What Is a Dash Cam and Why Should I Get One?

Source:  Titikul_B/Shutterstock.com

What is a dash cam? Dash cams, short for dashboard cameras, are cameras that mount to your vehicle’s dashboard or windshield, capturing and recording accidents and events that take place on the road, the parking lot or wherever your car might be. However, besides capturing ridiculous, viral footage shared across social media, dash cams actually have a wide range of practical purposes. For example, dash cam footage can even get you out of a traffic ticket or disprove accidents and violations. 

Dash cams also come in different styles. While the front-facing dash cam is the most popular, you can also find a dual dash cam that offers rear-facing footage and even cams that attach to motorcycles. But how do dash cams work and why should you get one? Let’s dive in.

How Dash Cams Work

Source:  Toa55/Shutterstock.com

Hooked up to your car’s power supply, often by the cigarette lighter or outlet, a dash cam automatically turns on and begins recording the moment you turn the ignition. Similar to a video recording device like a GoPro or phone, there are a few key differences that make it perfect for cars. 

The first difference is that they are designed to continuously delete older footage to make room for new recordings, saving it to an SD card. If an accident happens and you need to get the footage, you can collect the video from that day, downloading and storing it on your computer for later reference. But in the end, the footage will be recycled to make more room. That being said, Scosche Full HD Smart Dash Cams Powered by Nexar® include unlimited cloud storage for all of your drives.

The second difference is that dash cams are also specially designed with features that allow them to capture quality footage in any kind of circumstance. Whether it’s to capture high-speed footage or record in bad weather conditions or while driving at night, dash cams are built for moving vehicles. Plus, many dash cams offer a wide-angle lens, capturing straight ahead and your peripherals. 

Why Should I Get a Dash Cam?

Okay, so you might be asking yourself, “But do I really need a dash cam?” After all, you’re a good driver and have never had an accident. Well, dash cams offer many more benefits than just getting out of a ticket. Let’s talk about some of those:

Car Accidents

If you’re ever in an accident, a dash cam can help determine who’s at fault. Even if you have a flawless driving record, not everyone is as honest. If a car accident turns into a dispute on who was in the wrong, a dash cam can help back you up. Furthermore, law enforcement officers and insurance agencies are happy to take a look to determine better who was at fault. 

Monitor Driving Skills

Dash cams are also suitable for monitoring drivers. Since the CDC states that 25 percent of distracted drivers involved in fatal crashes are young adults between the ages of 20 and 29, parents, for example, can keep an eye on their teens’ driving skills and whereabouts with GPS and Cloud connectivity. It’s also a good option for fleet managers or those who lend out vehicles. Knowing where the car is located and how it’s being used via smart dash cam and real-time phone connections can help you monitor and address bad driving habits and misuse. 

Handy for Taxis and Rideshare Drivers

If you drive a taxi or are a Lyft or Uber driver, a dash cam can not only record front and rear footage, but the vehicle’s interior as well. This way, you can record the passenger and protect yourself from false claims that can affect your reputation with the company. 

Parking Surveillance

Car alarms just don’t cut it anymore. Even off the road, your dash cam will monitor your vehicle. Whether it’s a hit-and-run, vandalism or theft, a dash cam can continue recording even when it’s parked. Then you can access the data remotely via phone, tablet or computer, potentially helping to track down the person responsible.

Prevents Auto Insurance Fraud

Dash cams can capture staged accident scams and prevent auto insurance fraud. Even if you don’t live in one of the top cities for auto insurance fraud, you never know when something like this could happen to you.  

Lowers Insurance Premiums

While not all car insurance companies offer discounts for simply installing a dash cam, having one can lower your insurance indirectly if there’s ever an accident. Video footage can show when you’re truly not at fault, preventing an increase in your car insurance. 

For the Adventures 

If you have the kind of vehicle that allows you to go off-roading into the wilderness, you’d be doing your adventures a disservice without a dash cam. Lightning strikes, wildlife crossings and just plain crazy stuff happens right in front of drivers every day. Even for a road trip, a dash cam offers a way to capture the journey. 

Convinced you need a dash cam? Check out Scosche’s complete lineup of dash cams today.