I get the concern about dashcams possibly backfiring, but honestly, from what I've seen, they're usually more helpful than harmful. A friend of mine had a minor fender bender last year—nothing major—but the other driver tried to claim way more damage than actually happened. Luckily, my friend's dashcam footage showed exactly what went down and saved him from paying extra. Sure, insurers can get nitpicky, but I'd rather have clear evidence on my side than rely on someone's memory or honesty...especially when money's tight.
"I'd rather have clear evidence on my side than rely on someone's memory or honesty...especially when money's tight."
Yeah, totally agree with this. From an adjuster's perspective, dashcam footage usually clears things up way faster. Saves everyone a headache—trust me, insurers prefer clarity too. Glad your friend had that sorted out smoothly.
Saves everyone a headache—trust me, insurers prefer clarity too. Glad your friend had that sorted out smoothly.
Dashcams are great, sure, but honestly they're not always the magic bullet people think. I had one installed in my Audi after a close call, thinking it'd save me from any future headaches. Fast forward to a minor fender-bender last year...turns out the angle was just off enough that it didn't clearly show who drifted into whose lane. Ended up being my word against theirs anyway. So yeah, footage helps—but don't count on it 100%. Sometimes luck (and a friendly witness) still matters more than tech.
I had one installed in my Audi after a close call, thinking it'd save me from any future headaches.
True, dashcams aren't foolproof, but I'd say they're still worth it overall. Had a similar issue once where mine caught mostly sky and treetops (great cinematography, terrible evidence). Still, insurers sometimes give you benefit of the doubt if you have footage—even inconclusive stuff.
"great cinematography, terrible evidence"
Haha, been there. Ever had your dashcam perfectly record a bird landing on your hood but completely miss the car that sideswiped you? Because that's exactly what mine did. Still, you're right—insurance did seem more willing to listen when I mentioned having footage, even if it turned out more like a wildlife documentary. Maybe insurers secretly appreciate artistic flair...?
