Would you consider using a dashcam?

Supporting our customers after an accident goes hand-in-hand with our love of prevention. We know that even when you do everything right – drive defensively, put down your phone, and follow the rules of the road – you can still end up in an accident. 

Imagine, for example, you’re cruising in traffic when, without warning, another driver shoots out of a parking lot right in front of you and – WHAM! Your bumper meets his door. 

Then, as if the shock of the collision wasn’t bad enough, you get a call saying the other driver has filed a claim blaming you for the accident!  

It happens more than you think.  

That’s where a dashcam can set the record straight. It silently records as you drive, keeping an eye on the road and, depending on the model, even inside and behind your car. After an accident, dashcams can reveal what really happened, standing in for eyewitnesses who may be unreachable and correcting errors in others’ statements. 

PEMCO is taking a deep dive into dashcams and how they could potentially be beneficial to our customers as part of their “prevention toolkit.” Part of that is understanding your point of view: How do you feel about dashcams? And would you consider using one? (More about that below.) 

If you haven’t given much thought to dashcams, here’s why we think they could make sense for many PNW drivers: 

Dashcams protect drivers six ways 

Built-in dashcams come standard on many high-end cars and commercial vehicles. They’re also widely used outside the United States where organized insurance fraud (staged accidents) is a greater problem. In recent years, they’ve become more affordable as aftermarket add-ons, similar to wireless doorbells and security cameras for your home. 

About 16% of U.S. cars have dashcams, and 39% of dashcam owners said they bought theirs after a close call or accident, according to research compiled by the tech blog Coolest Gadgets. Dashcams seem to offer peace of mind, with 48% of dashcam owners saying they feel less stressed when driving now that they have one.   

Depending on the features you choose, dashcams can protect you six ways: 

1.  A reliable witness in case of an accident. It’s hard to remember details when your adrenaline is pumping after an accident. But not for your dashcam! Depending on the model you choose, it can record events happening in front of, behind, and even inside the car, showing not only the collision itself but the events that led to it. 
2. Red-light camera ticket defense. Red-light cameras help deter accidents caused when drivers try to “beat the light.” But they’re not foolproof. Footage from your dashcam can help you make your case if you believe a camera malfunctioned and unfairly marked you for a ticket. 
3. Keep tabs on young drivers. Dashcams equipped with interior-facing lenses offer an important teaching tool as you encourage your young driver to stay attentive behind the wheel. We’ve even had members tell us that their dashcams helped them unlearn lazy driving habits they’ve slipped into over the years.
4. Added security when parked. Many dashcams feature a “watch mode” to deter theft or vandalism. They record when they sense a jolt or even movement around the parked car. Many send a notification to your phone in addition to footage to cloud storage or a USB in the car. (Here’s Tesla’s version, which includes an alarm.)
5. Call for help. Like many smartphones, some dashcams can alert first responders if they sense a collision. They also can notify designated friends or family and provide the location of the accident. 
6. Find a lost car. Whether visiting the mall during the holiday shopping rush or enjoying the day at a family amusement park, it’s sometimes easy to forget where you parked. Some dashcams can help by sending your car’s location to your phone. 

Does a dashcam have any insurance benefits? 

 A dashcam can document and save your road activity, which is helpful when it comes to providing evidence to your insurer of what happened in an accident. Instead of relying solely on first-hand accounts, the dashcam can show how an accident occurred, and may help resolve claims when fault is disputed among the parties involved. 
 
An accident can happen in many ways, and specific scenarios might require “proof” on your part. The dashcam’s recordings can be utilized in your favor as they will show what really “went down.” 
 
Typically, there isn’t a discount associated with having a dashcam installed on your vehicle. 
 
 

Tell us what you think about dashcams 

PEMCO is a member-owned mutual company that strives to understand issues from your perspective. We’d love to hear your thoughts on dashcams. 

Do you use one? If so, how do you feel it helps you? Would you feel comfortable sharing recordings and data with your insurer? And if you’re on the fence about dashcams, what might make you decide to try one?  

Feel free to add your thoughts in comments below or send your feedback to go@pemco.com.