Why You Should Install a Dash Cam in Your Car: Key Benefits and Its Impact on Insurance Claims
The installation of a dash cam, which literally translates to "dashboard camera," has been gaining popularity in Saudi Arabia in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Simply put, dash cam recordings provide high reliability that helps drivers document traffic violations and determine liability in accidents—ultimately helping them maintain lower car insurance premiums. Let’s explore the top benefits of installing a dash cam and how it impacts car insurance claims.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Dash Cam in Your Car?
1. Direct Evidence in Case of a Car Accident
The primary reason that will motivate you to own a dash cam is the statement by Dr. Mohammed Al-Sulaiman, CEO of Najm (the company responsible for accident documentation), that Najm relies on dash cam footage when examining traffic accidents. The CEO clarified that the recorded footage significantly eases the accident examination process and helps protect the rights of all parties—especially in cases of hit-and-run incidents!
For example, recordings can clarify whether the accident occurred due to force majeure or driver negligence. It can also document conversations between the parties involved in the accident, should one of them attempt to change their story once the investigator arrives.
Given the efficiency of dash cams as reliable witnesses, Najm recently launched its "Field Documentation" service, which helps investigators document the accident facts for future reference.
2. Challenging Traffic Violations
What can you do if you receive a traffic violation you didn’t commit? Despite the efficiency of the automatic traffic violation detection system in Saudi Arabia, mistakes are inevitable when it comes to detecting violations. For instance, the system may sometimes wrongly consider a right turn at a red light a violation, even if it was done correctly. Or, you might receive a fine for exceeding the speed limit, despite staying within the limits.
Both of these violations can lead to significant fines and, notably, higher car insurance premiums when it's time to renew your policy.
Most dash cams can record important data, such as your driving speed, location coordinates, date, and time with high accuracy. Therefore, you can refer to the footage recorded by the dash cam to verify the validity of the traffic violation and determine if it’s worth contesting.
3. Protecting and Monitoring Your Car 24/7
Some dash cams offer the ability to continuously record even after the car’s engine is turned off. This feature can be activated when you park your car outside, for example, to limit attempts of theft or intentional vandalism. The dash cam will ensure it records and documents any such attempts, making investigations easier.
When the camera detects vibrations or movement near your vehicle, it will immediately save the recorded footage, and some models will even send a notification to your mobile phone. The footage captured by the dash cam can later be used when filing an insurance claim.
4. Preventing Parking Lot Accidents
Accidents in parking lots are common, whether you're parked at work, in a shopping mall, or at a grocery store. Sometimes, people might accidentally hit your parked car while reversing without leaving their details. In other cases, passengers in a neighboring car might open their doors too forcefully, damaging your car.
The best solution to prevent such accidents is to install a dash cam that records everything happening in front of your car while it’s parked.
5. Deterring Insurance Fraud and Assisting Najm in Combatting It
Insurance fraud is a significant issue that Najm and related authorities are actively working to combat. Fraudulent cases not only affect insurance companies but also contribute to the increase in vehicle insurance premiums for individuals.
Insurance fraud involves some drivers intentionally staging car accidents and blaming the other party to claim insurance compensation or extort money as “compensation” for the alleged damages. If you find yourself in such a situation, the dash cam can prove your innocence and prevent the fraudster from succeeding in their scheme.
6. Promoting Safer Driving Habits
Often, drivers overlook the fact that a dash cam is a double-edged sword—recorded footage may sometimes work in your favor, and at other times, it might prove that you were at fault. In fact, installing a dash cam in your car can help you adhere more closely to traffic laws and become a better driver because everything you do behind the wheel will be recorded.
Similarly, you can use the footage to report any violations you observe on the road via the "Kolna Ameen" app.
Does a Dash Cam Replace Car Insurance?
While dash cams are useful and can protect your vehicle, they cannot replace car insurance for several reasons. First, insurance is a legal requirement for driving in Saudi Arabia. Second, if you’re at fault, insurance will protect you from bearing the cost of repairing the other vehicle. Additionally, insurance ensures your right to repair your own car when you are the victim of someone else's mistake. Finally, having valid insurance will save you from the hassle of dealing with prolonged procedures and financial claims.
Simply put, you cannot risk driving without insurance or a dash cam in large, crowded cities because the likelihood of accidents is always high.
6 Reasons Why You Should Install a Dash Cam in Your Car
If you are considering installing a dash cam in your vehicle, here are some convincing reasons that may make you take that decision:
1. Documenting Accidents and Collisions
A dash cam is a great tool for documenting accidents while driving. In case of an accident, the camera can provide solid evidence of who is at fault, making it easier for you to handle legal matters or negotiate with insurance companies. This is especially helpful in cases of hit-and-run accidents.
2. Prevention of Fraud
Insurance fraud is a risk you may face, where some individuals may intentionally cause a collision with your car to claim insurance compensation. With a dash cam, you have clear evidence of the incident or even fraudulent attempts, protecting you from being held liable for an accident you didn’t cause.
3. Enhanced Personal Security and Surveillance
Some dash cams operate with a "Parking Mode," meaning they continue to record even when the car is parked and turned off. If someone tries to tamper with your vehicle or steal it, you will have footage of what happened around your car, increasing personal safety and protecting your property.
4. Monitoring Driving Behavior and Improving Habits
If you're a new driver or have children learning to drive, a dash cam can be a useful monitoring tool. You can keep track of their driving behavior, helping improve driving skills and reduce risks. It also gives you the opportunity to review any incidents that occur while driving.
5. Easier Interaction with Insurance Companies
In the event of an accident, you can send the footage to your insurance company to speed up the investigation and claims process. These cameras provide you with an effective way to present clear evidence supporting your case, which can reduce the time required for insurance procedures.
6. Fleet Vehicle Monitoring for Businesses
If you own a business with a fleet of cars, installing dash cams in these vehicles can help monitor drivers and ensure they follow company procedures and policies. Dash cams can also be used to improve road safety and reduce accidents.
Conclusion:
Installing a dash cam in your car is not only a tool for documenting events but also an investment in personal safety and vehicle protection. If you care about protecting yourself, your car, and your property, a dash cam is definitely a wise choice.