How to use dash cam footage in an insurance claim

It should come as no surprise that dash cams are becoming more and more popular among Australians. Almost every other night on the news we are seeing shocking dash cam footage recorded here and around the world.  

Data released by Allianz indicated that in 2019, 1 in 5 drivers used dash cams. Anecdotally we know the number of Australian dash cam owners is growing as Australians are the fourth highest users of the dash cam forum called Dash Cam Talk.  

It’s clear that Australian dash cam owners love this tech for many reasons. But one of the largest reasons is because of the benefits it can provide for insurance claims. 

So, when it comes to dash cam and car insurance, what are the benefits? Can a dash cam reduce your insurance, or get you a discount? Can it help your claims when submitting dash cam footage to your insurance company? Let’s find out.  

What is a dash cam?

A dash cam is a small camera that is attached to your vehicle’s dashboard by Velcro, suction pads or it can be hardwired in. The camera records footage through the front windscreen. 

The benefits of using a dash cam 

Australian dash cam owners have found many benefits to using this technology, including documenting scenic drives or road trips, recording the surrounding areas of your parked vehicle, monitoring young drivers and capturing firsthand evidence of things that happen around and to your car. 

But apart from using the cameras to record a road trip or the unexpected, one of the best benefits is to record potential motor vehicle accidents to use in an insurance claim. 

Many motorists purchase and install dash cams in their cars because this gives them peace of mind. They also purchase dash cams with the knowledge that the footage could be useful to hold others on the road accountable in case of a motor vehicle accident.  

In fact, according to the owner of Dash Cam Owners Australia, the main reason Australians purchase and install dash cams is to prove fault in the event of an accident. With Police no longer attending minor collisions it is generally up to the involved parties to plead their case to their insurance companies. A dash cam removes the he-said she-said element of an insurance claim and provides an invaluable record of the events that transpired’. 

Can dash cam footage be used in insurance claims? 

Yes. Dash cams and car insurance are a match made in heaven. Insurance companies will accept photo and video evidence recording of the accident and the aftermath. Although it is important to keep in mind that this will only make up part of their investigation and will not necessarily be the definitive piece of evidence. This is because dash cam footage only shows one perspective and does not always show the lead up to the accident.  

It's also important to keep in mind the quality of camera you purchase as grainy or low resolution footage can affect how the footage is interpreted by insurance companies. 

Can a dash cam reduce insurance premiums? 

Interestingly, insurance companies in the UK are offering a car insurance dash cam discount to customers that have dash cams installed. Unfortunately, Australian insurers don’t offer this type of discount since it doesn’t limit your likelihood of getting in an accident. However, it does demonstrate the value of dash cams in some accidents. 

Submitting dash cam footage to insurance companies 

Submitting dash cam footage to your insurance carrier is pretty straightforward, though each insurer will have their own process. As part of the process, you may be asked to upload the footage privately to YouTube or another video sharing system. You will then provide the link to your insurer generally via email. You always want to include your claim number as well.  

Other things to keep in mind 

• Some states and territories in Australia have laws against recording audio. Check which laws apply to you before installing. Or purchase a video only dash cam instead. 

• Dash cams are positioned on your windscreen. Stay safe by making sure you place it where it will not impact your view. 

• Don’t treat the dash cam as an additional safety measure. Always stay vigilant on the roads. 

Shine Lawyers – we're here to help  

If you or a loved one have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident – car accident, cyclist accident, motorbike accident, pedestrian accident or truck accident – whether you had dash cam footage or not, you may be entitled to compensation.  Our team of claim experts can help you to understand your rights and access your full entitlements on a No Win, No Fee basis*.

The advice our team will provide you is tailored to your situation to ensure we help you get the best possible outcome for you. To get started, use our free claim checker or speak to one of our experts over the phone.  *Conditions apply.