Earlier this summer, two lawmakers from Queens proposed new legislation that would offer a 5% auto insurance discount for drivers who install a dash cam. Auto insurers don’t currently offer such discounts so the bill would break new ground and help drivers save money, as well as help law enforcement officials investigate crimes and accidents.
Even without the discount, there are lots of good reasons for drivers to install dash cams. Here are five reasons you might want a camera in your car:
- To fight traffic tickets. If you get pulled over and believe you are innocent, you may be able to prove it by showing the footage to the officer during the traffic stop or by having your lawyer show the video in court. In 2014, one driver’s two-way dash cam video got him out of a ticket for using his cellphone. The officer let the driver go after seeing footage proving the driver was only scratching his ear.
- To help during an accident dispute. Dash cams can also be used to prove innocence in the event of an accident, which could help you avoid expensive premium increases and also expedite claims.
- To help your teen drive better. If your teenager is learning to drive, a two-way dash cam or multiple cameras may be a good idea. Not only can you review how your teen is driving, you can also see what is going on inside of the vehicle (e.g. if he or she paying attention to the phone instead of the road).
- To help you drive better. While it’s unlikely you’ll take the time to relive your daily commute, just knowing that the camera is recording could make you think twice before engaging in reckless driving or other driving offenses.
- To help fight insurance fraud. If you are involved in or witness an accident that you think may be a “crash for cash” scheme, the dash cam footage could be used to prove this to insurance companies. You can also submit the video to the state insurance fraud unit. The FBI estimates that the cost of insurance fraud in the US is more than $40 billion per year. In Russia, insurance fraud is so common that many drivers install dash cams for just this reason.
It is essential that you retain an attorney if you or someone you love has been arrested for a crime relating to a traffic accident. Adam H. Rosenblum of the Rosenblum Law is an experienced criminal defense and traffic ticket attorney with offices in New York and New Jersey. Email him or call 888-203-2619 for a free consultation about your case.
