New research shows 1 in 5 Aussies are now using dash cams on their daily commute
Australian dash cam usage is higher than ever before, with insurance claims being the main motivator.New research from insurance company Allianz has revealed a spike in dash cam ownership in Australia with one in five drivers currently recording their daily drives. With more than half (54%) of those surveyed purchasing the accessory within the last 12 months.
Dash cams have been a popular car accessory for a few years now and the subsequent footage is a much-watched spectacle on sites like YouTube with videos highlighting some horrific driving and accidents right across the globe.
83% of dash cam owners interviewed as part of the report stated that the main motivation for purchasing a dash cam was to assist with insurance claims. While 49% said that they were also inclined to use the dash cam footage to report reckless and illegal driving or any incidents that occur while their car was parked.
Allianz General Manager, Customer and Partner Services, Matt Wood said the research was backed by their own data showing a 92% increase in the number of insurance claims where the customer had supplied their own dash cam footage over the last two years.
1 in 3 Aussies have used their dash cam footage as evidence after being wrongly accused on the road and 25% have used their dash cam footage to report reckless driving.
“The main advantage of having a dash cam when it comes to a car insurance claim is its ability to help prove who is at fault. Dash cam footage can be used to support a claim if it has recorded how an incident occurred and the responsible party’s details have been provided, in which case you may not have to pay your excess.” Said Mr Wood.
If you are intending to use your dash cam footage for a claim or evidence here are a few things to consider:
- While some dash cams have a 360 degree view, some only capture what’s in front of them, so it’s important to position it correctly in order to get the footage you’re after
- Make sure your insurance company can easily receive dash cam footage to support your claim such as online tools that allow you to upload and send them large video files
- The onus is still on you to obtain the other driver's details in order for your insurer to waive the excess
- Keep in mind that dash cams can also capture you doing the wrong thing as well as the other driver, so stay safe and mindful on the road
Related: Auto Extras: Investigating three value dash cams
Related: FAQ: Dash cam evidence in court
Related: Australia's worst road accident hotspots named for 2018
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