Are Dash Cams Worth It?

Dash cams were formerly considered to be a luxury for tech-savvy drivers. In 2021, 26 Million Canadian drivers had their vehicle outfitted with a Dash Cam, making up 1/10 drivers on the road. The number is unsurprising, given insurance claims cost Canadians 1.6 billion every year, along with 108,018 injuries in total caused by motor vehicle incidents. The number of dash cam users is dramatically increased when polling truck drivers, who know the roads inside and out, with 58% of trucking companies using a dashcam to secure their fleet. 

Some drivers may think that having a dash cam would be expensive, and require maintenance. However, the reality is a dash camera delivers unbiased insights into on-road operations, reducing dangers and increasing efficiency – which is priceless. When the situation calls for it, a dash cam will actually help you save money, time, and energy, ensuring that you aren’t wrongfully held liable, and settling matters in moments. Worried about price? Check out these Dash Cam models under 150$ USD.

Another misconception is that dash cams will void the vehicle’s warranty. But in reality, many dealerships offer Dash Cam installs of their own. The majority of car dealerships outsource their aftermarket accessory work, sometimes even for dash cams, at a hefty markup for inferior items. So, why is it okay for them but not for you?

To set things straight, dash cams won’t void your warranty. Extensive vehicle modifications, such as a lift kit, new wheels, or larger tires, will not void your warranty. These improvements are protected by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which was adopted by Congress in 1975 to further protect consumers from misleading warranty practices. Ultimately, it is always best to check with your dealership.

Worst case scenario, there are plenty of options to install a dash cam, while we always prefer a seamless and hidden installation, there are still plenty of plug-and-play options out there, without any obstructions to the vehicle's system.

One of the top advantages of dash cams is their ability to accurately record accidents, much more concrete than a he-said-she-said situation. Dash cam footage acts as indisputable proof in the unfortunate event of an accident, which is very useful for determining liability and negotiating with insurance providers. Moreover, it can make reaching an insurance claim settlement 2.5 weeks faster.

For example, if you are wrongly accused of causing an accident, dash cam evidence can prove your innocence, protecting you from unnecessary financial responsibilities and preserving your driving record. It’s a one-time investment, but keeps you secure on each and every ride.

While dash cam coverage can end when you turn off the vehicle, it definitely doesn’t have to. A dash cam can operate as your ever-vigilant parking protector, through newer improvements with Dash Cam Parking mode.

Nothing’s more frustrating than seeing your precious car keyed or vandalized. During incidents, having a dash cam is an instant answer if you need to investigate what happened – yes, the ultimate time saver. With a dash cam, you can use the video recording as reliable proof to deal with the aftermath of accidents, tell you what happened during an accident, and help you find the cause. Find out more about Parking Mode here.

Dash Cams aren’t only useful after an accident happens, but are a useful deterrent. Ensuring that other drivers second-guess their reckless actions when they see it. Beyond that, an IR camera with audio recording can also ensure that all goings-on inside the vehicle, from traffic stops to shared rides, remain above-board.

Knowing that you have a dash cam in your car also makes you more cautious and responsible. According to studies, drivers who use dash cams follow traffic rules more closely, demonstrate less aggressive driving, and are more attentive behind the wheel. So, here’s to safer roads ahead.

Installing a front dash camera may be sufficient for some, but having all-around coverage doubles, if not triples, the coverage and peace of mind, at a fraction of the effort. This is useful if the driver is engaged in an accident and video evidence is required in the event of contested claims. In our experience, we’ve seen 2-channel coverage to be ideal for the vast majority of situations and drivers. Plus, with proper 2-channel cameras, all processing and power is run to the front unit, making adding a smaller, additional rear camera simple and affordable.

The purpose of getting a dash cam is to record incidents, and if your dash cam is not capable of capturing clear and crisp footage, it’s not worth much. That’s why choosing at least full HD, 2K or 4K dash cams are recommended. Some situations may also require nighttime coverage, so Night Vision is also important, normally found in higher-quality image sensors. Find out more about what goes into Video Quality here. 

When choosing a dash cam, it is essential to consider the conditions in which it will be used - especially when you’re always on the go. For example, if you live in a hot climate like Florida or Arizona, you will need a dash cam designed to beat the heat, for those situations, we recommend a camera with a supercapacitor. Learn more about Dash Cams for High Heat Environments here. 

Parking mode is a very useful feature to have if you are worried about hit-and-runs or vandalism on your parked vehicle. However, not all parking modes are the same, and not all dash cams offer parking mode. When choosing a dash cam, choose the one that offers advanced parking modes like Auto Event Detection, Buffered Parking Mode Recording, and voltage cut-off. Dash cams don’t have enough power to self-sustain while the vehicle is off, so they will normally need to be wired to the vehicle’s battery, or use its own separate Dash Cam Battery Pack.

Remote access enables you to remotely interact with your dash cam system, having a direct method of communicating with your vehicle about its status. This remote connection is called the Cloud in the Dash Cam world. Through this, you can receive real-time motion or impact notifications directly to your smartphone, email, computer, or tablet, uploading footage remotely to the cloud, to be viewed anywhere with cell-service. This also enables you to view or download recordings from the memory card and watch real-time video from the vehicle in just a few clicks - or taps when you’re using mobile. Find out more about the cloud here.