A dash camera, also known as a dash cam, can be handy for many reasons. It shows what’s going on with the vehicles on the road around you and can be helpful in getting car insurance coverage in the event of an accident. Some even come with advanced features such as voice control, GPS, and safety warnings. That makes choosing the right dash cam for your needs even more overwhelming.
Since dash cams can do so much, the question becomes: “What’s a good dash cam?” You have questions, and we have answers. Let BrokerLink be your guide to choosing the best dash camera for your needs.
Dash Cam Explained: What You Need to Know
First, what is a dash cam, and what does it do? A dash cam is a type of camera that you attach to the windshield of your vehicle and records video footage of the road. The majority of dash cams have front and rear cameras to show you what’s going on in front of and behind your vehicle.
Second, why do you need a dash cam? The most common reason to have one is to prove you were not at fault during a car accident. Other reasons to consider getting a dash cam are if you are a parent wanting to monitor your teenager’s driving habits or wanting to record the scenic views you come across during a road trip.
Dash cam benefits
Let’s review the benefits of having a dash cam in your vehicle. There are many reasons to have a dash cam in your vehicle, and we are going to discuss the most common ones below:
Evidence during a car accident
Installing a dash cam in your vehicle can help if you get into a car accident. The video footage it records can show your insurance company what happened. It will also help when you report a car accident to the police.
The next step is to let your insurance company know about the accident claim. There’s often a delicate line to walk when making an insurance claim. That’s where evidence comes into play. The recorded footage from the front and rear cameras will show your insurance provider that you were not at fault for the accident. In turn, it will reduce the chances of your insurance rates increasing.
If the dash cam footage shows you were not at fault for the accident, the other driver will have to pay for the damages. That’s why having a dash cam installed in your vehicle can help.
Becoming a safer driver
Did you know that having a dash cam in your vehicle can make you a safer driver? Because a dash cam records everything that goes on while driving, you will notice your driving habits. In turn, you are more likely to follow the rules of the road and drive more safely.
Knowing that you are being recorded can prevent lousy driving habits from being used against you in the future. To drive safer, you should review BrokerLink’s list of safe driving tips. When you get in touch with us, we can educate you about how safe driving and a clean driving record can lower your insurance premiums.
Reporting dangerous drivers
Dash cams record not only your driving but also those around you. If you encounter a dangerous driver or witness poor driving habits, you usually move on with your day. However, a dash cam with high-quality video quality can help you prove and report such behaviours.
A good dash cam records reckless driving. If a driver is driving impaired or breaking the law in another way, such as texting and driving, you can prove it. The best dash cams allow you to use the footage to report these drivers and make the road safer for all.
See another person’s driving habits
Sharing a vehicle is hard enough already, but a dash cam can change this. Whether you’re a parent wanting to monitor your child’s driving habits or own a business with commercial vehicles, a dash cam can help.
Having a dash cam gives you an advantage even when you are not driving a specific vehicle. Regular drivers and those running mobile businesses can use these cameras to let them see what’s going on when they are not in their vehicles.
Records everything
Dash cams are for more than recording dangerous incidents on the road. If you are driving down a scenic route, consider taking a dash cam with you. It will record everything you pass by during the commute. Having videos to look back on from when you were on the road is a great way to make some memories.
GPS capabilities
The best dash cams also have GPS capabilities. It allows you to track your location and your speed. Many dash cams remember past locations. If you are making the same commute, having this feature on your device will help you out.
Stop theft
Did you know some dash cams can record even when you are not driving? If you own a high-end car, this can come in handy. When a thief or vandal attempts to break into your vehicle, they are more likely to get caught when there is a camera. It might even deter them from trying at all.
Now that we have established the benefits of dash cams, you understand why you should invest in one. Whether you use your dash cam to ensure your insurance claim goes through or to record memories that you’ll cherish forever, it can help you out. It’s time to move on to discussing factors you should think about when purchasing a dash cam.
How to choose the best dash cam
There are a few things to consider before buying your dash cam. From video quality to smartphone connectivity, there’s a lot to think about. In the end, finding the right dash cam comes down to your needs. What do you need it for, and how can it help you? You should take the following factors into account when choosing the best dash cam:
Field of view (FOV)
Before picking out the perfect dashcam, you should know about its field of view (FOV). It’s always better to have a larger FOV. That’s because it lets the camera see more of the road. For great coverage, look for dash cams that move at least 140 degrees. This will allow them to record important details like licence plates and road signs.
