Everything You Need to Know About Dash Cams: A Buyer’s Guide
Key Takeaways:
- Dash cams help document accidents, monitor teen drivers, and assist in legal or insurance claims.
- Installation is easy, either via a 12V power source or hardwiring into the car.
- Mounting behind the rearview mirror ensures an optimal view without obstructing the driver’s vision.
- Dash cams may drain your battery if recording while parked; a dedicated dash cam battery is a good solution.
- Though insurance discounts aren't standard yet, dash cams provide valuable evidence that can save money and hassle during claims.
Installing a dash cam in your vehicle adds an extra layer of security that can be invaluable. Dash cams can be used for recalling events accurately, reviewing an inexperienced driver's performance, assisting in litigation, and even saving on insurance claims. If you’re considering installing a dash cam on your vehicle, check out these frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Who can benefit from having a dash cam?
Whether you’re concerned about theft, keeping an eye on your business fleet, accident claims, or your teenager’s driving habits, a dash cam is a great investment. Dash cams provide excellent visual information in the case of theft and vandalism but are more typically used for an accurate recording of driving events and accidents. If you want to keep a record of drivers who are using one of your vehicles, dash cams can be a smart and unobtrusive tool to help keep everyone on point.
In the case of a car accident, a dash cam can provide much-needed information about the incident and can be used for insurance and legal claims, after the fact. Dash cams have helped countless users move through these processes much more rapidly and efficiently.
Is installing a dash cam difficult?
Installing a dash cam is easy and can typically be accomplished in fewer than 20 minutes. Dash cams can be installed in one of two ways: using the 12V power receptacle in your vehicle or hardwiring it into your car.
12V Power Supply: If you want a lightning fast and easy installation or you want to easily move your dashcam from car to car, using your accessible 12V power outlet is the simplest way to go. The cam simply needs to be located on the windshield and the cord tucked along the side of the vehicle to connect to the power source.
Hardwiring: If you want a seamless look and permanent install, hardwiring is your best option. The installation for hardwiring is similar to the 12V power supply except instead of going to the 12V power source, the installer will need to tap into the fuse box using a separately provided socket.
Where should I mount my dash cam?
The Dashboard: The first-place people think of installing a dash cam is on the dashboard. While this can provide a clear view of the road ahead, it's not the ideal place to install your dash cam. Every car is designed differently and dashboards themselves vary a great deal. You'll need to evaluate whether your car’s dash will provide a clear and safe view without obstructing your vision.
The Windshield: For drivers looking to obtain a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead, the windshield is often the most ideal location for your dash cam. In order to prevent an obstructed view, it is recommended that you mount your cam behind the rearview mirror since this line of vision is already technically blocked. It’s also an ideal spot because the mirror is located more or less along the centreline of the vehicle and will provide the best overall recording. Consider whether the model you're using comes with a suction mounting system or an adhesive one when planning your mounting location.
Rear View Mirror Dash Cam: Dash Cam makers recognized the ideal location of the rearview mirror for camera installation and have designed models that simply clip onto your existing rear-view mirror. With these models, you don’t need to worry about creating unnecessary or illegal vision impairments and the mounting is built in, making them especially easy to install.
Will a dash cam drain my car battery?
If you're using a dash cam that uses a 12V port to charge, then you need to consider how it will impact your battery. If your cam is installed to record while your vehicle is in park, then the cam will likely drain your battery. If you only require your camera to record while you are driving, you don’t need to worry about this. If you want your camera to be constantly recording, even while your vehicle is in park, you'll need to invest in a dash cam battery.
Dash Cam Battery: If you require your cam to record even when your car isn’t engaged, then a great option is investing in a dash cam battery. The battery unit can be installed in a variety of locations on the interior of your vehicle, depending on where your make and model can best accommodate it. The camera switches over to the battery’s power when your car is in park and turned off. This will ensure you can record at all times without ever having to worry about a dead battery. While this option requires an extra investment in the battery as well as the installation, it’s a worry-free way to go.
Can a dash cam reduce my insurance?
Insurance companies don’t yet provide discounts for drivers with dash cams, but progress is being made, and some companies are considering rolling this out soon. While you might not get a monthly break on your dash cam insurance yet, having a camera installed can provide critical evidence for your claims. The small investment of adding a dash cam to your security repertoire could potentially save you thousands of dollars, not to mention the headache of dealing with conflicting reports in your legal or insurance claims!
Can I get expert help with selecting the best dash cam for my needs?
Of course! At BrickHouse Security, our team of experts is prepared to help you along each step of your security journey. Our team provides exceptional customer service and is always available to answer your questions, make recommendations for your needs, and provide you with support for the life of your product. Contact us today so we can help!
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Posted by Todd Morris on May 2nd 2024
