Some insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who install dashcams in their vehicles. While not all insurers provide this benefit, those that do see dashcams as a way to encourage safe driving and provide evidence in case of an accident. Hereโs what you need to know about dashcam insurance discounts:
๐น Why Do Insurers Offer Discounts for Dashcams?
- Proof in Accidents โ Dashcams provide video evidence in disputes, reducing fraudulent claims.
- Encourages Safe Driving โ Drivers with dashcams tend to be more cautious.
- Prevents Fraud โ Helps combat “crash-for-cash” scams and false injury claims.
- Quicker Claims Process โ Clear footage can speed up claim settlements.
๐น How Much Can You Save?
- The discount varies by insurer and location.
- Typical savings range from 5% to 15% on premiums.
- Some insurers may not offer direct discounts but consider dashcam footage when assessing claims.
๐น Which Insurance Companies Offer Dashcam Discounts?
- In the U.S.: Dashcam discounts are not widely available, but some companies may offer benefits indirectly.
- In the UK: Insurers like AXA, Admiral, and Swiftcover have offered incentives for using dashcams.
- In Canada & Other Countries: Availability varies by provider.
๐น How to Get a Dashcam Discount?
- Check with Your Insurer โ Ask if they offer discounts for dashcam use.
- Choose an Approved Dashcam โ Some insurers require specific brands or features.
- Prove Dashcam Usage โ You may need to submit footage or show proof of installation.
๐น Best Dashcams for Insurance Discounts
- Garmin Dash Cam Series
- Nextbase 622GW (Popular in the UK)
- Vantrue N4 (Great for rideshare drivers)
- BlackVue DR900X (High-end option)
๐ Why Donโt Most U.S. Insurers Offer Dashcam Discounts?
Unlike telematics-based programs (which track driving behavior via apps or devices), dashcams are passive recording devices. Most U.S. insurers prefer tracking real-time driving habits (speed, braking, mileage) over just having accident footage.
However, some regional insurers, commercial auto policies, and usage-based insurance (UBI) providers may offer discounts for dashcams, particularly for fleet and rideshare drivers.
๐ U.S. Insurance Companies and Dashcam Benefits
Hereโs how some major insurance companies in the U.S. view dashcams:
๐น State Farm
- No official discount for dashcams.
- May consider dashcam footage as supporting evidence in a claim.
๐น GEICO
- No advertised discount.
- Dashcam footage can help settle accident disputes.
๐น Progressive (Snapshot Program)
- No direct discount for dashcams.
- Offers discounts via the Snapshot program, which tracks driving behavior through a mobile app or plug-in device.
๐น Allstate (Drivewise Program)
- No dashcam discount, but Drivewise rewards safe driving with lower premiums.
๐น USAA (For Military Members & Families)
- No official dashcam discount, but having a dashcam may help with claims.
๐น Nationwide (SmartRide Program)
- No direct dashcam discount.
- Offers discounts via SmartRide, which uses telematics to track driving habits.
๐ Commercial Insurance & Rideshare Drivers
Some commercial insurance providers and rideshare-specific insurance (for Uber & Lyft drivers) offer incentives for dashcam usage:
- Lytx, Samsara, and Nexar provide dashcam-integrated insurance programs for fleet vehicles.
- Rideshare drivers (Uber/Lyft) often install dashcams for security, and while it doesnโt lower premiums, it can help in disputes.
๐ฐ How a Dashcam Can Indirectly Lower Insurance Costs
Even if your insurer doesnโt offer a direct discount, having a dashcam can still help you save money:
โ Prove Fault in Accidents โ Helps avoid wrongful blame, which can prevent premium increases.
โ Fight Fraudulent Claims โ Protects against staged accidents (e.g., “crash-for-cash” scams).
โ Avoid Unjust Traffic Tickets โ Dashcam footage may help dispute tickets, preventing points on your record.
โ Negotiate Lower Rates โ Some insurers may consider dashcam footage when assessing claim history.
๐ข How to Check for Dashcam Discounts in the U.S.
Since discounts vary by state and insurer, follow these steps:
1๏ธโฃ Call Your Insurance Provider โ Ask if they offer a discount for dashcam users.
2๏ธโฃ Check Local & Regional Insurers โ Smaller providers sometimes have dashcam incentives.
3๏ธโฃ Look for Usage-Based Programs (UBI) โ Consider telematics programs that track safe driving.
4๏ธโฃ Leverage Dashcam Footage for Claims โ Even without a discount, having footage can prevent unfair premium hikes.