In Canada, the use of dashcams is becoming increasingly common. One in ten drivers in Canada has installed a camera in their vehicle. While dash cams do not provide you with a specific discount on your car insurance, they can be useful and may save you money indirectly. Do you find yourself asking, “Should I buy a dash cam?” We’re here to help you decide whether one is right for you by examining the pros and cons of having a dash cam in your vehicle.
Pros of Using a Dash Cam
Installing a dash cam can help you save money on your car insurance in a few unexpected ways, such as:
Dispute a Traffic Ticket
Getting a ticket may increase your insurance premium. If you can dispute the ticket using dash cam footage, you can get that ticket off your record and potentially avoid an increase in your premiums.
Determine Fault in a Car Accident
Dash cams are also a useful tool that can help protect yourself against possible staged accidents and insurance fraud. It can capture footage of reckless drivers, speeders and drunk drivers.
Fraud Prevention
Insurance fraud is becoming an increasingly serious issue in Ontario. Perpetrators stage accidents in the hope that you are found at fault so they can gain monetary benefits. They include other drivers, cyclists or even pedestrians. Dash cam footage can help prove them wrong. An increase in fraudulent claims can also lead to higher premiums for everyone.
Dash Cameras are Excellent for Surveillance
You can program it to record while you’re parked or when it senses motion. Some are equipped to run continuously. In case of theft, vandalism or a hit and run, this footage can potentially help trace a licence plate number, provide details for a police report or help you with your claim.
Become a Better Driver
If you’re asking yourself, “Should I buy a dash cam?” the answer is, why not? You can use the footage to improve your driving skills or your newly licensed driver’s skills. You’ll be able to watch the recording back to see what you can do better in the future.
Interested in buying a dash cam? Have a look at the top 10 dash cams in Canada here.
Insurance Claims
If there is a dispute over who is at fault in an accident, having a dash cam can help clarify the situation. Did you know that dash cam footage can act as an extra witness after an accident? It can prove who was involved and who was at fault. Unbiased footage can help your insurer determine whether you are really at fault. Without it, you may be found partially at fault and will then have to split the cost of the damages.
They’re More Than Just a Camera
Many models offer features such as automatic motion detection, lane-change and collision notifications, integrated GPS systems, and wide-angle lenses. These simple cameras are turning into multifaceted high-tech devices. Newer dash cams also have integration with smart assistants, like Alexa, or support voice commands that let you tell the device to save a clip while you keep your hands on the steering wheel.
Keeping Roads Safe
If you suspect an impaired or dangerous driver on the highway, your camera can capture images and/or footage of the offender. When it is safe to do so, you should pull over and call the police. In Ontario, it’s OPP. In other provinces, it’s 911. Tell police where you saw the driver, which direction they’re heading, and if possible, a good description of the vehicle and plate number. Leave your contact info with them, and should they need your footage, they’ll know how to find you.
Cons of Using a Dash Cam
While there are several benefits to installing a dash cam in your vehicle, there are also some downsides to it:
They Can Be Distracting
Changing the camera’s setting while driving is dangerous and illegal. Some experts suggest avoiding this by installing it behind the rearview mirror.
Technology is Attractive to Thieves
As with GPS, smartphones or GoPro-like cameras, it’s not advisable to leave them out in plain sight in your unattended vehicle. Alternatively, you can consider purchasing one that records when the vehicle is off.
Dash Cams Can Get Damaged in a Car Accident
According to Intact.ca, if you get into an accident and your dash cam is damaged, your car insurance might cover it, depending on how it was installed and the province you live in. For example, in Ontario, a permanently installed dash cam may be covered under your policy’s limit for aftermarket electronic equipment (usually $1,500).
Your damaged dash cam might also be covered as a personal belonging under your home or tenant insurance policy.
Dash Cams Can’t Capture 360-Degree Footage
Although technology is improving, dash cams cannot capture 360-degree video because they are front-facing cameras. Therefore, if you are rear-ended by another car, it won’t be captured.
They Will NOT Lower Insurance in Canada
There is no current insurance discount for having a dash cam installed in your car. It may, however, save you indirectly in the event of an accident, but it’s not a guarantee.
Dash Cam Privacy Issues
Some dash cam models can record audio or include a secondary camera for monitoring your car’s interior. Because the cameras are mounted inside your vehicle, they can record your conversations and the actions of you and your passengers. It also means it can record you texting while driving or doing other things you shouldn’t do. While well-intentioned, this raises privacy concerns, especially if the dash cam you choose stores data in the cloud rather than on an internal SD card. You’ll also be responsible for notifying your passengers about these features and obtaining their consent.
So…Should I Buy a Dash Cam in Ontario?
While one in 10 drivers might not sound like much, it’s important to keep in mind that Canada has at least 26.8 million registered vehicles. That means at least 2,680,000 cars, trucks, and motorcycles carry one of these devices. So, should you get a dash cam? Installing one can help reduce the risk of fumbling for your phone to take pictures while driving. Distracted driving is dangerous in all forms. If you are considering installing a dash cam in your vehicle, be sure to contact one of our isure representatives to discuss your options. We can also advise you regarding other options to find discounts on your car insurance.
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