[enterprise]

Just a few weeks ago I was sat at some traffic lights minding my own business when the kind person behind me decided to bump into the back of me. upon questioning the young persons motives for doing so he replied - sorry mate my foot slipped off the clutch - well rather than try and point out what a hand brake is for we just exchanged details and parted. Now repaired through his insurance I have installed a front and rear dash cam and its permanently wired into the fuse box - so activates automatically every time. Now had the young gentleman decided to dispute the claim it could have dragged on or even gone the wrong way, and one of these would have clinched any possible dispute. So for me now I would rather have it and not need it than the opposite. I did see through my rear view mirror when it happened all three young occupants laughing at what they did.. however the last laugh comes for me when his insurance is up for renewal. Question is, is this overkill or a necessary these days.

 

[dgswick]

I think they'll be pretty standard factory fit within a few years, bit like a decent alarm, and then it will become a factor in the insurance rating for the car. Bit like shutting the door after the horse, once you've had an incident it makes you think and invest. I havent bothered, but Ive been lucky. 15 years and 3-400k miles without incident.

My worry with it all is more around data protection, people inadvertently (or deliberately) record the actions of millions going about their daily private business and can use those recordings for what they want without any recourse. Youve only got to look on youtube for clips of people being recorded doing stuff others perceive as entertaining without their consent. Equally if the clip catches a serious crime..... What a debate!

 

[enterprise]

Totally agree with dgswick about the data protection thing, and 15 years without incident (brilliant) however its not you so much as the others - ie hit and run and uninsured and dishonest people. Also you cant go anywhere in central London these days off camera, whether on the road or in store etc. also it takes a lot of hassle away in an incident as it records time, date, location,conversation etc. Another plus - they are recommended by the police and most insurance companies who also offer discounts on insurance for specific models.

 

[Cessa]

If you get hit in the back, it is 90% the fault of the driver behind you so it's a pretty shut case with little dispute.
As for the need of a camera. It is interesting as its not permitted to be used legally as you don't have the consent of the person your are videoing but it will help the insurance claim to prove that the other person was in the wrong keeping in mind that it could also hinder your case if you were also doing something wrong.
As for privacy, that is a whole other level to which morals vs legalities come into action.Above my pay grade :0

I can definitely see them being either mandatory or have great benefits in the future....well at least before driver less cars come on the scene.

I reckon the kids were laughing at the driver- not at you. As you said, the last laugh will be the insurance hike.