Should Chauffeur’s install Dash Cams in their vehicles as standard?
Dashboard cameras (dash cams) are becoming common practice with many drivers and insurance companies. Some are even offering substantial discounts on premiums to those who either have, or install a dash cam in their vehicle.
With dash cams being recognised by insurance companies, 1 in 4 motorists now have one in their vehicle. 3 in 4 drivers who have dash cams feel others should follow suit, but is this applicable to chauffeurs?
What are dash cams?
Dash cams are small video cameras installed in vehicles (typically on the front windscreen) that records your journey. Basic dash cams are front facing, capturing footage and no audio. Visual only are the most common dash cams, coming in at the lower end of the price range.
The second type of dash cam is front and rear view facing. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this camera (as well as recording forward) is the eyes in the back of your head, helping with road traffic accidents that may occur in your rear view mirror.
What are the concerns?
As a chauffeur, there are many concerns over having a dash cam in your vehicle, largely with your clients. With many chauffeurs dealing with high net worth clients and visiting locations that many would prefer not to be filmed or having conversation they would rather not have recorded, it causes a predicament between safety and client satisfaction. 39% of drivers feel it would be an invasion of both theirs and their client’s privacy.
44% of people worry that they would feel they were being watched by ‘Big Brother’ insurance companies. Other concerns include the potential distraction dash cams could cause, with 30% of drivers worrying about this. 18% of drivers feel dash cams are too much of a hassle to deal with and finally, 7% feel it would be evidence of their bad driving. Hopefully an issues that wouldn’t apply to many professional drivers.
Why should you have a dash cam?
Despite reservations, dash cams are an extremely useful if you are involved in a road traffic accident. The footage can be used to show the police, or your insurers, what has happened in an accident.
According to Witch, nearly half of surveyed drivers said that having a dash cam brings them peace of mind in the event of a crash. Whilst just over a third of drivers saying that having a dash cam in their vehicle makes them feel safer whilst driving.
Reasons why drivers believe others should use a dash cam
Dash cams can also be used as a GPS tracker in the event of a breakdown, however insurers have said that unlike telematics policies, insurers do not use dash cams to monitor overall driving performance. It is used to obtain footage on and around the event of a collision for use as evidence in any liability dispute.
Dash cams in a chauffeur vehicle
With so many drivers installing dash cams in their vehicle, and recognition of this on the increase with insurance companies, it is only an amount of time before they are either a requirement for insurance or one day, a manufacturing standard (which is already a necessity with autonomous vehicles).
For the safety of clients and to help protect against any unwanted liability insurance disputes, dash cams are excellent. At LCH we ensure our entire fleet is fitted with dash cams. Our cameras are forward facing only and do not record any audio and for chauffeurs, we feel this is the best choice of camera.
Yes, you may have one of two clients that are wary of having their property, places or work and other locations recorded, but by managing your client’s expectations beforehand and explaining the overwhelming benefits of having a dash cam in your vehicle, most clients will be happy with the addition of a camera to a chauffeur vehicle.
By Alexandra Osowski (Marketing Manager at LCH)
LCH is one of the most well-respected providers of luxury cars in the UK. Delivering bespoke hire, replacement and management services for chauffeur and private hire businesses, manufacturers, dealerships and insurance companies.
