Compare Dash Cams

Are you considering equipping your business vehicles with dash cams? A dash cam — or dashboard camera — continuously records the view through a vehicle’s front windscreen and sometimes the rear and side windows. 

As we’ll go on to see, these recordings can provide useful footage and bring your drivers an array of benefits.

Here are six key reasons to consider equipping your work vehicles with dash cams:

1. Evidence: Because a dash cam records continuously, it can provide clear evidence if accidents happen. In fact, between 2020 and 2023, nearly 55,000 dash cam clips showcasing dangerous driving were submitted to the police. If one of your drivers is unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident that wasn’t their fault, they can prove it with dash cam footage. 

   
   

2. Protection against fraud: Dash cams deter fraudsters who might target your vehicles for insurance scams — you’ve got the proof you need right at your fingertips.

   
   

3. Improved driving habits: Looking to enhance safety? Reviewing dash cam footage can help your drivers see where they might need to be more careful.

   
   

4. Security while parked: Dash cams also keep an eye on your vehicles even when parked. 

   
   

5. Lower insurance costs: Installing dash cams can lead to lower insurance premiums. Many insurers recognise the benefits of dash cams and offer discounts, making it a cost-effective choice for your business.

   
   

6. Enhanced customer trust: If your business involves transporting goods or passengers, you’ll know how vital it is for customers to trust your drivers. 

   
   

Showing that all your drivers’ actions are recorded on a dash cam can help clients feel more comfortable and improve your company’s reputation.

Although both dash cams and general cameras capture images and videos, they're tailored for very different purposes.

General cameras are fantastic for photography and videography, allowing you to snap high-quality photos and shoot videos in a variety of settings. They come with interchangeable lenses and adjustable settings for creative control. However, they're not cut out for the specific needs of dash cam footage.

Dash cams, on the other hand, are built for the road. They're robust enough to handle temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and continuous use inside a vehicle. 

Dash cam features can include:

• Loop recording, which overwrites the oldest footage, so you always capture the latest events without manual intervention.

  
  

• Gravity sensors that activate upon detecting an accident. They automatically secure the footage to ensure important evidence isn’t lost in an accident.

  
  

• Parking mode for added security when you're away.

  
  

• Wide-angle lenses to capture a broad view of the road.

  
  

In most cases, other camera types don’t include these features. So, while a general camera offers versatility in photography, a dash cam provides specialised support to enhance the safety and security of drivers.

So, what types of dashboard cameras are available? Realistically, these gadgets come in two main forms. We recommend understanding the main differences before looking at any additional features.

Single-lens dash cams

A single-lens dash cam (also known as a forward-facing dash cam) is a simple device that captures everything in front of your vehicle. It's ideal for recording incidents that happen in front of you.

• Price: Generally, these are the most budget-friendly, ranging from £50 to £100. As we’ll go on to explore, this price range depends on the features you want from your dash cam.

  
  

• Coverage: Single-facing dash cams provide a clear view of the road ahead but won’t offer any coverage out of the back windscreen.

  
  

• Best placement: We suggest mounting it on the windshield, right behind the rearview mirror for an optimal view.

  
  

Dual-lens dash cams

While their single-lens counterparts offer just one view, dual-lens dash cams are equipped with cameras at both the front and rear of the car. This setup captures video from all around your vehicle, making these cameras perfect for comprehensive coverage.

• Price: Due to the additional camera, these are typically more expensive than single-lens alternatives. They usually range from £70 to £200 but can reach as high as £500 depending on the model and its features. 

  
  

Cost can be an important factor, whether you have a single work vehicle or you’re looking to install dash cams on a full fleet.

• Coverage: These dash cams capture detailed footage from both the front and rear. You can also get some dual-lens models that cover the front windshield and one of the side windows.

  
  

• Best placement: In our experience, it’s best to place the front camera on the front windshield and the rear camera on the back window for full coverage. 

  
  

However, as mentioned, you can install some dual-lens cameras to face a passenger window.

Deciding between a single-lens and dual-lens dash cam is just the first step to improving your work vehicle or fleet’s safety and security. Let’s explore some other important features to look for. 

1. Video quality

Clear footage is essential. We recommend choosing dash cams that offer HD or even 4K recording for sharp, detailed images. This clarity is vital when you need evidence for disputes or accidents.

2. Low-light performance

Accidents can happen at any time, not just in daylight. That's why it’s smart to select a dash cam that performs well in low light. Features like night vision ensure clarity around the clock.

3. Storage capacity

Dash cams save footage on memory cards. Ensure yours can handle large cards for extended recording times. Loop recording, which overwrites old footage, can also be a handy feature.

4. GPS functionality

More detail can be helpful in your recordings. GPS-enabled dash cams track your location and speed, adding context to your footage when verifying details of an incident.

5. Parking mode  

Concerned about your car in the car park? Dash cams with parking mode monitor your vehicle even when you're not around. This feature is great for catching any mischief or accidents in action.

6. Gravity sensors

Gravity sensors (sometimes called G sensors), help detect and respond to sudden movements or impacts. When the sensor detects sudden acceleration, deceleration, or impacts — such as during a collision — it triggers a response from the dash cam.

