Being a responsible driver means being prepared for anything. And while you can’t always control what happens on the road, having a dashcam gives you an extra level of protection. But are dashcams worth it? To help you decide whether to get a dashcam installation in Sydney, here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of a dashcam in your car.
Advantages of a Dashcam
With all the potential dangers on the road, it’s no wonder that many drivers are opting to install dashcams in their vehicles. Dashcams can provide a sense of security by recording everything that happens while you’re driving, and they can be incredibly useful in the event of an accident. Here are some reasons you might want to consider a dashcam for your vehicle.
For evidence collection
Perhaps the most compelling reason to invest in a dashcam is for evidence collection. If you’re involved in an accident, having footage of it can be invaluable. In many cases, dashcam footage can be used to clear up any confusion about who was at fault. So, if this is your goal, make sure to get a dashcam with a built-in microphone to record audio and video, like the Vantrue N2 Pro.
To encourage safe driving
Another benefit of dashcams is that they can promote safe driving. If you know that your every move is being recorded, you’re likely to be more cautious and attentive while behind the wheel. This can help to reduce the chances of being involved in an accident.
To lower insurance premiums
In some cases, having a dashcam installed in your vehicle can lower your insurance premiums through a good driver discount. This is because insurers see dashcam footage as evidence that you’re a safe and responsible driver. If you can provide your insurer with footage of you driving safely, you may be rewarded with lower rates, ranging from 10% to 30%.
Disadvantages of a Dashcam
While there are many advantages to having a dashcam, there are also some potential disadvantages that you should be aware of. Here are some of them:
Can be distracting for drivers
Since you are meant to be monitoring the road ahead, it can be easy to get caught up in reviewing footage or adjusting camera settings while driving. That little dashcam screen can be a big distraction if you’re not careful. Not to mention, the size of the camera and its cords can also create a visual obstruction.
Can encourage theft
If you have a dashcam visible from the outside of your vehicle, it may encourage thieves to target your car. In some cases, thieves have been known to break into cars to steal the dashcam. To avoid this, it’s best to use a dashcam that’s hidden from view, such as Garmin’s Dash Cam Mini 2.
Can only pick up video from your point of view
One of the limitations of dashcams is that they can only pick up footage from your point of view. This means that if something happens out of your field of view, you may not have any footage of it.
Is it worth investing in dashcams?
Whether dashcams are worth the investment is a decision you’ll need to make for yourself. A dashcam could be a worthwhile investment if you’re mainly concerned about evidence collection. However, if you’re worried about the potential for distraction, you may want to reconsider. So, if you’re still not sure, why not try one out for yourself and see how you find it? You may be surprised at how useful they can be.
Getting the right dashcam is only one part of the battle, however. You also need to know how to install it correctly to do its job. If you’re not confident in your ability to do this, you can always take it to professionals like Seven Smart Auto for help.
Seven Smart Auto is one of the leading dashcam installation companies in Sydney. We offer a wide range of services, including mobile installation, to get your dashcam installed without having to leave your home or office. Contact us today to find out more!
