Following an accident, negotiating with your insurance can feel like an uphill climb, especially if the incident involves a he-said-she-said situation. But dash cam footage has simply made insurance claims straightforward and quicker.
This article will guide you on how to use your dash cam footage as evidence in the event of an incident. We will also tackle the necessity of GPS data and rear-view coverage.
Immediate Action: Lock and Protect Dash Cam Footage After Crash
The seconds before, during, and after an incident are the most critical moments. However, if your dash cam has a faulty memory card or none at all, it may accidentally overwrite the important footage with loop recording. Here’s how to lock and save your dash cam footage:
- Identify the Lock Function Before You Drive: Browse through your dash cam's features. You will notice that new dash cam models have a manual "lock" or "event" button, often indicated by an exclamation mark or a key icon. Push this button immediately after an incident to secure the recording and prevent it from subsequent overwrites.
- G-Sensor Auto-Protection: Dash cams should be equipped with a G-sensor. These features will detect sudden impacts or sudden brakes. When triggered, it will lock the current recording, a minute before, during, and after the event. Always manually lock the footage using the button, as sensor sensitivity can vary.
- Unplug the Device (Carefully): After the footage has been locked, unplug your dash cam to prevent further recording to make sure you don’t accidentally overwrite the secured file, especially if you drive the vehicle again.
- Backup to Multiple Locations: Save the footage from your dash cam’s SD card.
- Direct SD Card Transfer: The easiest transfer method is to remove the SD card from the dash cam and insert it into a computer’s card reader. Save the relevant video files to your hard drive.
- Dash Cam App Downloads: Dash cams have their own smartphone apps. Use this (via Wi-Fi) and download the footage to your phone. This is often the quickest way to get a copy.
- Cloud Storage: Some dash cams support cloud connectivity, where the footage is uploaded automatically or manually. For incident footage, upload it to a personal cloud service (such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud). Do this as an additional backup.
Crucial Warning: DO NOT edit or alter the raw dash cam footage in any way. They require original, unedited video evidence for credibility and admissibility purposes. Any manipulation, no matter how minor, can invalidate your evidence.
The Power of GPS: Proving Speed and Location
GPS creates irrefutable proof ot your speed, location, and direction of travel at the exact moment of an incident. This is why you need to equip your vehicle with a dash cam with GPS. These advanced devices don't just save footage; they embed analytical data into the captured video, which may include:
- Timestamps: Date and time of the incident.
- Coordinates: Geographical location (expressed in latitude and longitude).
- Speed Data: Your speed at every second.
- Route Information: A map overlay and journey tracking.
Accompanying data strengthens police reports and evidence, making it easier for your insurance provider. A dash cam with GPS is simply a data corroborator, preventing erroneous accusations of your speed or position, and clearly tracks the sequence of events that led to the collision.
Did you know that some insurance providers offer discounts for vehicles equipped with dash cams, especially those with GPS? Essentially, these advanced devices make their jobs easier.
The Rear-End Defense: Capturing the Full Story
Rear-end collisions are just as common as front collisions. Disputes around this often revolve around who was at fault. Was it the tailgating vehicle? Did they stop in time? A rear-facing camera will capture the other half of the story.
A rear-view mirror dash cam , also known as a dual-channel (front and rear) setup, is a significant upgrade for vehicular security. It adds critical footage of what’s happening behind your vehicle, enhancing the incident's context with alternative views. This added perspective can see:
- Tailgaters: Clear evidence of whether the vehicle behind you was following too closely.
- Sudden Brakes (from behind): Footage of a vehicle to see if it failed to react in time.
- Chain Reactions: Documenting multiple impacts in a multi-vehicle incident.
- Hit-and-Runs: Capture license plates and vehicle descriptions of perpetrators even at a distance.
Dual-channel dash has become more affordable. Versus a single-view camera, this option provides a more comprehensive view of the incident, which would help your claims adjuster. To be able to show exactly what happened on the rear of your vehicle can dramatically improve your claim.
Many affordable dash cam options now offer dual-channel recording, providing wide-angle coverage for both the front and rear of your vehicle.
Affordable Dash Cam Selection for Claims
Buying a dual-channel dash cam return-of-investment benefits outweigh its costs. If you’re still not convinced, there are affordable dash cams that can still offer the essential features to secure your vehicle. However, when shopping for a model that won’t break your bank, check these features:
- HD Resolution (1080p or Higher): Be sure it captures clear footage. Choose dash cams that are equipped with 1080p Full HD to capture legible license plates, street signs, and crucial details regardless of light and movement.
- Night Vision/WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): Because accidents don't just happen during the day. Quality night vision or WDR technology can record clear footage in low-light conditions, preventing blurring and cutting through darkness.
- Loop Recording: A non-negotiable standard feature. Never buy a dash cam without this.
- G-Sensor: Runs an automatic incident detection and footage locking.
- GPS Integration: Complements your footage with speed and location data.
- Rear Channels (Optional but Recommended): For more comprehensive protection, add a rear-view dash cam.
- App Exports: You can download and export footage from your smartphone app.
Reputable brands like Vantrue offer a range of affordable options that effectively balance these features. For more info, visit forums and reviews of reputable dash cams to learn the best value-driven choices and scams.
Submission Guide: Export and Communicate with Adjusters
After securing your dash cam footage, submit it to your insurance company for their verification and analysis. To satisfy their standards, the footage has to be clear and unedited.
Step-by-Step Export and Submission:
- Export Relevant Clips: Explore the dash cam’s own apps and look for the feature that lets you trim and export 2-3-minute clips around the incident. Save the specific moments immediately before, during, and after the accident.
- Organize and Label: Rename your video files clearly (e.g., "Accident_Date_Time_Front.mp4", "Accident_Date_Time_Rear.mp4"). If you have multiple files, it's best to compress them into a single folder or a zip file.
- Include Incident Details: When sending in the footage, provide a brief, factual written account of the incident for context. Include in it the following:
- Date, time, and location of the accident.
- A short and objective description of what the footage shows.
- Names of parties involved (if known).
- Claim number.
What to Say (and Not Say) to Insurance Adjusters:
- What to Say: "My dash cam shows footage of events before and during the accident. I have provided the relevant clips for your review." Highlight that your footage presents an objective view.
- What NOT to Say: Do not lay blame or submit your own conclusions or speculations. Don’t admit fault. Just present the facts and let the insurance adjusters do their jobs. Your footage speaks for itself.
- Verify Recipient: Confirm the correct email address or portal for submitting video evidence with your adjuster.
- Retain Originals: Keep the original, unaltered dash cam footage on your SD card. Save a copy and back up the files on your computer/cloud, just in case the police or the insurance company requests the original files for forensic analysis.
Conclusion: Secure Your Claims with Smart Footage Use
Accidents are inevitably a nuanced event. On top of that, insurance claims are complex and contentious (even adversarial). You can do away with all of that if you have a dash cam. It’s undeniably a reliable objective witness. If you know how to use your dash cam footage properly, you can avoid costly liabilities. Additionally, a dash cam with GPS and a dual-channel system strengthens your case with data and incident context.
If you're looking for quality, affordable dash cams, go right ahead. Take action today: explore Vantrue resources to learn how to select the right dash cam for you and secure your peace of mind on the road. Drive smarter, drive safer, and ensure your evidence is always ready.
