All about dash cams and its impact on car insurance

Dashcams are gaining popularity among motorists in the Philippines and it is all for good reasons. These compact-looking, often unobtrusive devices mounted on vehicle dashboards or windshields record video footage of the road and traffic conditions. They offer various benefits, including enhanced security, evidence in case of accidents, and potentially reduced car insurance costs.

At a global level, the adoption of dashcams has surged due to their affordability and the growing awareness of their advantages. Talking specifically about the Philippines, more and more drivers are now investing in dashcams due to factors like -

• Increasing traffic congestion
• Raising road accidents
• Growing insurance fraud

Today, we’ll be diving deep into the world of dashcams, exploring their features, legal aspects, advantages, and most importantly impact on auto insurance costs. So, let’s get started

What is a dashcam?

A dashcam, aka, dashboard camera, is a small video recording device typically mounted on the front windshield of a vehicle. What it does is, it records the view through the vehicle's front windscreen and sometimes rear or other windows.

Modern dashcams often come with advanced features such as GPS, night vision, motion sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity, which enhance their functionality and usability. A few advanced versions include dual cameras to record the vehicle's interior and exterior, providing comprehensive coverage.

Benefits of installing a dashcam

Now that you know what a dashcam is and how it records videos, you must be wondering what value it adds to a car owner's journey. Well, this small device makes several value additions including - presenting evidence in case of an accident, providing protection against fraud, being responsible for enhanced driving behaviour, and being apt for monitoring & security. Let us now understand these benefits in detail -

Evidence in case of an accident

One of the primary advantages of a dashcam is the provision of clear, unbiased video evidence in the event of an accident. This footage can play a crucial role in determining the fault and protecting the driver from false claims. Insurance companies can use dashcam footage to expedite claims processing and settle disputes more efficiently.

For instance, in a situation where both parties in a collision provide conflicting accounts, dashcam footage can offer a clear, unbiased perspective that helps establish the truth.

Protection against fraud

‘Crash for cash’ schemes are very common in the Philippines, which are staged accidents for fraudulent claims. In such situations, dashcams play a very important role in bringing out the truth. Its footage can expose these fraudulent activities and protect innocent drivers from scams. By providing concrete evidence against such intentional accidents, dashcams help ensure that the rightful party is held accountable and no innocent suffer.

Enhanced driving behavior

With a dashcam onboard, a driver is encouraged to adopt safe driving practices intentionally or unintentionally. The device contributes to overall road safety by helping reduce instances of reckless driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors. In a way, a dashcam can be a constant reminder to adhere to traffic laws and drive responsibly.

Monitoring & security

In a country like the Philippines where crime on the road is skyrocketing, having a dashcam provides a protective layer to the car owners. For instance, in the event of parking, leaving a dashcam on gives the driver peace of mind, as it monitors the vehicle and surroundings, providing security against vandalism, theft, and hit-and-run incidents. Also, if your vehicle is
damaged or tampered with while parked, the dashcam footage can help identify the culprit and provide evidence for insurance claims.

Useful, right?

Legality associated with dashcam

In the Philippines, dashcams are legal to use, provided they do not obstruct the driver's view or impair their ability to operate the vehicle safely. However, it is essential to mount the dashcam in a manner that complies with local traffic regulations to avoid penalties.

LTO guidelines

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) advises that dashcams should be positioned behind the rearview mirror or close to the dashboard, ensuring that they do not interfere with the driver's line of sight.

Privacy concerns

Recording people without their consent can lead to legal issues, particularly if the footage is used publicly or shared online. It is advisable to use dashcam footage responsibly and respect the privacy of others. Here are some points to consider -

• Never use the dashcam footage that identifies individuals or private property without permission; doing so could lead to legal action
• Do not forget to use discretion on such video
• Avoid posting sensitive footage on social media platforms without blurring identifiable information.

Dashcam and insurance cost

Coming to the star question of the article i.e., dashcam and its impact on the insurance cost. Well, having a dashcam onboard has a positive impact on the insurance premium and the footage from it can help streamline the claim process. As for the insurance provider, it helps them with the risk assessment of a vehicle. Let us know discuss each of these points in detail -

Insurance premium

Having a dashcam in your car can be a great advantage, as some insurance providers in the Philippines offer discounts to drivers who install and use dashcams. All thanks to reduced risk recognition and enhanced evidence provided by these devices.

Note, that while the extent of the discount varies, it can result in significant savings on annual premiums.

Also Read: 10 Factors that determine your car insurance premium

Claim processing

With a dashcam providing clear evidence of the incident, the insurance claim process gets streamlined. This leads to faster settlements and lower administrative costs for insurance companies, which may, in turn, translate to lower premiums for policyholders.

Risk assessment

It is a given that insurance companies assess the risk associated with insuring a vehicle and its driver. The use of a dashcam often indicates a proactive approach from the driver’s side, which can favorably influence the insurer's assessment, thus leading to lower insurance costs. Overall, drivers with dash cams may be viewed as lower-risk clients, warranting more favorable premium rates.

Tips to choose the right dashcam

Knowing the amazing benefits of a dashcam, let us now learn the features to consider when buying a dashcam.

Video quality: Look for a dashcam with high-definition (HD) resolution, as it ensures clear footage, which is crucial for identifying details in an accident.

Field of view: A comprehensive view is always better, so look for a dashcam with a wide-angle lens that captures more of the road and surroundings.

Night vision: This feature will enhance recording quality in low-light conditions.

GPS: This feature will register location and speed, thus providing additional context in the event of an incident.

Storage capacity: Sufficient storage is a must, as it ensures continuous recording without frequent overwriting.

Parking mode: This one will monitor the vehicle when parked, offering added security.

Installation and maintenance of dashcam

Proper installation of a dashcam is very crucial ensuring proper functionality and compliance with legal requirements. While it is advisable to seek professional help, however, there are a few points to consider -

Proper positioning: Make sure the dashcam is mounted behind the rearview mirror, this will ensure no obstruction in the driver’s view.

Wiring: The power cable of the device should be securely routed to avoid interference with the vehicle control.

Testing: Post-installation testing is a must to ensure the recording of clear outages and coverage of the desired field view.

In addition to ensuring the dashcam’s proper installation, regular maintenance of the device is also crucial for its continued functionality. Here are a few easy tips -

Cleaning: Regularly clean the camera lens and windshield to ensure clear footage.

Storage management: Regularly monitor storage capacity and replace memory cards when necessary to prevent data loss.

Update: Keep dashcam firmware updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, dashcams offer numerous benefits to Filipino drivers, from providing crucial evidence in accidents to enhancing overall road safety. Not to forget their impact on insurance costs which is quite significant. Many insurers recognize the value of dashcams in reducing risk and expediting claims processing.

Also Read: Insuring expensive cars in the Philippines: All you need to know