Everything you need to know about Dashcams

Did you know that 87% of crashes are due to avoidable driver error or risky driving behaviour!

So that's why here at Browning Suzuki we are proud to tell you that we're the sole authorized suppliers and fitters of Nextbase dashcams in Melton Mowbray and surrounding areas like Grantham, Oakham, Leicester and Loughborough

What is a dashcam?

A dashcam is a compact camera installed on your car's dashboard or windscreen, facing the road. Additionally, you can have a rear dashcam. It activates when you start the engine and records your entire journey.

Dashcam videos can be timestamped in a tamper-proof manner, making them an excellent source of evidence for any road incidents. Some dashcams also feature a parking mode, which begins recording when an impact is detected. If someone hits your car or knocks off a wing mirror without leaving a note, you'll have a better chance of identifying the responsible party.

Why install a dashcam?

You've seen dashcam footage on the news, crime programs, and viral social media posts. Their popularity is rapidly growing among UK motorists. from recent AA’s research it shows that dashcam ownership increased from 1% to 15% in just four years.

Dashcams are an effective way to monitor driving behaviour and determine fault in car accidents. They can also serve as GPS trackers to help emergency services locate you if you break down. If you suspect you've been a victim of crash-for-cash fraud, dash cam evidence can help ensure proper compensation and prevent future incidents.

Police already use dashcams in their cars, and the footage they capture is often used as evidence to prosecute reckless or dangerous drivers.

Are dashcams legal?

Yes, they're legal on UK roads. You don't need a license or any other requirements to use a dashcam.

However, you mustn't install the dashcam where it blocks your view. If you have an accident and it's found that your dashcam distracted you or obscured your vision, you could be blamed for the accident.

Also, you have a legal duty to let passengers know if your business vehicle is fitted with a cabin view camera. For instance, if you're a taxi driver or share a company car, and you use your car for family errands. Plus, most dashcams record sound and some can video record the inside of a vehicle. If someone else who has use of your car isn't told they're being recorded, you're in breach of privacy laws.

What's the difference between a dashcam and a car black box?

Both dashcams and a black box (or better known as telematics box) provide valuable information about your journeys. While dashcams provide a visual record of your journey, a black box holds the data that shows your driving style.

Dashcam’s and insurance claims:

Car accidents are often not clear-cut, and disputes can arise over who is at fault. In such cases, dashcam footage can be invaluable. If the footage shows that the other party was at fault, you might avoid paying your excess, or if you have already paid it, you could be reimbursed. This evidence can also help protect your no claim discount.

As dashcams become more popular, they have the potential to lower car insurance premiums, prevent theft, and deter insurance fraud. Interest in dashcams is rapidly increasing in the UK.

Benefits of a dashcam:

• Evidence in accidents.
• Easier to claim on your insurance.
• Security when parked.
• Peace of mind when driving.
   

Don’t know what dashcam to choose?

It can be hard to decide what dashcam to choose and often the cheaper options are unreliable and can break easily, so that's why here at Browning we offer the award winning Nextbase dashcams, which are installed by one of our Nextbase trained technicians ensuring a quality product with no dangling wires.

On handover we'll even install a free app where you can keep an eye on your car to have peace of mind of your vehicle.

Also did you know? We have exclusivity and are the only people authorised to supply and install Nextbase dashcams in the area.

We can install a dashcam in any vehicle of any age! Just message or call up for a free quote today.