash Cams and Your Insurance Premium
Insurance companies increasingly recognise the value of dash cams in reducing fraudulent claims and providing clear evidence. As a result, many now offer discounts to policyholders who use these devices.
When you compare car insurance quotes, ask specifically about dash cam discounts. Some insurers offer reduced premiums of up to 20%, which can mean significant savings over time.
For businesses, dash cams can be particularly valuable in managing motor insurance costs. They help protect your company from fraudulent claims and potentially reduce your premiums across your fleet. If you operate vehicles for business, check our Motor Trade Road Risk Insurance options.
FAQs about Dashcams and Insurance Claims
Do all insurance companies accept dash cam footage?
Research across 29 leading UK insurers found that all would consider dash cam evidence during the claims process, according to Nextbase.
Can dash cam footage guarantee I won’t be found at fault?
No. Dash cam footage shows exactly what happened – including any mistakes you might have made. It provides truth, not automatic protection.
Do I need to tell my insurer I have a dash cam?
Yes, especially as some companies offer discounts. Always mention you have footage when making a claim.
How can dash cams affect different levels of cover?
Whether you have third party or comprehensive car insurance, dash cam evidence can help support your claim. However, the specific benefits may vary depending on your levels of cover.
Conclusion
Dash cams have become valuable tools for drivers seeking to protect themselves on the road and potentially reduce their car insurance costs. They provide clear evidence for insurance claims, help fight fraud, speed up claims processing, and might even lower your premiums.
As dash cam technology improves and more insurance companies offer discounts for their use, these devices represent a smart investment for cost-conscious and safety-minded drivers.
For more information about our insurance options that reward dash cam users, visit Trident Insurance today.