Dashcams And Disputes: Can Video Footage Help Your Insurance Claim?

In South Africa’s increasingly complex road landscape, the “he said, she said” of accident reporting is evolving. Whether you are a daily commuter or an e-hailing driver, the rise of road incidents from smash-and-grabs to fraudulent claims has made the dashcam a popular companion for many drivers.

While insurance has traditionally helped absorb the financial impact of road accidents, the process of establishing the truth is necessary to determine what occurred. As we look toward a more proactive role in reducing risk, dashcams are emerging as a critical tool to help establish the facts and provide peace of mind.

Here is what you need to know about how video footage fits into your insurance and safety strategy.

1. Objective evidence in a changing risk landscape

A dashcam provides an objective, independent view of the event. While insurance costs are rising due to increased weather events and road disruptions, having clear video evidence can help speed up the claims process by providing immediate clarity, ensuring that honest drivers are protected from the financial strain of protracted disputes.

1. Protection against staged accidents and fraud

Fraudulent claims are a reality on South African roads. Video footage is the most effective deterrent against these scams, as it can prove when an incident was intentionally manufactured or when a version of events has been falsified.

1. Resolving the hit-and-run dilemma

Few things are as frustrating as returning to your parked vehicle to find a dent or being struck by a driver who speeds off. Front-and-rear-facing dashcams with parking mode can capture license plates and vehicle descriptions even when you aren’t present, turning a potential total loss into a recoverable claim from the third party. (This should not only be referring to hit and run incidents, but this can assist with all third-party claims and assist the insurer in returning your excess and mitigating your claims cost.

1. It’s a tool, not a silver bullet

It is important to understand that while dashcam footage is incredibly helpful, it does not automatically guarantee a successful claim. At Momentum Insure, we look at the whole picture. You will still need a formal police case number, statements from independent witnesses, and a detailed assessment of the vehicle damage. Evidence is carefully reviewed and considered; if your own footage shows you were speeding or driving recklessly, it may affect the outcome of your claim.

Practical tips for responsible dashcam use

To ensure your footage is an asset rather than a liability, consider these steps:

• Quality is key: Ensure your camera records in at least 1080p HD so that license plates are legible in low-light or night-time conditions.
• Storage and maintenance: Use a high-endurance SD card designed for constant rewriting. Check your footage once a month to ensure the camera is still recording correctly.
• Privacy and the law: While filming in public spaces is generally legal in South Africa, be mindful of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Do not share footage of other people or their private details on social media, as this can complicate legal proceedings.
• Professional installation: Ensure the camera does not obstruct your view of the road. A poorly placed camera could be cited as a distraction.

Ultimately, a dashcam is most effective when paired with responsible driving behaviour. Both insurers and clients can play a proactive role in reducing risk by using technology to create a more transparent and safer driving environment. While we cannot control the changing risk landscape around us, we can certainly equip ourselves with the tools to navigate it more confidently.

• Funeka Ngewu, Executive Head of Claims Procurement and Legal at Momentum Insure