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Dash cams have become increasingly popular with UK drivers – over 9 million motorists now have one fitted in their vehicle. But the big question is: will having a dash cam actually save you money on your car insurance?
Over 9 million UK drivers now have a dash cam fitted in their vehicle. But will having one actually save you money on your car insurance? Here is what you need to know about dash cam insurance discounts, the best dash cams for 2026, and how to choose the right one.
Not all insurance companies offer discounts for dash cams, but some do. Discounts typically range between 10% and 15%, though some specialist insurers offer up to 30% off for drivers using specific dash cam brands. Nextbase, for example, has partnered with insurers including AXA, Aviva and Ageas to offer exclusive discounts to their customers.
However, direct upfront discounts are becoming less common. Many insurers now treat dash cams as a claims benefit rather than a premium reduction. The real value often comes from protecting your no claims bonus, which can be worth up to 75% off your premium after several years of claim-free driving.
Always mention your dash cam when getting insurance quotes. List it as a modification or accessory - you might be eligible for a discount you did not know about. Some insurers may withdraw discounts if you cannot provide footage after an incident, so make sure your camera is always recording.
Even without an upfront discount, a dash cam can protect you financially. The ABI reported that insurers detected 51,700 motor fraud claims worth £576 million in 2024, with crash-for-cash scams accounting for a significant portion. Having footage of what actually happened can be the difference between losing your no claims bonus and keeping it.
There are several types of dash cam to choose from, depending on how much coverage you want and what you are willing to spend.
| Type | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Front-only | Records the road ahead through your windscreen | Budget-conscious drivers who want basic protection |
| Front and rear | Two cameras covering both directions. A front and rear dash cam captures tailgating and rear-end shunts | Drivers wanting full coverage - around 25% of accidents involve rear-end collisions |
| Mirror cam | Clips over your rear-view mirror with a built-in screen and rear camera | Drivers who want a discreet, neat installation |
| Wireless dash cam | Uses Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to transfer footage to your phone. Still needs a power source | Drivers who want easy access to footage without removing SD cards |
| Interior cam (3-channel) | Front, rear and interior cameras in one system | Taxi drivers, rideshare drivers and fleet vehicles |
You do not need to spend a fortune to get a reliable dash cam. Prices range from under £50 for a basic model to over £350 for premium 4K systems with all the extras. For most UK drivers, spending £100-£200 will get you a solid camera with good footage quality, GPS and front and rear coverage.
When budgeting, factor in the cost of a memory card (around £10-£25 for 32-128GB) and professional fitting if you want a neat, hardwired installation. If you are interested in lowering your car insurance premium, a dash cam is one of the most practical investments you can make.
A handful of brands dominate the UK dash cam market, each with a different focus.
| Brand | Known For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nextbase | UK market leader. The Nextbase dash cam range includes insurance partnership discounts and Emergency SOS features | £50-£350 |
| Road Angel | The Road Angel Halo range is popular for its parking mode and speed camera alerts. Widely stocked at Halfords | £80-£250 |
| Viofo | Excellent footage quality at mid-range prices. Highly rated in independent tests | £100-£280 |
| Garmin | Ultra-compact designs. The Mini 3 is barely bigger than a car key fob | £100-£200 |
| Thinkware | Premium build quality with cloud connectivity and advanced parking surveillance | £150-£350 |
Based on independent reviews from Auto Express and other UK motoring publications, here are some of the top-rated dash cams for 2026 across different budgets.
| Model | Type | Resolution | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miofive S1 | Front (rear optional) | 4K | ~£70 |
| Garmin Mini 3 | Front-only, compact | 1080p | ~£150 |
| Road Angel Halo Pro | Front and rear | 2K | ~£170 |
| Viofo A329 | Front and rear | 4K at 60fps | ~£200 |
| Nextbase iQ | Front (smart features) | 4K | ~£300 |
The best car dash cam for you depends on your budget and what you need. A front and rear dash cam gives the most complete coverage, but a front-only model is a solid starting point if you are on a tighter budget. For the best dashcam 2026 experience, look for at least 1080p resolution, GPS logging and a reliable parking mode.
You can fit most dash cams yourself using the included suction mount and 12V power cable. However, for a cleaner look and reliable parking mode, professional hardwiring is worth considering. Here are your main options.
| Option | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Halfords | £25-£70 | Over 450 UK stores. Halfords dash cam fitting covers front and front-and-rear setups. Mobile fitting also available. Note: they only fit cameras bought from Halfords |
| Independent auto electricians | £40-£80 | Will usually fit any brand. Check reviews and ask about guarantees |
| Mobile fitting services | £50-£100 | Come to your home or workplace. Convenient but check credentials |
| DIY | Free | Fine for plug-and-play setups. Hardwiring yourself voids some warranties |
Make sure your dash cam does not obstruct your view of the road. The best position is behind your rear-view mirror, where it can record without distracting you. A poorly fitted dash cam could get you into trouble with the police.
Always remember to check car insurance quotes from multiple providers - compare via Brumble.
Compare Quotes NowDo I have to tell my insurer about my dash cam?
You are not legally required to declare a dash cam, but it is a good idea. Some insurers offer discounts, and if you receive one but cannot provide footage after an incident, they may withdraw it. If your dash cam is hardwired, some insurers treat this as a modification, so you should mention it.
Will a dash cam definitely lower my insurance?
Not necessarily. Direct premium discounts are offered by some insurers but are not standard across the market. The bigger financial benefit usually comes from protecting your no claims bonus by providing evidence that you were not at fault in an accident.
Can I use my phone as a dash cam?
There are free apps that work as basic dash cams, but insurers generally do not accept smartphone apps for dash cam discounts. Your phone must also be mounted in a cradle - holding it while driving is illegal. A dedicated camera is more reliable and gives better footage quality.
Is a front and rear dash cam worth the extra cost?
Yes, in most cases. Around a quarter of road accidents involve rear-end collisions, which a front-only camera will not capture. A front and rear dash cam UK drivers can rely on gives you complete coverage for a relatively small extra cost.
How long does dash cam footage last?
Most dash cams use loop recording, which means they automatically overwrite the oldest footage when the memory card is full. A 32GB card typically stores around two hours of 1080p footage. If the camera detects a sudden impact, it locks that clip so it cannot be overwritten.
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