Dash cams, once regarded with scepticism by all but the most cautious of drivers, are increasing in popularity. Now, over half of UK drivers would consider a dash cam essential; manufacturers have even started integrating them into their cars, and the best new dash cams are often stacked with advanced features to make them even more useful.
There are many different models of dash cams for cars on the market these days, including plenty of good budget dash cams. There’s still plenty to consider when buying one, though, but this helpful guide should answer your most pressing dash cam questions – including the legal placement of a dash camera, how to transfer dash cam video to a computer, and if a dash cam will reduce your insurance premium.
You’ll also find some useful tips on how to pick the best dash cam for your budget and requirements, including the best dual-view dash cams.
If you need them, we’ve even articles covering the likes of best memory cards for dash cams.
Common car dash cam questions answered
- Doesn’t my car already have a camera?
- Does having a dash cam reduce your insurance premium?
- Can dash cam footage be used as evidence?
- Where should a dash cam be placed on a car?
- Do dash cams record when the car is parked?
- How do I transfer dash cam video to my phone?
- Is it worth getting a dash cam in the UK?
- How much should a dash cam cost?
- Which dash cams has Parkers reviewed?
Doesn’t my car already have a camera?
While plenty of new vehicles have various sensors and camera systems, to enable advanced safety system features, only a handful of manufacturers build dash cams into their cars. Citroen, BMW and Tesla, for example, are among those that offer customers an integrated dash cam in their cars.
In the main though, drivers are required to make an aftermarket dash cam purchase. Fortunately, dash cams are often not expensive, and even hardwiring a dash cam into a car is relatively straightforward. Doing so will, among other things, ensure your dash cam can record when the car is off, capturing things that happen when the vehicle is parked.
Does having a dash cam reduce your insurance premium?
Yes, in the UK some top insurers offer as much as 25% discount, according to Nextbase, a market-leading dash cam manufacturer. This popular dash cam brand has also teamed up with MyFirstUK, an insurer willing to offer Nextbase dash cam customers 30% off their premium.
While you don’t have to tell your insurer you’re using a dash cam but it might help you save money on your insurance premium if you do. A dash cam isn’t considered a vehicle modification, either, so there’s no complication or cost there.
Can dash cam footage be used as evidence?
Yes, dash cam footage is frequently relied on by UK courts and the police. Since Nextbase helped set up the UK’s National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP) four years ago, the number of drivers submitting evidence of dangerous driving has increased year on year.
The portal enables the police to receive footage from motorists more easily than ever before, minimising any strain on resources. It’s also open to any driver, regardless of the make and model of their dash cam; with some 48,000 submissions across 42 police forces as of June 2022, offenders displaying flagrant disregard for the rules of the road are being retrospectively charged.
In criminal investigations, police often make requests of drivers with dash cams to come forward, so they can piece together the movements of a victim or suspect on a day of significance to their case.
While submitting footage is one potential way of saving your No Claims Bonus/Discount, submitting evidence has led to a 30% increase in split liability decisions by the insurer. That is to say that where one driver submits footage as evidence, the insurer finds that both drivers were at fault and shares the liability.
Where should a dash cam be placed on a UK car?
Once you fully understand what a dash cam is, you’ll want to know where exactly you put one. A dash cam is usually fitted as close to the rear view mirror as possible, without obscuring the driver’s view. (So not really on the dashboard at all, no.)
Hardwiring a dash cam enables you to secure the device to the appropriate part of the windscreen and bring the cables out around the windscreen edge and down the back of the dash, so they’re not in the way or unsightly. There’s also a way of powering the device from the main motherboard, keeping the 12V port free.
Halfords offer a fitting service for a discount when you buy a dash cam from them. Costs for professionally installing a dash cam vary by location and the type of dash cam you’re fitting, but you should expect to pay around £100.
However, if you travel abroad a lot, or switch cars like many of us do, you might prefer to opt for something less permanent.
Do dash cams record when a car is parked?
Plenty of dash cams will record when your car is parked, either by using power from an in-built battery or from a cable connected to the car. Some manufacturers also offer this feature; Tesla, for example, calls it ‘Sentry’ mode.
Like a guard standing watch, recording is triggered when motion is detected in close proximity to the parked car. This can help capture footage of damage being caused to your car, allowing you to solve any mysterious bumps or scrapes that have occurred while you’ve been away from your car.
Since plenty of dash cams have Wi-Fi, and if you’ve enabled notifications, you’ll get a message letting you know of a new recording you can review.
How do I transfer my dash cam video to my phone?
Traditionally, dash cams worked like other cameras. They have memory cards which store the footage and files can be transferred by hooking the device up to a desktop computer, or by pulling the card and putting it in a suitable reader connected to a computer.
The most popular dash cams on the UK market now have Wi-Fi, which allows you to easily connect to them and review footage using an app on your phone. You sign into a portal, usually through an app, and view and store all the recordings there. From here, you’ll be able to download, share and edit your footage as required.
In the case of Nextbase, there’s also an easy way of submitting evidence of a crime or suspicious behaviour to the police via the NDSP.
Is it worth getting a dash cam in the UK?
Though some motorists view dash cams as an invasion of privacy – after all, we all have bad driving days from time to time, and no one wants to be shopped for a momentary lapse or off day – Nextbase says that so-called ‘cash for crash’ scams are costing motorists around £50 per insurance policy.
Anything that can be used to combat insurance fraud and make drivers feel safer on the roads has to be of value.
How much should a dash cam cost?
Prices for dash cams vary significantly, with budget dash camera options starting at as little as £40, while the best dash cams can cost several hundred pounds. There might be specific features you want, such as front and rear recording, that make it worth spending a bit more on one of the premium options.
If you’d like some more help picking the best dash cam for your application, check out our useful guides below.
The best features to have on a dash cam
This article lists all the features you should consider when buying a dash cam.
If you’re on a tight budget, these are the best cameras to look at.
Our guide to the best dash cams with Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing quick and easy access to stored footage.
Dash cam brand comparison: Nextbase and Vantrue
Since Nextbase is the UK’s market leader, we’ve pitted it against other dash cam brands in this comparison piece.
Integrating the camera display of the dash cam into the rear view mirror is, for some drivers, ingenuous. Since they can double up as reversing cameras, they offer good value for money, too. We also pitched mirror cams against other dash cams to understand the benefits better.
The best dual dash cams: see everything
Check out the best front- and rear-facing dash cams on the UK market now.
Which dash cams have Parkers reviewed?
Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2
The Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 brings its tiny dimensions and the Parkers team determine if it’s a worthy investment.
Read the full Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 review
Nexar Beam Dash Cam
Nexar is a relative newcomer to the British dash cam market. The Parkers team give it a going-over.
Read the full Nexar Beam dash cam review
Nextbase 522GW vs. 622GW
Nextbase’s two popular models go head-to-head.
Read the full Nextbase 522GW and 622GW review
Thinkware Q800 Pro
This front- and rear-facing dual dash cam gets the Parkers’ review scrutiny.
Read the full Thinkware Q800 Pro review
Thinkware G1000
Ideal for permanent installation, this is the summer 2022 release from Thinkware.
Read the full Thinkware Q1000 review
Thinkware U1000
Thinkware’s U1000 is sleek in design, expensive in price but has remarkable 4k HD resolution. Is it worth it?
Read the full Thinkware U1000 dash cam review
Vantrue M2 dash cam
This mirror-style dash cam offers drivers something a bit different from the mainstream.
Read the full Vantrue M2 dash cam review
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