The use of dashcams is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, with many road users keen to capture examples of dangerous driving and debunk any false motoring claims. In this article we break down what you need to know about dashcams and what to consider if you’re thinking of fitting a dashcam to your Motability Scheme vehicle.
What is a dashcam?
Simply put, a dashcam is a video camera that constantly records footage of the road ahead while driving.
How do they work?
Often, they are installed on the vehicle’s dashboard, windscreen or rear-view mirror. The dashcam’s lens will capture everything that it is pointed at through the windscreen. Dashcams have transferable or built-in storage media and record on a loop, this means that you don’t end up with masses of footage. When the device’s storage is full, it will record over the earliest material. It’s important that you stop the dashcam recording after an accident so that you don’t record over the relevant footage unwittingly.
Insurance
A few insurance companies recognise the benefit of dashcam footage, for example it can be helpful if someone’s been in an accident, because of this, insurers can offer drivers a discount for using them. However, for Motability Scheme customers insurance is included as part your worry-free lease package; so, installing a dashcam in your car will not have any effect on insurance costs. Although, if you’re involved in an accident, dashcam footage can sometimes help with the insurance claim. Find out more about what’s covered by your insurance policy by clicking here.
What the law says about dashcams
While the use of dashcams is completely legal in the UK, the Highway Code does state that you must not place anything on the windows or windscreens that obscures your view, so consider the placement of your dashcam.
If you are involved in an accident, any contributing factors, such as items blocking your view, will be taken into consideration in a court of law, and your dashcam footage may be deemed inadmissible.
Driving in Europe
It’s important to know that rules surrounding dashcams vary across the continent – so don’t be caught out if you take your Scheme car abroad! In Luxembourg, Austria and Portugal drivers are banned from using dashcams, in fact, if you’re caught using a dashcam in Austria you can be fined up to £9,000.
In France, Belgium and Germany you can use a dashcam, but any recorded footage is strictly for private use, or to be shared with the police. So, it’s illegal to post any footage online, this includes social media like Facebook.
Whether or not you use a dashcam it’s always worth brushing up on road laws if you’re planning to drive in a different country.
Fitting a dashcam to a Motability Scheme vehicle?
If Motability Scheme customers want to use a dashcam then they must use one that plugs into the car, it cannot be hard wired into the vehicle. It’s easiest to fit a dashcam when selecting a new car, this way it can be professionally fitted by a dealer.
You can add a dashcam to your vehicle during your lease, but it must be attached in such a way as to not cause damage to the vehicle, so fixed by suckers and not permanantely attached to the dashboard.
Please note, a dashcam is an optional extra and any costs incurred, including the purchase of the dashcam and any fitting or removal costs, are the responsibility of the customer.
If you have any queries, then your dealer may also be able to help advise you on purchasing and installing a dashcam. Alternatively, you can contact our Customer Services team for advice on 0300 456 4566.
Related Articles
Spotlight on reverse car cameras
Is advanced driving right for you?
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) uncovered