The dash cam then automatically locks the current video footage so it can’t be overwritten and saves it as a critical file. The saved footage, which covers the moments leading up to, during, and immediately after the accident, can be invaluable for insurance claims, legal evidence, or to review the circumstances of the incident.

7. Wi-Fi connectivity

Wi-Fi in a dash cam isn't essential — but it does offer handy benefits so we think it’s certainly worth considering. With Wi-Fi, you can wirelessly transfer footage and access it without fiddling with cables or memory cards.

Plus, many Wi-Fi-enabled dash cams work with mobile apps, letting you view, download, and manage your footage directly on your smartphone or tablet. You can also easily update your dash cam’s firmware to ensure it has the latest features. Some models even allow real-time streaming, so you can monitor the camera remotely. 

How do these features affect price?

Bear in mind that basic single-lens dash cam models, costing up to £100, will most likely not include additional features, such as GPS and gravity sensors. They are usually equipped with HD recording and parking mode only. 

In general, the more additional features you add, the higher the price tag.

Another consideration is whether you go for an unfixed or a hard-wired dash cam. Each has its merits, depending on your needs.

Unfixed dash cams

Unfixed installation is all about flexibility. These dash cams are typically mounted using suction cups or adhesive pads, making them easy to install and remove. 

Pros: 

• An unfixed dash cam is great if you need to move the device between vehicles or remove it for security reasons when parked. 

  
  

Cons: 

• The downside is that they can be more visible and may be prone to theft.

  
  

Hard-wired dash cams

Hard-wired dash cams, on the other hand, are installed directly into your vehicle’s electrical system. 

Pros: 

• This setup means the dash cam is always powered and ready to record as soon as you start your engine. 

  
  

• It’s a more permanent solution, offering a cleaner look without the clutter of dangling cables. 

  
  

• Hard-wiring can also enable features like parking mode without draining your car's battery.

  
  

Cons: 

• Hard-wiring makes these dash cams more complex to install, often requiring a professional.

  
  

• Professional setup can also lead to a higher installation cost, upping the overall price.

  
  

• Once installed, hard-wired dash cams are not easy to remove or transfer to another vehicle. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage if you change cars frequently or wish to use the dash cam in multiple vehicles.

  
  

The bottom line

If you prefer a low-profile, more secure setup and don't mind the initial setup complexity, hard-wired might be the way to go. But if you value convenience and portability, an unfixed dash cam could be perfect. We can help you weigh these options to find the ideal solution for your vehicle.

As you can see, there are lots of dash cam features available. Because every business is different, we suggest thinking about which aspects will most benefit your company. 

Whether you run a fleet or you’re a sole trader, here are some recommendations on choosing a dash cam to cater to the specific challenges and requirements of your industry.

Best dash cams for delivery drivers

For delivery drivers using vans, we recommend a fairly standard dual-lens dash cam. You can set it up to record both the road ahead and the interior of the vehicle to monitor delivery processes and ensure driver safety.

Best dash cams for taxi firms and private hire drivers

In our experience, taxi and private hire vehicles can also benefit greatly from dual-lens dash cams — look for models with front-facing and interior recording capabilities. This setup enhances passenger safety, provides evidence in case of disputes, and ensures drivers comply with regulations. 

We also suggest looking for a camera with enhanced night vision, particularly if you tend to collect customers late at night.

• A note on privacy and compliance: If you’re recording in a vehicle that's used by other people,  you must inform them that they’re being recorded. It’s also vital that you always respect privacy and data protection laws when sharing footage.

  
  

Best dash cams for HGV drivers

If your fleet consists of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), we recommend opting for dash cams with wide-angle lenses — these will cover the extensive area around your large vehicles. GPS functionality is also essential for tracking routes and providing precise details for any logistical or incident-related inquiries.

You might also want to combine your dash cam with a comprehensive vehicle tracking system for full peace of mind.

Best dash cam for driving instructors

For driving instructors, a dual-lens dash cam is ideal. This setup is perfect for reviewing and refining your teaching methods. Plus, it offers clear evidence if there's ever an incident.

As with HGVs, we suggest opting for a model with a wide-angle lens and GPS feature so you can track routes and analyse driving patterns during lessons. 

Best dash cams for sole traders with vehicles

No matter what industry you’re in, if you’re a sole trader with a work car or van, we recommend investing in a dash cam. In these situations, a simple front-facing dash cam is often sufficient. It can provide evidence in case of accidents and help monitor road conditions. 

A model with Wi-Fi connectivity is also handy as you can manage the footage directly from your smartphone — an ideal time-saving feature for busy entrepreneurs and business owners.

Ready to find the right dash cam at the best price? Dash cams are essential for protecting you on the road, providing peace of mind and capturing footage in the event of incidents. 

At SpotDif, we make it easy for you to compare prices from top dash cam suppliers across the UK. Just tell us what you're looking for, and we'll handle the rest. Finding the perfect dash cam for your needs couldn't be simpler. Start comparing dash cams from top suppliers and see how much you could save.