Lifewire / Julie Bang
What Is a Dash Cam?
They use your vehicle as a power source to record everything in their field of view.
They’re also helpful for recording pleasant, scenic journeys.
Lifewire / Julie Bang
Note that the size of your dash cam’s storage determines how long it records.
For example, a 16GB dash cam can generally record for 110 minutes.
Who Should Get a Dash Cam?
It used to be that only the police needed dash cams.
The footage also helps increase the officers' accountability.
However, today, ordinary citizens are using dash cams.
Yellow Dog Productions / Getty Images
You may want to get a dash cam if:
Who Shouldn’t Get a Dash Cam?
Not everyone needs a dash cam, though they can be helpful and interesting gadgets.
They’re generally easy to set up and use, and transferring the video is usually straightforward.
The main reason to get a dash cam follows the same basic logic as defensive driving.
Or, more likely, they will run into you.
you might supply the video to the police and your insurance company to prove you’re not at fault.
This can save you untold hassles and legal costs.
Helps Protect Your Parked Car
Sometypes of dash camerasoffer functionality that extends beyond your daily commute.
Other cameras include inward-facing cameras that canalsocapture evidence of theft if someone breaks into your car.
Records the GPS Location
GPS mapping is another dash cam feature.
GPS capabilities can also help emergency services reach you if you’re in an accident.
You may want to pass on a dash cam for the following reasons.
Insurance companies haven’t yet come around to seeing dash cams as a significant way to mitigate risks.
A dash cam is like any other item of value.
When it’s in your car, it may entice someone to steal it.
Even if your video footage supports your case, there’s no guarantee it will be admissible in court.
One of the ones we like best is the Apeman C450 A series.
Dashboard cameras are typically designed to record continuously whenever they are powered up.
Others have a security option to record only when they sense motion.
Dash cams are available on Amazon.com and from retailers like Best Buy and Wal-Mart.
