An increasing number of Australians are installing dash cams in their cars to assist in their car insurance claims, with 21% of all Australian drivers now recording their car trips, according to new research from Allianz Australia.
Findings showed that 54% of Australians dash cam owners had brought the accessory within the past 12 months alone, while 23% of Australians indicated that they are looking to buy a device in the next year, if they haven’t done so already.
A massive 83% of respondents said the main reason for buying a dash cam was to strengthen possible insurance claims. Another reason was to report reckless/illegal driving or incidences when their car is parked (49%).
The study is backed by Allianz data, which showed a 92% spike in the number of customers using dash cam footage to assist their motor insurance claim over the past two years.
“While still relatively new, we have certainly seen an extraordinary rise in the number of customers using dash cam footage to assist in their insurance claim,” said Matt Wood, Allianz general manager of customer and partner services. “The main advantage of having a dash cam when it comes to a car insurance claim is its ability to help prove who is at fault. Dash cam footage can be used to support a claim if it has recorded how an incident occurred and the responsible party’s details have been provided, in which case you may not have to pay your excess.”
This is supported by the research which showed that 30% of Australians have used their dash cam footage as evidence after being wrongly accused on the road and 25% have used their dash cam footage to report reckless driving.
“As an insurer we believe the more evidence the better, but there are some things people should consider in making the most out of their dash cam footage and ensuring it can be used to support their insurance claim,” Wood said.
