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Car finance ›
Should I buy a dash cam for my van?
Updated: Wednesday, 7 September 2022
Dashcams have been about for decades but were originally only something you would see in a police car or van. This is partly because dash cams back then were extremely expensive, and very large and clunky, meaning they weren’t easy to install in a vehicle of your own.
You now see them quite a lot, and there is a good reason for that. In fact, last year, the AA shared some research that showed dash cam ownership went from 1% – 15% in just 4 years.
They are a lot smaller and cheaper than they used to be, but they can also bring you piece of mind, especially if you are driving a van for work. So, what are the benefits and is it worth buying one?
Dashcams have been about for decades but were originally only something you would see in a police car or van. This is partly because dash cams back then were extremely expensive, and very large and clunky, meaning they weren’t easy to install in a vehicle of your own.
You now see them quite a lot, and there is a good reason for that. In fact, last year, the AA shared some research that showed dash cam ownership went from 1% – 15% in just 4 years.
They are a lot smaller and cheaper than they used to be, but they can also bring you piece of mind, especially if you are driving a van for work. So, what are the benefits and is it worth buying one?
Dash cams promote safer driving
Unfortunately, accidents happen. Nobody ever wants to have an accident, but if you need your van for work, then it’s really the last thing you want.
Dash cams can bring clarity to an accident, which would never be able to happen otherwise. Dash cams will catch the accident on camera, giving everyone involved a clear answer when fingers start to point.
Dash cams promote safer driving
Unfortunately, accidents happen. Nobody ever wants to have an accident, but if you need your van for work, then it’s really the last thing you want.
Dash cams can bring clarity to an accident, which would never be able to happen otherwise. Dash cams will catch the accident on camera, giving everyone involved a clear answer when fingers start to point.
Might help deter thieves
Vans unfortunately can be a dream for a thief, as they are almost always carrying something valuable. Most dash cams will have a feature that can be toggled on and off that will record movement around your vehicle whilst it’s parked. This is not only great for accidents that happen while the vehicle is parked, but also if a criminal tries to get in, the camera will start recording.
It can also be the case that criminals won’t even attempt to break into your vehicle if they see a dash cam as it’s not worth the risk in getting caught. So, whether you have it on or not, it can still work as an effective deterrent. Although it’s not worth taking the risk, so we’d still have it activated to film whilst parked.
Getting a dash cam is one of many great ways to help keep your van safe from thieves.
Could lower your insurance premium
Can having a dash cam affect my insurance? Yes they can. This is one of the most positive factors to consider when buying a dash cam. Some insurance companies may offer you a discount if you have a dash cam installed as you are more likely to drive carefully.
Do check with your insurance company first before buying a dash cam, as we can’t guarantee that this will reduce your premium. If you think you are paying too much for your insurance, take a look at our guide on how to get cheaper vehicle insurance.
Different type of dash cams for vans
Dash cams can either come as a single unit, for the front of your van, or can be sold as a pair. This is so you can film both the front and rear of your vehicle.
If you are wanting the dash cam to bring a more robust security and safety structure to your van then getting both would give you a complete picture of any accident or crime that may take place to your vehicle.
Dash cams can range from around £40 – £250 depending on which model and make you opt for. We would advise to read reviews before purchasing as some can offer an unclear image where you can barely read a number plate, where as others will offer a high quality picture.
From our own research we have come across a company called NextBase, which seems to offer a range of high quality dashcams, so they are probably a good place to start.
So, should you get a dash cam?
If you are concerned around the safety of your van, or even that people may try to blame you for an accident that wasn’t your fault, then we think it’s a no brainer. If you are still unsure, you could buy one dashcam to start off with for the front view, and if you like it then you could consider buying one for the rear at a later date.
After all, we all know that the camera never lies.
Might help deter thieves
Vans unfortunately can be a dream for a thief, as they are almost always carrying something valuable. Most dash cams will have a feature that can be toggled on and off that will record movement around your vehicle whilst it’s parked. This is not only great for accidents that happen while the vehicle is parked, but also if a criminal tries to get in, the camera will start recording.
It can also be the case that criminals won’t even attempt to break into your vehicle if they see a dash cam as it’s not worth the risk in getting caught. So, whether you have it on or not, it can still work as an effective deterrent. Although it’s not worth taking the risk, so we’d still have it activated to film whilst parked.
Getting a dash cam is one of many great ways to help keep your van safe from thieves.
Could lower your insurance premium
Can having a dash cam affect my insurance? Yes they can. This is one of the most positive factors to consider when buying a dash cam. Some insurance companies may offer you a discount if you have a dash cam installed as you are more likely to drive carefully.
Do check with your insurance company first before buying a dash cam, as we can’t guarantee that this will reduce your premium. If you think you are paying too much for your insurance, take a look at our guide on how to get cheaper vehicle insurance.
Different type of dash cams for vans
Dash cams can either come as a single unit, for the front of your van, or can be sold as a pair. This is so you can film both the front and rear of your vehicle.
If you are wanting the dash cam to bring a more robust security and safety structure to your van then getting both would give you a complete picture of any accident or crime that may take place to your vehicle.
Dash cams can range from around £40 – £250 depending on which model and make you opt for. We would advise to read reviews before purchasing as some can offer an unclear image where you can barely read a number plate, where as others will offer a high quality picture.
From our own research we have come across a company called NextBase, which seems to offer a range of high quality dashcams, so they are probably a good place to start.
So, should you get a dash cam?
If you are concerned around the safety of your van, or even that people may try to blame you for an accident that wasn’t your fault, then we think it’s a no brainer. If you are still unsure, you could buy one dashcam to start off with for the front view, and if you like it then you could consider buying one for the rear at a later date.
After all, we all know that the camera never lies.
For a better road ahead
Moneybarn is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association, the official trade organisation of the motor finance industry. The FLA promotes best practice in the motor finance industry for lending and leasing to consumers and businesses.
Moneybarn is the trading style of Moneybarn No. 1 Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 04496573, and Moneybarn Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 02766324. The registered address for these companies is: Athena House, Bedford Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3LJ.
Moneybarn’s VAT registration number is 180 5559 52.
Moneybarn Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702781)
Moneybarn No. 1 Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services reference No. 702780)
