In today’s world of fast-paced traffic and increasing claims disputes, a dashboard camera (or dash cam for short) can be a smart investment that can offer significant peace of mind. Whether you use a front-facing camera or a dual front-and-rear dash cam system, the benefits can be substantial, especially when it comes to accident disputes and insurance claims.  

A blurred background with a black dashcam zoomed in that shows a clear image of the road in front of it on the screenWhat is a dash cam? 

A dash cam is a small video camera that is mounted either on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle. It records the road while you drive. Some models include a rear camera as well to monitor the back of the vehicle, while others can offer features such as parking mode, GPS tracking, and even audio recording.  

What are the benefits of having a dash cam?

A dash cam can provide real-time video footage of what actually happened before, during, and after a vehicle collision. Typically, this can help determine who was at fault, the sequence of events, and the road or traffic conditions. Having proof can often speed up your insurance claim and reduce any disputes. This is especially important when it comes to situations including a rear-end collision, an intersection accident, or lane-change incidents.  

A dash cam can also assist with protection against fraud and false claims. Unfortunately, staffed accidents and insurance fraud is a real issue (think “brake-checking” or “road rage”).  A dash cam can often help with protecting you from being blamed for a crash you didn’t cause, record the behaviour of other drivers, and discourage fraudulent injury claims. This is especially convenient when using both a front and read camera as it captures both ends of your vehicle.  

Is a front dash cam better than a front-and-rear cam?

When deciding which dash cam is best for you, consider the following: 

Front-only dash cam: 

  • Captures everything happening in front of the vehicle 

  • Great for recording head-on collisions, red-light incidents, or even “road rage” events 

  • Often cheaper and easier to install 

This option is often preferred by daily commuters, new drivers, and budget-conscious drivers. 

Front-and-rear dash cam:  

  • Can offer a complete view by recording what is happening both behind the vehicle as well as in front 

  • Is often useful in rear-end collisions, hit-and-runs in parking lots, or tailgating incidents  

This option is normally preferred for those who drive with families, rideshare, and anyone else seeking full protection.  

How Can Dash Cams Help with insurance claims? 

In the event of a claim, dash cams often help with prioritizing your claim with faster processing while using footage to reduce fault-based disputes.  

Investing in a dash cam can help with your safety, finances, and even legal protection. When an accident happens, the clarity a dash cam provides can be the difference between a smooth claims process and a prolonged dispute.  

At Sutherland insurance, when speaking to our team about your auto insurance, consider asking about the benefits a dash cam can have. Whether you’re protecting your daily commute or your family’s weekend trips, a dash cam can help offer value as well as protection.  

The tips provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. 

 

 

 

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