Q: How much does it cost to get a dash cam fitted?

Dash cam installation should cost between $35 and $50 . However, many models are "plug-and-play," meaning they can be plugged into a vehicle port – such as a cigarette lighter, or a truck's OBD-II port – and shouldn't cost anything to have installed.

Question 1

Is a dash cam warranty worth the cost?

Accepted Answer

If a dash cam comes with a warranty, it's usually a 12-month or 18-month warranty that's included with the purchase of the dash cam itself. It's up you to whether you'd prefer to buy an additional one (or buy one outright if it isn't included), but any trusted pro-grade dash cam should last at least 3-5 years, depending on wear and tear and extreme temperatures.

Question 2

How much does it cost to get a dash cam fitted?

Accepted Answer

Dash cam installation should cost between $35 and $50. However, many models are "plug-and-play," meaning they can be plugged into a vehicle port – such as a cigarette lighter, or a truck's OBD-II port – and shouldn't cost anything to have installed.

Question 3

Will a dash cam reduce my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Dash cam footage can be used in an insurance or legal appeal, potentially saving you thousands if it proves you're not at fault. If you use it to win a case, you can avoid an expensive insurance hike.

But will your insurance company lower your premium if you show you've installed a dash cam? That depends on the insurance company's specific policies. Sadly, it's currently uncommon for an insurance provider to offer a discount for those with dash cams, and many do not even have set policies regarding using dash cam footage in an insurance claim. As dash cams gain popularity, these standards may change.

Question 4

Do I leave my dash cam in my car?

Accepted Answer

Some vehicle owners will prefer to bring their dash cam with them when they exit their vehicle for the day. However, this means re-installing it every time you get back in your vehicle to drive – and the one day you don't bother to do so, could be the day you need that footage. If a dash cam is located in a discreet location, it's unlikely to encourage theft. For truckers, it may actively discourage theft, as devices with auto-recording will catch anyone attempting to take what's yours. Plus, you can use it to monitor your vehicle while it's parked. Ultimately, it's up to you if you want to leave a dash cam in your own personal car – but for truckers' dash cams, we'd recommend leaving them in your vehicle.

Question 5

Will a dash cam drain my car battery?

Accepted Answer

Dash cams can drain a battery, but won't necessarily. Some dash cams will draw on a vehicle's battery when plugged in, even when the vehicle is off – this is how a few special features, like time-lapse videos or motion-sensing, are able to work when a vehicle is turned off.

As a rule of thumb, if the cam is plugged into a vehicle's OBD-II port, it can operate 24/7 with a minimum of battery-draining, thanks to the port's low voltage protection. If wired to the vehicle's ignition circuit, the dash cam won't draw power at all.

In addition, most dash cams can be set to turn off when the vehicle is off, and automatically turn back on when the vehicle turns on. Check your dash cam's manual to determine how it draws its power.

Question 6

What affects a dash cam's cost?

Accepted Answer

The price of a dash cam correlates loosely with the quality of video it records and the number of additional features it offers. Cheap options are between $30 and $50, but might break more easily or have fewer features to offer. Standard dash cam models cost between $60 and $150, and are dependable and feature-rich. High-end models could cost as much as $400 or $500, for 4K video quality and features like AI-powered machine learning.

Question 7

Are dual dash cams more expensive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dual dash cams have two camera lens and tend to be more expensive than a single lens dash cam.

Question 8

Do dash cams record sound?

Accepted Answer

Some dash cams record audio from inside the vehicle, but not all do. To verify if yours does, check your recorded footage to see if there is an audio component, and check your settings to turn on an audio option if you don't hear anything.

Question 9

Do dash cams have night vision?

Accepted Answer

Some dash cams have a night vision capability, but not all do. Another feature that can make dimly lit footage more clear is called "Wide Dynamic Range," although this feature requires some light to work. Both night vision and Wide Dynamic Range are common features that you'll likely find on fairly inexpensive mid-range dash cams.

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