How to install a dash cam (and why you should)

Safety is one of the most important factors for a driver. That’s why knowing how to install a dash cam has become an increasingly real need among drivers.

The Dash Cam is a useful tool to increase your safety and to ensure that you can document your routes and resolve any disputes with customers or insurance companies. In an industry where professionalism and transparency are essential, a dash cam can make all the difference because it actually provides you with visual evidence of every journey.

Here are the key benefits and features that make a dash cam indispensable for drivers.

How a dash cam works

A dash cam is a video camera designed to continuously record what is happening in front of the car, with some more advanced versions also offering an interior or rear view. 

Recording takes place on a memory card or in the cloud, so each file is automatically saved and easily retrieved when needed.

The benefits of a dash cam for the driver 

As you can imagine, a dash cam offers several benefits, especially in terms of safety. In particular, these benefits can be summarized in three main aspects:

• Safety: the dash cam allows continuous monitoring of the journey and is particularly useful in the event of accidents, vandalism or suspicious situations. A video recording can provide you with objective evidence in the event of vehicle damage or accidents, facilitating claims and reducing disputes;
• Route documentation: automatic recording of routes traveled is useful for tracking routes taken and road conditions, which you can use in the event of customer complaints or disputes over travel times and distances. GPS-enabled dash cams also record location and speed, further enhancing documentation;
• Increased transparency with customers: the dash cam is a sign of professionalism and transparency, giving customers a sense of security and reliability. The presence of a dashcam on board reassures passengers by demonstrating your commitment to providing a safety-focused service.

What do you need to install a dash cam?

To install a dash cam in your car, the first thing you need to do is choose a device with the right specifications for the needs of an NCC driver.

Then you will need some tools that are essential to proceed:

• Suction cup or adhesive mount: The dashcam can be mounted on the windscreen or dashboard using a suction cup or adhesive mount. Both options provide stability and convenience;
• Cable and charger: to power the dashcam, you need a cable to connect it to the cigarette lighter or USB socket. Some models include a dedicated charger with a hidden cable;
• Wiring kit (optional): if you want a fixed installation, a wiring kit can make it easier to connect directly to the vehicle’s electrical system, avoiding the need to use the cigarette lighter socket.

Where to place the dash cam?

One of the most common concerns when installing a dash cam is where to place it in the car. 

There are three main recommended installation locations:

• Centre of the windscreen: placing the dashcam behind the rear-view mirror is one of the best choices, as it offers a wide view of the road without obstructing the driver’s view;
• Close to the rear-view mirror: this location allows you to keep the device in a discreet and visible position without obstructing the driver’s view;
• Windscreen angle (with caution): if necessary, you could also consider mounting on the sides of the windscreen, but be careful not to obstruct the view when cornering and to keep the device in a stable position.

As well as considering the best locations for installation, you should also be aware of the regulations governing the use of these devices in the country in which you are operating. You should mount the dashcam in a way that does not obstruct the view of the road to avoid possible fines. 

The dashcam must not film private areas or people without consent, in accordance with data protection laws. You should therefore avoid pointing the lens at sensitive areas such as the back seats, especially if the video is to be archived or transmitted over a network.

Who installs the dash cam and how to get started?

In order to get the most out of these tools, it is essential that the installation is accurate and legally compliant.

If you prefer not to take any risks and want extra guarantees, it is advisable to rely on professionals who know how to identify the ideal installation spots, guaranteeing both optimal functionality and legal compliance. In any case, if you are familiar with electronics and prefer to do it yourself, you can install your dash cam by carefully following the device’s instructions and taking the time to position the device correctly and safely.

A good dash cam should guarantee you:

• Resolution: a dash cam with Full HD resolution (1080p) or higher is essential to get clear images, useful in the event of an accident or dispute;
• Viewing angle: an angle between 140° and 170° allows you to capture a wide radius of the road, including adjacent lanes;
• Integrated GPS: a GPS module allows you to record your position and speed, useful for documenting routes and protecting yourself in the event of a claim;
• Connectivity (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth): many modern dashcams are equipped with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to view and transfer video in real time via your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to store and share footage.

Want to improve the management of your vehicle?

If you want to improve the management of your vehicle and simplify your work, LiMO provides you with advanced tools to optimize the daily management of your activities as a driver, from booking services to managing payments. 

Thanks to the LiMO Academy, you can continue to train and grow as a professional, learning the best practices to provide an ever more efficient and high quality service. 

Find out more: start here.