Dashcams have become the modern-day eyewitness on South African roads. Whether you’re dodging taxis in Jozi or cruising the Cape Town coastline, a dashcam can help capture everything from bumper bashings to reckless drivers. But let’s get to the real question: Will installing a dashcam reduce your insurance costs?
The answer isn’t a simple yes or no… But don’t worry, the king of insurance is here to clear things up.
First things first: What’s a dashcam
A dashcam (dashboard camera) is a small video camera mounted on your windscreen or dashboard. It records what’s happening in front of (and sometimes behind) your vehicle while you’re driving, or even when you’re parked.
Some dashcams offer:
- Continuous loop recording.
- Night vision.
- Motion detection while parked.
- GPS tracking.
- Audio recording.
Basically, it’s a silent passenger with an excellent memory.
Does having a dashcam lower your insurance premium
Here’s the royal truth: A dashcam on its own won’t automatically reduce your insurance premium. Most South African insurers (including King Price) don’t currently offer direct discounts just for having a dashcam.
But, before you switch off your camera, there’s more to the story.
How a dashcam canhelp you save on insurance
Even if it doesn’t score you an upfront discount, a dashcam still brings big value in the following ways:
It helps prove what really happened
Dashcam footage can support your version of events during a claim, especially in ‘he said, she said’ situations. It can clearly show:
- Who caused the accident.
- Whether someone ran a robot.
- If you were driving responsibly.
With proof on your side, your insurer may settle your claim faster and even avoid unnecessary third party liability.
It helps reduce fraud
Insurance fraud is real. From staged accidents to fake injury claims, dashcam footage protects you from being taken for a ride.
Can I get a discount in future
As dashcams become more popular and prove their value in reducing claims costs, more insurers may start offering discounts. Some already consider dashcam use as part of a driver’s risk profile, even if they don’t advertise it.
So, it doesn’t hurt to let your insurer know you’ve installed one. At the very least, it shows you’re a safety-conscious policyholder. And the king loves those.
What kind of dashcam should I get
Not all dashcams are created equal. If you’re getting one to help with insurance claims, look for features like:
- Full HD (1080p or higher).
- Wide-angle lens (to capture more of the road).
- Loop recording.
- G-sensor (records impact events).
- Date and time stamps.
- Reliable storage or cloud backup.
Pro tip: Always position your dashcam where it won’t block your view or violate road laws.
Will King Price use dashcam footage in a claim
Yebo! If you have a dashcam and are involved in an incident, you can submit the footage with your claim. Our claims team will use it as supporting evidence to assess the incident more accurately.
It won’t guarantee approval, but it can certainly help speed things up and might even turn the case in your favour.
A small camera, a big insurance ally
So, will installing a dashcam reduce your insurance costs? Not directly, yet. But the benefits of having a dashcam go beyond rands and cents. It helps you prove your innocence, avoid blame, and protect your insurance history.
Want cover that works with you, not against you? Get insured by the king and enjoy cover that makes sense (and cents), whether you’re rolling with or without a dashcam.
FAQs
1. Does a dashcam lower my insurance premium?
Not automatically, most South African insurers (including King Price) don’t offer direct discounts just for having a dashcam. But it can still help in other big ways, like proving your innocence and speeding up claims.
2. Will King Price accept dashcam footage for a claim?
Absolutely. If you have footage from your dashcam that shows what happened in an accident, you can submit it with your claim. It can help support your case and may lead to a faster, fairer outcome.
3. Is a dashcam worth it if it doesn’t save me money upfront?
Yes! Dashcams help protect your no-claims record, reduce your risk of insurance fraud, and provide crucial evidence if things go sideways on the road.
4. What features should I look for in a dashcam?
Look for full HD recording, loop recording, a wide-angle lens, impact sensors, GPS, and time/date stamps. The clearer the footage, the better it’ll serve you (and your insurer).
5. Can a dashcam help with hit-and-runs or parked car damage?
Definitely. If your dashcam has parking mode or motion detection, it can capture incidents even when you’re not around, helping you report accurate claims for damage or theft.