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A dash cam is the kind of purchase you hope never to need, and are very glad to have when you do. In an accident with conflicting stories, clear video is often the difference between a settled claim and a long fight.
The category is full of cheap cameras with terrible night footage. Here is what actually matters when the footage has to hold up.
The features that matter
- Clear video at night, when most incidents happen
- Front and rear coverage for rear-end collisions
- Parking mode for hit-and-runs while you are away
Our pick
Front and Rear Dash Cam
Best protectionBest for: Evidence and peace of mind on every drive
- Clear day and night video
- Front and rear coverage
- Parking mode with hardwire kit
- Installation takes effort
- Memory card sold separately
A front-and-rear camera with strong low-light performance and parking mode is the complete setup. The install takes a little effort, especially if you hardwire it for parking mode, but the result is coverage that never turns off.
What to know about installation
Basic installs plug into the 12V outlet and tuck the cable into the trim. Hardwiring for parking mode is a step up and may be worth a professional install if you are not comfortable with a fuse tap.
The memory card matters too
Buy a high-endurance card made for continuous recording. Standard cards fail sooner under the constant write load a dash cam puts on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a rear camera worth it?
Yes. Many incidents involve being hit from behind or sideswiped, and a rear camera captures the whole story.
Does a dash cam record while parked?
Most require a hardwire kit for parking mode. It can record motion or impact events even with the engine off.
Will a dash cam drain my battery?
Parking mode draws a small amount, and hardwire kits include a voltage cutoff to protect the battery from draining too low.
