- 5 min read

Why Every Car Should Have a Dashcam.

Updated: 6 days ago

How Video Evidence Can Save The Day

Everyone who's been on the road has probably had a moment where they've wished for a recording of an incident. Whether it's a hit-and-run scenario or a disagreement about who was at fault in an accident, having video evidence can make a world of difference. This is where dashboard cameras, also known as dashcams, come into play. Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular due to their numerous advantages for drivers. This article explores the ins and outs of dashcams, why they are important, and the considerations to make before purchasing one.

The Advantages of Using Dashcams

The advantages of investing in a dashcam are plentiful. They range from providing concrete evidence in case of accidents to improving your driving skills. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting one:

Evidence in Case of Accidents

The primary reason why millions of drivers invest in a dashcam is to have first-hand evidence of any road incidents. Dashcam footage of accidents on the road, in a parking lot, or even in your driveway will go a long way in establishing fault and holding the guilty party responsible.

Insurance Benefits

While insurance companies in the United States do not offer specific dashboard camera discounts, having a dashcam can indirectly save you money on your insurance premium. Video footage from a dashcam allows law enforcement and your insurance company to clearly see who was at fault in an accident, which may expedite your insurance claim.

Monitoring Young Drivers

Most parents dread the day their child gets behind the wheel, and drivers under the age of 25 already have higher insurance rates than older drivers because they tend to drive recklessly and have more accidents. A dashcam can help parents monitor their child's driving habits, encouraging them to drive safely and follow the law.

Additional Security

Some dashcams offer extra security features, such as motion sensors that will record even when the car is turned off or GPS functionality that can help emergency services locate you if you're involved in an accident.

Creating Memories

In 2020 and 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people took to the roads for epic road trips. High-quality dashcam footage can be used to create a timeless record of those road trip memories.

Choosing the Right Dashcam

Once you've decided to invest in a dashcam, you'll have to consider how much you want to spend. Dashcams in this price range can provide a balance between cost and functionality for drivers who want the peace of mind that comes with having a dashcam without breaking the bank.

Affordable Options ($99 to $150)

You can expect to enjoy a balance of decent video quality with standard 1080p resolution suitable for clear day and night footage. These budget-friendly options often come equipped with essential features like loop recording, and impact-detecting G-sensors, and are easy to set up and use. Some may even offer additional functionalities like parking mode and Wi-Fi. However, these models typically don't provide advanced features like 4K recording, ADAS, or voice control, and may have a lower build quality and narrower field of view compared to more expensive models.

1. Our Recommendation: Rexing V1-4K Ultra HD Car Dash Cam with Wi-Fi

2. Our Recommendation: M1 HD Dual Channel Rear View Mirror Dash Cam

Mid-Range Options $150 and $300

With midrange dashcams users can expect higher resolution video quality, often including 1440p, and some models may even offer 4K recording. With improved hardware, these cameras provide better night vision capabilities, ensuring clearer footage in low-light conditions. Additionally, a wider field of view is common, allowing for more comprehensive coverage of incidents.

The design and build quality are also enhanced, offering greater durability and reliability. Many midrange dashcams come with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity for wireless footage transfer, and advanced safety features such as lane departure and forward collision warnings. The user interface may be more sophisticated, with touchscreens becoming more prevalent. The Rexing MAX 4k dash cam typically starts around $200 but at the time of writing is on sale for $159.99.

1. Our Recommendation: Rexing V1 MAX 4K Dash Cam with Wi-Fi and GPS

2. Our Recommendation: Rexing V1P 4K Dual Channel Dash Cam 4K

High-End Options

High-end dash cam models sit at the pinnacle of the market, offering the best in video quality with resolutions up to 4K, superior night vision, and a wide array of advanced features such as ADAS, voice control, and cloud connectivity. These premium devices not only provide top-notch footage clarity but also integrate seamlessly with smart ecosystems, often boasting built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even LTE for real-time video streaming and data backup. The build quality is typically robust, designed to withstand harsh conditions, and provide reliable service over time.

1. Our Recommendation: Rexing V33 3 Channel 1440p

2. Our Recommendation: Rexing R4 4 Channel Dash Cam W/ All Around

Understanding Dashcams

Simply put, a dashcam is a camera that is mounted on the dashboard or windshield of a vehicle. These devices record sounds and images both inside and outside of the car while you are driving. Even though they have been used by law enforcement and truck drivers for years, dashcams are now becoming more popular with commercial and passenger vehicles.

How Dashcams Operate

Dashcams have evolved significantly from the 1980s when police officers used cameras on tripods inside their vehicles and recorded on VHS tapes. Modern dashcams offer high-definition (HD) or even 4K capabilities, along with several options for storage. Some cameras come with removable SD cards that overwrite the oldest footage as the card fills. Other cameras record wirelessly and automatically upload the footage to cloud storage.

There are also options for how and when the dashcam will record. All dashcams record on a continuous loop once they're turned on, and almost all have impact detection that will start recording after an impact has been detected. More advanced dashcams offer impact detection with buffered recording, providing a record for a few seconds before and after the impact.

If you are someone who's always connected to your smartphone, some dashcams can connect directly to a mobile device using a mobile app. This feature allows you to play back videos, download footage, change the camera's settings, and more - making the use of dashcam more convenient and user-friendly. The Future of Dashcams

As technology advances, dashcams are predicted to become even more popular. The dashcam market is expected to see a 35% increase in 2021, according to the Consumer Technology Association. With their numerous benefits, it's no surprise that dashcams are becoming a must-have device for drivers.

In conclusion, investing in a dashcam can offer you peace of mind while on the road. Whether it's providing evidence in case of accidents, helping you improve your driving, or creating memories on road trips, a dashcam is a worthwhile investment for any driver.