Why insurance companies discount cars with witness cams

Keeping a fleet of vehicles on the road is expensive enough before taking into account the rising cost and commonality of insurance pay outs, in addition to the fact that scammers are getting ever smarter in their quest to secure false claims.

By Rafiq Ahmed, director, Car Communications

Fortunately, the technology that helps reduce your chances of falling victim is also advancing. Dashboard cameras now offer HD recording and connectivity to WiFi and GPS.

These ‘witness cameras’ have already proven effective at getting false claims thrown out of course. It’s no longer the fraudster’s word against your driver’s, now there’s hard evidence. Footage has also been used to quash speeding tickets that had been issued in error.

In fact, dashboard cameras are so good at reducing the likelihood of payouts that 29 of the UK’s largest insurance companies offer discounted premiums of up to 10% for vehicles that carry such equipment.

Systems are available for every make, model and requirement. There’s the easy to use plug-and-play varieties, and we can specialise in installing integrated systems that neatly sit in your dash as if they were factory fitted.

Reversing cameras are also excellent parking aids and reduce the chance of accidents. These use pinhole cameras, often under (or within) the boot handle. The feed is hooked up to your existing dashboard screen and eliminates the chance of pedestrians, bollards, walls, other vehicles or the hundreds of other potential obstacles from making their way into a blindspot. Other enhancements we offer include digital DAB radio, parking sensors, iPod integration, Sat nav systems and vehicle tracking all fitted by trained experts who understand how to seamlessly link new technology into your vehicle’s existing system. As well as working with individuals, we also provide services to leasing companies, new and secondhand dealers and garages around the UK.