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From slippery roads due to inclement weather to wildlife jumping onto the highway, driving comes with its fair share of hazards, and that’s not to mention the other drivers on the road. If a car rear-ends you while waiting at a stoplight or someone accidentally swerves into your lane, it can become a he-said, she-said battle to determine your innocence. With clear proof of the incident, you can protect yourself from insurance fraud and vehicle disputes. A dash cam that records video of the road around you is the best way to do this, and investing in one is more affordable than you’d expect.
Dash cams provide clear, unbiased evidence
Dash cams, short for dashboard cameras, are small video cameras that mount to the car’s dashboard or rearview mirror. The video starts recording automatically when you turn on the car, so once a dash cam is installed, you never have to think about it again — unless you need to access the files.
Previously, dash cams were almost exclusively used by taxi cabs and police officers, but over the past ten years, the device has become more popular among everyday drivers. I understood why a driver would want a dash cam in theory, but it wasn’t until the autumn of 2024 that I saw a viral video that gave a perfect example of why every driver should own one.
The dash cam video starts as you’d expect, with cars going down a highway at normal speeds. A small Honda veers into the lane of the filming car and suddenly stops. Thanks to the driver’s fast reflexes, they were able to avoid a collision. The Honda isn’t deterred, switches into reverse, and slams into the driver’s car. Multiple people pour out of the Honda, pretending to be hurt by the “accident,” but their insurance fraud scheme is foiled because it’s all caught on tape.
This viral incident is now back in the news because two people involved were sentenced for these crimes. I’m not familiar with the specifics of the court case, but I have to imagine the dash cam footage played a big role in the trial proceedings.
Investing in a dash cam
There’s a huge market of dash cams out there, and there are nearly endless features to consider. We will break down these features, but if you just want an affordable dash cam that just gets the job done, Zymise Front and Rear Dash Cam is one of the most affordable options. It’s a bestseller at Walmart with over 2,700 perfect ratings, and it’s on sale for only $28 — that’s cheaper than a tank of gas these days. This selection also offers 24-hour parking monitoring, so it can keep you protected on or off the road.
Zymise Front and Rear Dash Cam
Dash cam features to consider
It’s easy to encounter decision fatigue when you see the sheer amount of dash cams available. Whittling down your search with a list of must-have features can make this buying process go more smoothly. The two main features you won’t want to budge on are high-quality video resolution and night vision. If the video quality of your dash cam is lacking, it won’t have the resolution to make out license plate numbers, which is a crucial piece of information if you ever experience a hit-and-run. Here are other popular dash cam features that you may find helpful down the road:
- Video coverage: You can get a single front-facing dash cam that just records the road in front of you. These are called single-channel dash cams. Dual-facing cameras, or dual-channel dash cams, can be more advantageous because they film both the front and back of the car, giving you a fuller picture of the road. Additionally, you can get a triple-channel system, which also films the interior or the driver. This is helpful if you’re doing ride shares in your downtime, or need to prove that you weren’t texting and driving to a police officer.
- Parking mode: All dash cams will record while you’re driving, but not all of them will keep running while you’re parked and the car’s shut off. If you want better protection against burglars or sideswipes when you’re parked on the street, you’ll want a dash cam equipped with a parking mode.
- Connectivity: Dash cams typically use a removable microSD card that you have to pull out to download the footage. More advanced dash cams have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, allowing you to pair them with your smartphone for more convenient access to the videos. Most dash cams won’t have paid subscriptions, but there are a few companies that may charge you for long-term cloud storage.
Dash cam deals under $100
We’ve rounded up the best dash cams in terms of specifications, price, and rating from Walmart, and all of them are available for $100 to help you stick to a budget. Find these dash cam deals below to help you find the device that best suits your daily driving needs.
Lamtto 4-Channel Dash Cam
Dr.Tim.Wang 3-Channel Dash Cam
WolfBox M40Lite Dual-Channel Dash Cam
Redtiger Dual Front and Rear Dash Cam
Gazsocy 8K Dual Car Dash Camera
Odrey Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam
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