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Do You Need a Dashcam in Singapore?
Dashcams are becoming increasingly popular among Singaporean drivers, offering protection, security, and peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for a car dashcam in Singapore for insurance claims, security, or road safety, this guide will help you understand the benefits, features, and best options available.
What is a Dashcam?
A dash cam (dashboard camera) is a vehicle camera that records your journey in real time. Most car dashcams are mounted near the rearview mirror, capturing footage of the road ahead. Some models also include rear cameras and interior cameras, ideal for private hire vehicles (PHVs) or added car camera security.
Why Install a Dashcam in Singapore?
1. Evidence for Insurance Claims & Legal Protection
Accidents happen, and without clear evidence, you may struggle to prove who’s at fault. A dash camera in Singapore provides footage that can help:
- Resolve insurance disputes.
- Protect you from false claims.
- Prevent an increase in insurance premiums.
If you are wrongly blamed in an accident, dashcam footage can help prove your innocence and save you money on repairs and claims.
2. Protection Against Insurance Scams
Unfortunately, staged accidents and insurance fraud occur in Singapore. Scammers deliberately cause collisions and claim compensation. They do this by taking advantage of the shock a driver is likely to feel at the scene of an accident, persuading them to admit some fault, and then making claims against their insurance for car repairs or medical bills. Having a dashcam discourages fraudsters and provides irrefutable proof if you are targeted.
Dashcam footage of an accident could save the day. For more information regarding scammers and fraud in Singapore click here.
3. Reporting Reckless and Dangerous Driving
A dashcam is not just for your safety—it can also help make Singapore roads safer. If you witness reckless driving, you can submit dashcam footage to the authorities via the Singapore Police e-service portal. Go to https://eservices1.police.gov.sg/phub/eservices/landingpage/feedback-on-road-users
By helping identify dangerous drivers, you contribute to road safety in Singapore.
4. Security While Parked
Some dash cams feature 24-hour recording, acting as a car camera security system that captures:
- Hit-and-run incidents.
- Vandalism or theft attempts.
- Parking lot accidents.
Not all dashcams in Singapore have parking mode or have the 24-hour recording feature, so check before purchasing.
5. Dashcams can help streamline and speed up your Car Insurance claims process
Dashcam footage plays a crucial role in quickly determining accident liability and reducing assessment costs. More importantly, having a dashcam in Singapore can provide clear evidence for claims, ensuring you have a smoother and faster claims process.
Key Features to Consider
When selecting a dashcam, there are several key features to consider for optimal performance. These include:
- Resolution and Video Quality: Choose a dashcam with high-resolution recording capabilities to ensure clear sight and detailed footage, making it easier to identify important details like licence plates and road signs.
- Wide Angle Lens: A wide-angle lens, typically between 120° to 170°, provides a broader field of view.
- Night Vision: A dashcam with night vision capabilities, such as infrared or enhanced low-light sensitivity, ensures that footage remains clear and visible even in low-light conditions.
- Built-in GPS: A built-in GPS module allows for location tracking, speed monitoring, and timestamping of footage.
- Motion Detection: Motion detection enables the dashcam to automatically start recording when motion is detected, even when the vehicle is parked.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy transfer of footage to a smartphone or computer.
- Rear Camera: A rear camera provides additional protection, capturing footage of the rear of the vehicle and surrounding environment.
- Cloud Connectivity: Cloud connectivity enables seamless video backup and sharing. It also provides access to advanced features such as real-time GPS tracking and alarm notifications.
Car Camera Installation in Singapore
What sort of dashcam you install depends on your budget and your needs.
Most drivers don’t need much more than a single forward-facing camera. Higher-definition models and higher frame-rate models provide clearer images of incidents, though they will have a higher initial purchase price. Arguably 1080p resolution is the minimum you should consider.
Singapore Legal Considerations for Dashcam Usage
In Singapore, there are several laws and regulations to consider when using a dashcam:
- Personal Data Protection Act: Dash cam footage may contain personal data and must be handled in accordance with the Data Protection Act, especially for inward-facing cameras.
- Road Traffic Act: Dash cams must not obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with the vehicle’s safety features.
- Evidence Act: Dash cam footage can be used as evidence in court, but it must be properly authenticated and verified.
- Copyright Act: Dash cam footage is protected by copyright law, and unauthorised use or distribution may be considered copyright infringement.
Conclusion
A dash cam in Singapore is more than just a recording device—it’s an investment in security and safety. Whether for insurance claims, preventing scams, or enhancing security, installing a car dashcam can save you money and stress.
As a general rule, in rear-end accidents the driver of the following vehicle will be considered at fault. If you want the ultimate peace of mind though, a three-camera version may be the right choice for you.
