Dash Cams: Why Every Driver Needs One and What to Buy
A dash cam can save you thousands in an accident claim. Here are the best options at every price point and how to install them.
Why You Need a Dash Cam
In an at-fault accident dispute, a dash cam is your witness. Insurance companies resolve claims faster with video evidence, and having footage can be the difference between a rate increase and a dismissed claim. Beyond protection, dash cams capture road trip footage, document road conditions, and can even help with parking lot hit-and-runs.
What to Look For
- Resolution: 1440p (2K) is the sweet spot. 4K is nice but uses more storage. 1080p is the minimum — don't go lower.
- Field of view: 140-170 degrees covers the full road without fisheye distortion.
- Night vision: Sony STARVIS sensor cameras perform best in low light.
- Parking mode: Detects impacts while parked and records automatically. Requires either a hardwire kit or a large battery.
- GPS: Stamps speed and location on footage — useful for insurance claims.
Our Picks
Budget ($50-80): Viofo A119 Mini — 2K resolution, compact design, great night vision. The best value in dash cams. Front camera only.
Mid-Range ($120-180): Viofo A129 Pro Duo — 4K front + 1080p rear, GPS built-in, parking mode. The most popular enthusiast choice.
Premium ($250-350): BlackVue DR900X-2CH — 4K front + 1080p rear, cloud connectivity (view footage from your phone), built-in WiFi, excellent parking mode. The set-it-and-forget-it option.
Installation
Basic installation takes 30 minutes: mount behind the rearview mirror with the adhesive pad, run the cable along the headliner to a 12V outlet or USB port. For a cleaner look, hardwire to your fuse box — most cameras include a hardwire kit or sell one as an accessory. Use a fuse tap for a non-permanent installation.