Dashcam: the essential digital witness for every driver

Installing a dashcam is an investment in road safety, says breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist. According to GEM, a dashcam can provide crucial evidence in case of collisions or incidents, helping to determine fault and protect against false claims. That’s why a number of insurers offer discounts for drivers who use them.

GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “If you’re a safe, conscientious driver, a dashcam helps protect your no-claims bonus, as well as allowing you to play your part in reporting offences, road rage incidents and ‘crash-for-cash’ scams.”

Price drops in recent years have made dashcams much more affordable, with prices starting from £20 or less.  Properly positioned, they don’t restrict visibility and they are readily available online and on the high street, with prices starting at around £20.

What is a dashcam? 
A dashcam, or dashboard camera, is a small device that goes in your car. It records video footage of the road while you drive.  

What are the main benefits of using a dashcam? 
Dashcams provide crucial evidence in case of collisions or incidents, helping to determine fault and protect against false claims. They can capture unexpected events on the road, deter vandalism and theft when parked. A dashcam will also record scenic journeys you can play back in future. For new drivers, dashcam footage can be used to review and improve driving skills. Some insurance companies offer discounts for dashcam users. Additionally, dashcams can help report dangerous driving or road rage incidents to authorities, contributing to overall road safety.  

What features should I look for when buying a dashcam? 
Video quality is your priority. Go for the best you can afford. Aim for at least 1080p resolution with good performance in low light conditions. A wide-angle lens is a good idea as your camera will then capture more of the road. GPS functionality is useful for tracking speed and location. A loop recording feature is helpful as it means the dashcam will operate continuously without your having to empty to memory every few days. Parking mode is a great feature as it provides surveillance when your car is stationary… and deters would-be thieves or vandals.

How much should I expect to spend on a quality dashcam? 
Model prices vary widely, ranging from as little as £20 to more than £500. While budget options are available, it’s generally worth investing in a mid-range or high-end model, as you will get better video quality as well as reliability. You’re also more likely to be able to get the additional features mentioned above. A good quality single-channel dashcam typically costs between £100-£200. Dual-channel systems, offering front and rear cameras, usually range from £200-£400. High-end models with 4K resolution, advanced driver assistance features, or cloud connectivity will cost £400 or more.  

Is it legal for me to record with a dashcam? 
Dashcams are legal to use on UK roads without the need for special permission. Make sure it’s installed so that it doesn’t obstruct your view when driving. As long as the footage you’re capturing is for personal use, you face no legal issues. However, if you plan to share footage publicly, you need to be aware of privacy laws.  

Can my own dashcam evidence be used against me in legal proceedings? 
Yes it can. The police have the right to seize it as evidence in the event of an incident and if it shows you to have been a culpable driver in that incident, you could be prosecuted on the strength of your own evidence. 

Can dashcam footage be used as evidence in court? 
Yes, dashcam footage is admissible as evidence in UK courts, who will consider dashcam evidence alongside other forms of evidence, such as witness statements. In that regard it can be vital in proving fault in a collision or other incident you may have witnessed. Bear in mind that the footage must be clear and good quality.  

How do dashcams affect insurance premiums?
Many UK insurance companies now recognise the benefits of dashcams and offer discounts to drivers who use them. These range from 5% to 20%, but it’s worth looking round for the best discount. The thinking behind the discounts is that dashcam users are more likely to drive carefully and are less likely to make fraudulent claims.  

I’m happy to provide dashcam footage but I wouldn’t want to go to court. Is it OK just to submit the footage and leave the follow-up to the police if they so choose? 
No. Your submission currently needs to be accompanied by a statement from you and an acceptance that, should you be called, you will attend court as a witness. Before this scares you off, note that fewer than 2% of submissions get as far as a court trial.

James Luckhurst concluded that dashcams have a big role to play in helping to make our roads safer. “Fitting a dashcam is a sound move for road safety,” he said. “Once installed, it’s good to know it can protect you in incidents where it might otherwise be your word against someone else’s.

“But however helpful a dash cam may occasionally be, we still encourage everyone to drive with the original GEM values of care, courtesy and concentration. These cost nothing, and if every driver committed to upholding them, then we would see a significant and sustained reduction in the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.”