A van dash cam is a device that records video and audio while you are driving. It offers benefits from providing important evidence in case of an accident to reducing insurance premiums. This article delves into the importance of installing a dash cam in your van and what to consider when choosing one.
Understanding the importance of a van dash cam
Evidence
Van dash cam footage plays an essential role in providing concrete evidence in case of a road accident. It records the events leading up to any collision, offering an unbiased account of the incident which can be important when settling disputes.
Security
A dash cam can provide surveillance for your van when it is parked. In parking mode, a van dash cam continues to record when the engine is off, capturing footage in case of theft or vandalism.
Monitoring driving behaviour
For businesses with a fleet of vans, dash cams can be used to monitor driver behaviour. This can help in identifying any unsafe practices and provide an opportunity for safer driving and even driver training.
Insurance benefits
An insurance company may offer discounts to drivers who install a dash cam in their commercial vehicles. In addition, the recorded footage can expedite the claims process in case of an accident.
Van insurance considerations
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Hardwired and Plug-in dash cams
Hardwired dash cam
A hardwired dash cam is typically installed directly into your van’s electrical system. The primary advantage of hardwired dash cams is the availability of parking mode, providing additional protection for your van at night or if parked in an area where your vehicle might be vulnerable to a hit-and-run.
Plug-in dash cam
A plug-in dash cam is easier to install and usually less expensive. However, since it typically plugs into the cigarette lighter socket, it may not offer parking mode, as it usually shuts down when the engine is off.
What to record on your dash cameras
Front and rear recording
Most van dash cams come with a front-facing camera, but some models also include a rear dash cam camera. This can provide a more comprehensive view of incidents and can be particularly useful for vans, which have large blind spots at the back.
Interior camera coverage
If you’re a professional driver or own a van for business purposes, an interior dash camera can be beneficial. It can help monitor the behaviour of passengers or provide evidence in case of disputes.
Advanced features
Features like GPS tracking can provide valuable data about your van’s location and speed. Similarly, safety features like lane departure warnings and collision detection can enhance your driving experience. You may also want your dash camera to have night vision capabilities.
Video resolution
Video resolution plays an important role in capturing a high quality video recording. Higher resolution dash cams provide sharper images, making it easier to identify important details.
1080p Resolution
1080p resolution is a popular choice and offers satisfactory image quality. It’s a decent option for drivers who want a balance between cost and quality.
2K or 4K Resolution
If you want to capture video footage with fine details during your drives, consider upgrading to 2K or 4K resolution. These offer enhanced clarity but are generally more expensive.
Accessing your video footage
How do you prefer to access and manage your dash cam recordings? Most dash cams have built-in screens, allowing you to review footage directly on the device. Others require connecting to a smartphone app or removing the memory card to view files on a computer.
Built-in screens
Dash cams with built-in screens are user-friendly and allow you to immediately review footage. However, the screens are usually small and may not provide the best viewing experience.
Smartphone apps
Some dash cams come with a dedicated smartphone app. This allows you to wirelessly access and manage your recordings, making it a convenient option.
Computer software
Many dash cams allow van drivers to view and manage videos by connecting the SD card to a computer. This provides a larger viewing platform and the ability to store videos on your computer’s hard drive.
Conclusion
A van dash cam can be a valuable accessory, providing evidence in case of accidents, increasing security and potentially reducing insurance premiums. When choosing a dash cam, consider aspects such as installation type, desired recording features, video resolution, parking mode capabilities, and preferred methods for accessing recordings.
Remember, a reliable dash cam can provide peace of mind and valuable evidence, making it a worthwhile investment for any driver.
Frequently asked questions
What is the downside of dash cam?
While dash cams can provide useful evidence in case of an accident, they do come with their own set of drawbacks. One of the major downsides is the potential invasion of privacy as they continuously record everything in their field of view.
Moreover, they can be a distraction while driving, especially if it has a screen that always displays the footage. Additionally, like any other electronic device, there’s always a risk of malfunction or failure when you need it the most.
Is it worth getting a van dash cam?
Installing a dash cam in your van can be a game-changer, offering indisputable evidence in case of accidents or theft. It captures every detail on your journey, providing you with an extra layer of legal protection. Plus, some insurance companies even offer discounts to drivers with dash cams, thus saving you money in the long run. So, from enhancing safety to potentially lowering insurance costs, a van dash cam is an investment that’s certainly worth considering.