How dash cam footage can help your car insurance claim

You’re driving home when another car slams into yours. No-one’s hurt, but in the chaos the other driver blames you. Without proof, what do you do? That’s when clear video footage may act as a reliable eyewitness.

• Dash cams capture events as they unfold, which may show who’s at fault if there’s enough detail of the incident.
• Video footage may provide clear evidence to settle car accident disputes. 
• Where there aren’t any impartial witnesses, video footage may show what happened. 

During a family road trip, another driver changes lanes suddenly causing a car accident. There are no injuries, but there’s damage to your car. 

• While your family members can provide statements, they may be seen as biased.
• Providing impartial dash cam footage may strengthen your claim, depending on the detail captured. 

If the footage shows the other driver’s car and number plate, you’ll still need their contact details for your claim. Also, keep in mind that dash cam footage may reveal who’s responsible for an accident, and that might even be you.

Getting footage from security or traffic cameras may take a while. That’s when your device’s video footage may help streamline the claims process.

• With clear evidence, your claims consultant may reach a decision faster.
• Video footage may reduce back-and-forth contact and lengthy investigations. 
• Don’t forget, you’ll still need the other driver’s details for your claim.

Dash cam footage can also help deter fraudulent claims. 

• Real-time recordings of the incident can expose false statements or staged accidents. 
• Video footage may not only support your claim, it may also help keep insurance costs down for everyone.

Some dash cams have motion sensors and parking modes. For 24/7 surveillance, a hard-wired dash cam can be set up to monitor your car while it’s parked. 

• Video evidence may speed up claims for damage due to vandalism, fire, or fallen trees. 
• If your personal items are stolen from your vehicle, your dash cam footage could support your claim.
• The video footage may even help the police recover your belongings.

Dash cams can be used to report dangerous driving, promoting road safety. For example, in Canberra, drivers have been fined following dashcam uploads to the police. 

Some recording devices also include an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which may help keep you safer on the road. ADAS uses GPS data to warn of potential issues, like front collisions.

When you’re ready to make a claim, there are a couple of ways to provide your footage.

1. Online: when you complete the claim form, you can upload your footage.
2. By phone: your claims consultant will guide you through the process.

When choosing your device, consider video quality, storage capacity, and ease of use. 

• A good dash cam should capture clear footage, even in low light. Some have a 360-degree view, while others only capture what’s in front of them. 
• Decide if you want a parking mode feature included, or if you’ll get this professionally installed.
• Before you install your device, check the legal requirements for your state or territory. 
• A new gadget can be a distraction, so stay focused on the road, not on the dash cam or its settings.

With Allianz Comprehensive Car Insurance, your dash cam is covered for theft, loss or damage due to a covered incident. For full details and exclusions, see the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). 

Investing in a dash cam can be a smart move. It can act as a reliable witness, ready to provide evidence when you need it most. With the right device, you’re not just driving safer; you’re driving smarter.