A dash cam can capture the incident and provide vital information on who was involved and can be used as a tool in assigning fault for an accident. Without a video footage, it'll be difficult to determine who was at-fault in an accident. This could result in your insurance premiums going up.

While not legally mandatory in most countries, having a dash cam is increasingly considered "necessary" by many drivers as a vital tool for insurance protection and legal defense. In 2026, with rising traffic density and complex insurance fraud schemes, a dash cam serves as an unbiased witness that can provide definitive proof in the event of an accident where stories might conflict. It can protect you from "crash for cash" scams, help expedite insurance claims by providing clear video evidence, and even record incidents of road rage or hit-and-runs that occur while your vehicle is parked (if equipped with a parking mode). In some regions, insurers may even offer small discounts for vehicles equipped with cameras. However, it is not strictly necessary if you rarely drive, live in a very low-traffic area, or are concerned about the privacy implications of constant recording. Ultimately, the cost of a mid-range dash cam is often much lower than the potential "excess" or legal fees you might face if you are wrongly blamed for a collision, making it a highly recommended investment for peace of mind.