Your dash cam will need a good FOV to capture high-quality footage. This will ensure your commute is recorded clearly and thoroughly. Try getting a wide-angle lens to give your dash cam the upper hand. Having everything in sight will give you peace of mind while driving down the road.
How many cameras
Many dash cam kits are equipped with more than one camera, and you should use this to your advantage. Look for a dual dash cam setup that provides front and rear coverage. It will let you see things that happen behind and in front of your vehicle.
If you’re willing to pay more, other dash cams have four cameras, which record 360 degrees all around your vehicle. This will help in parking lots or small spaces where all angles are required to record potential accidents or vandalism.
Video quality
The best dash cams record high-resolution video. A camera with 1080p HD resolution is the best choice because it easily records licence plates and road signs.
If you drive at night, consider options with night vision or HDR (High Dynamic Range) to record high-quality video in the dark.
Dash cams should provide crisp and sharp video quality. This will assist you better if you get into a car accident. You can show who was at fault and provide sound evidence even easier.
Option to record audio
Obviously, video quality is the most important part of any dash cam. However, some can record audio as well. This is helpful in many regards—it gives a more accurate depiction of events. Certain types of dash cams can catch sounds like honking and verbal exchanges.
A dash cam that records audio and video can provide more context to driving incidents. It will also help your insurance provider understand the situation better in the event of an accident.
Amount of storage
Before you buy a dash cam, find out its internal storage capacity. Look at a few dash cams to find one that provides more room for additional footage. Dash cams with low storage capabilities will take longer to record over old footage. We recommend a dash cam with at least 128GB of storage that supports a microSD card to give you enough space for all your recordings.
You shouldn’t have to worry about running out of space, which is why the best dash cams often have more internal storage than their counterparts.
How you can mount it
There is more than one way to mount your dash cam, but the most common is with an adhesive or suction cup. Let’s discuss each one.
Mounting your dash cam with adhesive has multiple upsides. First, it ensures the camera will stick to your windshield without worry or mess. Additionally, it provides a sleek look that integrates with your car’s interior.
The other common way to mount a dash cam is using suction. Your dash cam will easily stick to your windshield and can be removed without leaving behind sticky residue. This option is ideal for those who want to move their dash cam from vehicle to vehicle.
Type of battery
Your dash cam should have a discreet and compact design and a constant power supply. Almost all dash cams use lithium-ion or capacitor batteries. Let’s discuss each one.
Lithium-ion batteries are more likely to deteriorate over time. Additionally, they only have a certain number of charge cycles available. It means you cannot continue recording footage when you are parked or if you drive in hot temperatures.
In contrast, capacitor batteries are the way to go. Their durability remains unmatched, and they can withstand conditions that lithium-ion batteries cannot.
Costs
Choosing a budget dash cam will save you money at the moment but may not give you the quality of video recordings you are looking for. Paying a little more for your dash cam will likely pay off in the long run.
A 4k dash cam will provide you with HD video to see 360 degrees around your vehicle. Yes, you will pay a bit more for these dash cams, but they will give you a full view with front and rear cameras that surround your vehicle. However, a full HD video could be the difference between you being at fault during an accident or not.
Expensive dash cams are worth the investment. They may even prevent you from paying for damages you might not have even caused.
When purchasing a dash cam, many aspects must be considered. By considering these things, you can choose a dash cam with the features you need within your budget. Speaking of which, we have created a list of great dash cam options.
Dash cam recommendations
With so many dash cams to choose from, how can you narrow it down? Let us do it for you. We have compiled a list of dash cams with unique capabilities. Read on to discover which dash cam is best suited for your needs:
Nextbase 622GW
If you’re willing to spend a little more, consider the Nextbase 622GW. It has everything you need to have the best dash cam around. From 4k video to Alexa and wireless support for other Nextbase cameras, it does it all. Making this purchase will allow you to use a dual dash cam’s front and rear cameras to your advantage.
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The best compact dash cam around is the Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2. Its front camera allows you to keep an eye on the road ahead without sacrificing video quality. Unique features include voice control, HD resolution, and small size. Most dash cams capture quality video, but not all are as subtle as this one.
