Dash cams are becoming as essential as seatbelts. In a “he said, she said” accident, video footage is the ultimate tie-breaker. It can save you from insurance fraud, prove your innocence, and expedite your claim. Drivers feel invincible once they stick that camera to the windshield.
However, having a dash cam doesn’t guarantee you are covered. In fact, if you use it incorrectly, the footage can be thrown out, or worse, used against you. Insurance companies are strict about evidence. To ensure your digital witness actually protects you, avoid these seven common dash cam mistakes that could void your claim.
1. Using a Cheap SD Card
You bought a nice camera but put a $5 memory card in it. Big mistake. Dash cams rewrite data constantly in a loop. Standard SD cards aren’t built for this intensity; they burn out quickly and stop recording.
Imagine getting into a crash, pulling the card, and finding out it stopped working three months ago. Use a “High Endurance” card specifically designed for video surveillance. Check the footage monthly to ensure it is actually recording.
2. Failing to Set the Date and Time
It seems trivial, but if your camera’s timestamp says “2019” when the accident happened in 2026, an insurance adjuster can reject the footage. They can argue the video isn’t from the incident in question.
Every time your camera loses power or resets, check the settings. An accurate timestamp is critical for legal admissibility. Don’t give them a technicality to deny your claim.
3. Mounting it in the “Illegal Zone”
Believe it or not, there are laws about where you can stick things on your windshield. In many states, mounting a camera in the center of the windshield is considered “obstructing the driver’s view.”
If you are in an accident and the police notice the illegal placement, you could be cited for the obstruction. Worse, the other driver’s lawyer could argue that the camera *caused* the accident by blocking your vision, turning the liability back onto you.
4. Recording Audio (Without Consent)
Dash cams record inside the car, too. If you are a rideshare driver or have passengers, recording their conversations without consent can violate wiretapping laws in “two-party consent” states.
If your footage contains illegal audio recordings, the entire file might be inadmissible in court. Unless you need audio to prove road rage verbal threats, it is often safer to turn the microphone off to avoid privacy complications.
5. Only Recording the Front
A front-facing camera is great but rear-end collisions are the most common type of accident. If someone hits you from behind and claims you reversed into them, a front camera proves nothing.
You need a dual-channel system (front and rear). Without the rear view, you are only telling half the story. Don’t cheap out on the single lens; the rear coverage is your insurance against the most common liars.
6. Admitting Fault on Camera
The camera is rolling immediately after the crash. If you get out and say, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you!” or “I was looking at my phone,” the camera recorded your confession.
You cannot edit that audio out without tampering with evidence. Insurance companies will subpoena the full, unedited file. Keep your mouth shut after an accident. Ask “Are you okay?” and then exchange info. Save the apologies for your lawyer.
7. Sending the Footage Before Reviewing It
Do not upload the video to your insurance portal immediately. Watch it first. Maybe you were speeding slightly. Maybe you rolled through a stop sign three blocks back.
If the footage shows you breaking traffic laws, it can contribute to a “comparative negligence” ruling, where you are found 20% at fault. Consult with an attorney before handing over evidence that might implicate you.
Your Digital Witness
A dash cam is a powerful tool, but it is neutral. It records the truth, even if the truth hurts you. Use it wisely, maintain it properly, and it will be the best investment you ever make for your car.
Do you have a dash cam installed? Has it ever saved you in a claim? Tell us your story in the comments!
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