Many drivers and car owners these days install dash cams in their vehicles. Should you buy one as well, or is this just another fad? A mounted dash cam can be a great investment in your and your family’s road safety. Here are five great reasons to buy a dash cam in Connecticut.

What Is a Dash Cam?

A dash cam — short for dashboard camera — is a recording device in a vehicle that collects footage of what happens inside, outside, or both. Car or truck owners usually install their dash cams on or near the dashboard, hence the name. You can also mount your camera in front of the rearview mirror. There are rear dash cams for the rear windshield as well.

Dash cams come in various shapes and sizes and have different capabilities depending on the price point. Some record 24/7, while others only go on when the vehicle is moving. The more basic models only shoot video footage, but the more advanced cameras are capable of recording audio as well.

5 Reasons To Install a Dash Cam in Your Vehicle

Here are just some of the many reasons to buy a dash cam in Connecticut:

• Evidence of liability. If you’re ever in a car accident, dash cam footage can help establish what happened and show that you’re not at fault in hard-to-prove cases like failure to yield, interstate sideswipes, following too closely, and changing lanes without signaling. Just make sure your camera has a clear view of the road. On the flip side, however, video footage can work against you if you are at fault.
• Proof for your insurer. Insurance companies are not your friends. In the event of an accident, they will do everything in their power to minimize your payout or avoid making one altogether. If you have video footage of the incident, you’ll be in a much better position to defend your claim. Dash cams can also help prevent insurance fraud if someone tries to claim that they were in an accident with you.
• Crime prevention. Criminals are more likely to avoid vehicles with dash cams in plain sight. Even if a crime were to happen — for instance, someone slashed your tires or keyed your car — video footage can aid the police investigation.
• Proof of Hit-and-run. If another driver runs into your car and flees the scene, dash cam recordings can help identify the vehicle or the rogue driver. At the very least, you’ll have evidence to show your insurance company. Just keep in mind that if the accident occurs while your car is parked, you’ll need a dash cam that runs 24/7.
• Cost savings. By making a one-off investment in a dash cam now, you can realize significant recurring savings down the line. In the event of an accident, having a dash cam might spare you from higher insurance payments down the line by proving who is really at fault for the incident.

Are You Allowed To Drive With a Dash Cam in Connecticut?

For Connecticut residents, the use of dashboard cameras is completely legal — just make sure the dash cam does not obstruct your view while driving and are securely mounted. A suggestion for unobstructed visibility would be to place the dash cam in front of your rear view mirror.

Looking for Further Legal Assistance?

If you are injured in a car accident, with or without a dash cam in Connecticut, do not hesitate to get in touch with the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. You can easily reach us either online or by giving us a ring at 203-753-7300.