Why Insurers Like Dashcams

It’s not just drivers who appreciate a good dashcam; insurers do too. A small camera on your windscreen gives an unbiased view of what really happens on the road. For insurance companies, that means fewer disputes, faster claims, and less money wasted on false or exaggerated stories. In return, many now reward motorists who use dashcams with cheaper premiums or exclusive policy perks.

Think of it as a quiet agreement: you help them verify incidents faster, and they thank you by keeping your costs down.

Proof of What Really Happened

When an accident occurs, footage from your dashcam can instantly show who was at fault. No endless phone calls, no “he said, she said”. That evidence can stop your insurer paying out unnecessarily; which means your no-claims discount stays safe. Some insurers even accept footage as proof before third-party statements arrive, saving days of back-and-forth paperwork.

In short, a clear video beats a fuzzy memory every time.

Fewer Fraudulent Claims Mean Lower Costs for Everyone

“Crash for cash” scams; where fraudsters deliberately cause collisions or stage fake accidents; cost insurers millions each year. Dashcams help stop them in their tracks. With clear footage of what happened, your insurer can reject bogus injury claims instantly and report the scammers to the authorities.

That benefits the wider driving community too. Fewer fraudulent payouts keep overall claim costs down, which helps prevent everyone’s premiums creeping up.

Discounts for Dashcam Owners

Some insurers now offer reduced premiums or other benefits if you install a recognised dashcam. Brands like Nextbase even have partnerships with companies such as Admiral and Hastings Direct, where verified models can earn a discount or speed up claim processing. The more reliable your camera, the more useful it is for insurers; and the better your chances of savings.

While not every company offers a discount yet, many include dashcam use as a factor when calculating risk, especially if your footage can be submitted quickly after an incident.

Faster, Simpler Claims

Insurers love anything that saves admin time, and dashcam footage does exactly that. With a timestamped recording of the incident, claims handlers can confirm details instantly instead of waiting for witness statements or police reports. The process runs smoother, payouts are faster, and disputes are rare.

That efficiency doesn’t just help the insurer; it helps you too. Faster claims mean less stress, less time off the road, and fewer follow-up calls asking what really happened.

Encouraging Safer Driving

There’s another subtle reason premiums may drop: behaviour. Studies have shown that knowing you’re being recorded makes most people drive more carefully. Insurers know this. Drivers with dashcams are statistically less likely to speed, tailgate, or take unnecessary risks. Safer driving equals fewer claims; and that keeps premiums lower over time.

Some insurers even use dashcam data in optional “safe driver” schemes, similar to black box policies but less intrusive.

How to Qualify for a Dashcam Discount

If you’re hoping to reduce your premium, make sure you meet these basic requirements:

• Use an approved dashcam brand or model with clear 1080p HD recording.
• Mount it correctly; usually behind or below your rear-view mirror to avoid blocking your view.
• Keep the footage available and backed up. If your insurer asks for it, you’ll need to provide the original file.
• Make sure your camera records both time and date automatically.

Check your insurer’s website or call them before you buy; some have preferred brands or specific terms for eligibility.

When Discounts Might Not Apply

Not every insurer offers money off just yet, and some only apply savings when the dashcam is professionally fitted or records both front and rear. A few may simply take the footage into account during claims, rather than reducing premiums upfront. Even so, the long-term financial benefits; avoiding disputes, false claims, and excess charges; usually outweigh the cost of the device.

Useful UK Resources

• Admiral – Dashcam Insurance Information
• Which? – Best Dashcams and Buying Advice
• RAC – Best Dashcams in the UK
• Information Commissioner’s Office – Dashcams and Privacy