Nextbase 522GW
Nextbase 522GW falls somewhere in the middle, and it does what you need it to. This attractive dash cam offers 2 K video footage and a touch screen that allows you to control it with a tap of a finger. It also has an SOS feature and a filter that makes your footage look its best, even in the sunniest conditions.
Garmin Dash Cam 57
Combining quality video with a compact design, the Garmin Dash Cam 57 might be just what you need. The best part is that it’s loaded with safety features, including forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings, and alerts when stop lights and speed cameras are approaching. Additionally, GPS and voice control are built in.
Nextbase 320XR Dash Cam
While the Nextbase 320XR Dash Cam doesn’t have the bells and whistles of its counterparts, it makes up for it with basic features. It is not a smart dash cam by any means, but it offers decent video quality and can easily fit into the majority of vehicles. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable dash cam, this one will fit the bill.
Vanture N2 Pro
With the Vanture N2 Pro, you can avoid having to buy separate front and rear cameras. This dash cam features an additional lens that records video behind your vehicle. Did we mention that you can adjust the angles of the lenses? It’s the best dash cam to choose if you don’t want to purchase another camera.
With these in mind, you can choose a dash cam that suits your needs. Whether you’re on a budget or want to make a long-term investment, one of these options will work for you. No matter the type of dash cam you have, they can help you with your insurance claims. How? Let’s find out.
Types of insurance dash cams can help with
When you have to make an insurance claim, dash cams can help you get the coverage you need. Let’s talk about the types of insurance coverage a dash cam can help you get:
Third-party liability coverage
Third-party liability coverage pays for injuries or property damage that result from a car accident. Liability car insurance pays for medical expenses, lost wages, legal defence and court fees. Where does having a dash come into play? Well, having a dashcam is advantageous because the video footage will show what happened in the event that you have to sue for damages.
Accident benefits coverage
Accident benefits coverage will pay for medical expenses related to a car accident. You will often find yourself sharing the road with bicycles and sharing the road with motorcycles. Whether you, a cyclist, or a pedestrian who gets hurt, this policy can assist you. A dash will help because it will show your insurance provider what happened. In turn, the appropriate party will be compensated.
Direct compensation - property damage coverage
Direct compensation - property damage coverage compensates policyholders if they get into an accident that causes damage to their vehicle. However, the policyholder must not be at fault for it to come into effect. A 4k dash cam that captures front and rear angles can act as proof that you were not at fault. The recorded footage will show what happened and allow your insurance provider to give you the insurance coverage you need.
Uninsured automobile coverage
If someone hits you without insurance, uninsured automobile coverage is your best option. These common car accidents often result in a hit-and-run. That’s because the other driver would have to pay out of pocket. With a trusty dash cam set up, you won’t have to worry, though. Your dash cam footage will show important details, such as the licence plate number, which will let you track down the culprit. You can also help another driver if you end up witnessing a hit-and-run.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage assists in paying for damages that result from colliding with another driver or object on the road. These are some of the most common causes of collisions. It will also come into effect if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. In this case, dashcam footage can provide sound evidence of what happened. A 4k dash cam with high video quality can capture important details such as the other driver’s licence plate to track them down even if they drive off.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive car insurance coverage will assist you if your vehicle gets damaged due to a reason outside of a collision. These reasons usually include theft, vandalism, fire, and water damage. A compact dash cam will help you get compensated. This is because some dash cams have the ability to record even when your vehicle is not running. Ensure yours has this feature to avoid having to pay out of pocket for one of these issues.
Accident forgiveness
Getting into an at-fault car accident can cause your insurance premiums to go up. However, accident forgiveness coverage will prevent your insurance rates from going up after your first at-fault accident. How can a dash cam help you out? Well, having footage of this incident can stop you from having to use this coverage. If the dash cam footage shows you were not at fault for the accident, you can use this coverage later if you need it.
Contact BrokerLink today
A dash cam with great video quality can do a lot for your insurance rates. They can benefit you by helping you become a safer driver and providing evidence if you have to make a claim. Our team of car insurance experts can suggest dash cams based on your needs.
How do you choose a dash cam that’s right for you? Your best bet is to compare aspects such as video quality, safety features and costs. How much you’re willing to spend and the features you need will help you determine the best dash cam for you. Need an insurance broker who can advocate for you? Get in touch with BrokerLink insurance today!
Get an auto insurance quote [phone]
