How £49 could safeguard your reputation and insurance policy

2 minute read  |  September 27, 2016

With arguments over liability quashed with the introduction of irrefutable footage, it’s no wonder the technology is being implemented in UK vehicles. We take a look at why the dashcam should be an essential bit of kit for your car.

Why bother?

According to the Insurance Fraud Bureau, there are approximately 30,000 “crash for cash” incidents each year. This is usually when a vehicle travelling in front will slam on their brakes without warning in the hope that the vehicle behind will ‘rear end’ them. The vehicle in front will then be free to claim compensation and repair costs.

Without evidence and / or witnesses, the vehicle behind will, 99% of the time, be deemed at fault, but what if you could provide video evidence that the vehicle in front was the architect of the incident?

A dashcam also provides a piece of mind for those involved in contentious incidents that can often see liability contested between insurers. The ability to produce video evidence can save on costly repairs and insurance premiums going forward.

Is it legal?

Yes and no.

Recording while driving and then using the footage as evidence is legal, but if your dashcam has a built-in screen, it is illegal to have it on while driving. Switching off the built in screen will not affect the dashcam’s ability to record, therefore just keep it switched off at all times.

What if I’m undertaking a long journey?

For those worrying about running out of memory on a long journey, dashcams are excellent at making the most of the space they are afforded. They record video in small chunks, usually 1-3 minute bursts, and will automatically delete old files to make room for new. This means you should never be caught short.

You can manually lock and protect important files if you don’t have time to upload them to a computer. Most devices will also lock video clips if the vehicle suffers a sudden change in speed, which can often occur due to an accident or emergency stop.

Why can’t I just use my phone?

Despite the legal issues of using your mobile while driving, the functionality on a dashcam is far superior for the task at hand than a mobile, regardless of how good the camera quality is. Also, while using the video on your phone you are still able to receive calls and notifications. As the phone will need to be placed on the dash, you are at a higher risk of losing concentration and being the cause of an accident.

With dashcams starting off at around £49, you can have added peace of mind without breaking the bank. In the coming weeks, we will publish a buyer’s guide, detailing the best device for your budget. Keep checking msl.co.uk for more information.

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