Dashcams in 2024

[David Paste]

Anyone know much about what to look for? Ideally I want front and rear cameras. Any advice / recommendations gratefully received.

Thanks in advance.

[Davey]

Nextbase. Without a doubt.

[Tricky Dicky]

+1

[Jethro_uk]

Be careful a out the hardwired ones being counted asn a mod for insurance purposes. Or so my clickbait warns me

[NY]

What realistically do insurance companies regard as a modification? How about changing a factory-fitted radio for a third party one (eg LW/MW changed to LW/MW/FM in the days when cars almost never had factory-fitted radios). How about fitting windscreen wipers that clear the screen better than the factory ones - or having the screen treated to make it water-repellent.

What about portable things like a cool box (electric) for bringing home frozen food from the supermarket? What about plugging in a USB charger for a phone?

Is the general understanding with insurance companies that as long as you tell them what you have changed (and given them the chance to increase the premium) you are covered? Or are they *really* saying that they will not insure (at any price) a car that has been modified in any way?

[Max Demian]

Hmm. I suppose the self setting immobilisation circuit I devised for my MK I Ford Escort would have counted as a mod. Or the mod that made the headlights switch off with the ignition so I didn't flatten the battery by leaving them on.

[jon]

I had an Escort Mk1 RS 1600 with battery in the boot.

[Sam Plusnet]

I think those are OK, but your insurance company will definitely load your premium for furry dice.

[Thomas Prufer]

I read that, and thought: izzat true? I also thought red dice meant "I'll race" and black ones "I won't". tl;dnr: no, no.

And, lo!, the wonders of the internet, the grant system, available data and analysis tools: nope, fuzzy dice are ok. Indecent gestures to other motorists (and youth!) are not.

Thomas Prufer

Abstract, from

In 1989 the Los Angeles Times conducted a telephone survey of over 1,800 Southern California motorists. We analyzed the data to determine whether personality and demographic characteristics were related to driver behavior. Fourteen percent of drivers were involved in a motor vehicle accident in the previous year, 8% reported driving when they had too much to drink, 20% ran at least one red light in the previous month, and nearly half said they often drove faster than the speed limit. Motorists under 30 years of age are especially likely both to engage in the three risk-taking behaviors and to be involved in a crash, even holding other factors constant. Drivers over 65 years of age take fewer risks, but have the same likelihood of having an accident per mile driven as middle-aged motorists. Surprisingly, drivers with more than a high school education are more likely to both speed and be involved in a crash. Those with fuzzy dice or bumper stickers are not readily distinguishable from other motorists in terms of accidents or risk-taking behaviors. Individuals driving their dream car are somewhat less likely than others to run red lights and drive after drinking. Motorists who made indecent gestures at other drivers, and particularly those who argue with other motorists tend to be unlawful and dangerous drivers. Youth and hostility toward other motorists are two of the most significant and important correlates of bad driving.

[Scott]

I used to think only modifications affecting performance were covered, but I suppose a modification affecting value (eg, alloy wheels) or risk of theft could also be relevant. That said, would a dashcam not incentivise the driver to drive more carefully, and assist in claiming against the other party in an accident, so to that extent it could reduce risk to the insurer?

[Sam Plusnet]

Not all fuzzy dice are created equal. Fuzzy dice owners in Southern California might be wildly different in many respects to those in, say, Manchester.

[SteveW]

And both might be very different to a classic car owner who simply wants to recreate the look of the '70s.

[Scott]

I found the battery was not great.

[Thomas Prufer]

And back in the day, JC Whitney had your Fuzzy Dice needs covered. Only the 1985 catalog is preserved here:

(lefttpondian auto parts)

Thomas Prufer

[Davey]

It is only intended to tide the camera over a brief lack of power, which it does.

[Bob Eager]

Yes, but it ceases to function after a few months regardless.

[Paul]

"The 522GW has an internal Lithium-Polymer 3.7V / 320 mAh battery instead of a supercapacitor to provide power for 10 to 15 minutes in a "power loss" situation."

The same site has a thread about "acquiring replacement battery for Nextbase". Nextbase knows there is an issue with their battery concept. Because multiple users are looking for a replacement, for "parking" operation purposes.

Here, someone replaces the battery in their 622.

[ NEXTBASE - 622GW Battery Replacement ] Paul

[Bob Eager]

I had a 522GW and did exactly that.

[Max Demian]

You need to get one of those window transfers that looks like a row of bullet holes from a Tommy gun.

Or tinted sunshades with the names of you and your (current) partner.

[Sam Plusnet]

Tiger's tail hanging from the filler cap?

Or a load of tumblers and sherry glasses on the back seat.