Can You Get a Car Insurance Discount for Having a Dash Cam?

Last Updated on February 5, 2026

Dashboard cameras (dash cams) are popular for one big reason: they can provide objective video evidence after a crash. That evidence can help protect you from false blame, disputed liability, and some types of “staged accident” insurance fraud.

But can you expect an insurance discount just for installing a dash cam? Here’s what to know about dash cam discounts, what insurers typically do instead, and how a dash cam can still save you money over time.

• Most major U.S. car insurance companies don’t offer a specific “dash cam discount” on personal auto policies.
• A dash cam can still save you money long-term by helping you avoid an unfair at-fault claim when liability is disputed.
• Dash cams can also help document theft, vandalism, and other incidents—especially models with parking mode or dual (front/rear) cameras.
• If you’re looking for discounts, you’ll often get bigger savings from bundling, safe-driver discounts, and telematics/usage-based programs than from a dash cam alone.

Do Car Insurance Companies Give a Dash Cam Discount?

Usually, no—most major U.S. auto insurers don’t offer a specific “dash cam discount” on personal auto policies. Industry guides generally note that direct dash cam discounts are uncommon in the U.S., even though video can help resolve claims. (Example: Bankrate’s overview.)

Some insurers will still encourage dash cam use because footage may help during insurance claims. For example, Progressive explains that it doesn’t offer a dash cam discount, but footage can help support a claim: Progressive: Insurance benefits of a dash cam.

Important: Discounts and programs change. If you’re shopping for coverage, it’s still worth asking your insurer or agent directly—especially if you’re comparing multiple insurance companies.

Why Don’t Insurers Commonly Offer Dash Cam Discounts?

Even though dash cams can help clarify what happened in a crash, insurers don’t always discount them for a few practical reasons:

• No standard for “approved” devices. Dash cams vary widely in video quality, reliability, and whether they record continuously.
• They don’t prevent accidents. Discounts are more common for features that reduce crash frequency or severity (certain safety tech) or programs that directly measure driving behavior.
• Footage can cut both ways. Video may prove you weren’t at fault—or it may show you were.
• Insurers already price risk in other ways. Many companies prefer telematics/usage-based programs that track driving behavior and can lead to discounts for safe drivers.

A Dash Cam Can Still Save You Money on Car Insurance (Even Without a Discount)

Even if your insurer doesn’t discount the device, a dash cam can still reduce your long-term insurance costs by helping you avoid an unfair at-fault claim.

Many crashes come down to conflicting stories. Without evidence, you could end up with an at-fault claim on your record—even if you didn’t cause the collision.

When a dash cam captures what happened, it can support your version of events, clarify who had the right of way, and sometimes speed up liability decisions. That can help you avoid premium increases tied to being found responsible for a crash (see does your car insurance go up after an accident?).

Bottom line: a dash cam doesn’t automatically lower your bill today—but it can help protect your driving record, which often matters far more than any small discount.

Other Benefits of a Dash Cam

Dash cams range from budget options to higher-end models with better night recording, GPS data, and cloud features. Even if you never use it for an insurance dispute, a dash cam can still be useful:

• Peace of mind: If something happens on the road, you may have a reliable record of events.
• Front and rear coverage: Some drivers add a rear camera for extra documentation after minor crashes. (Related: backup camera car insurance discount.)
• Theft and vandalism evidence: Some cams have “parking mode” or motion-triggered recording that may capture theft or vandalism attempts (depending on power setup and camera placement).
• Safer driving habits: Some drivers review footage to improve their own driving—or to coach a newer driver like a teenage driver.

Will Telling Your Insurer About a Dash Cam Help?

It usually won’t change your premium on its own, but it can still be worth mentioning—especially if your insurer has a telematics program or asks about vehicle equipment. Just don’t assume it guarantees savings.

If you want discounts, ask your insurer about proven savings options like safe-driver discounts, bundling, and usage-based programs. Those tend to have a clearer impact than a dash cam alone.

FAQs on Dash Cams and Car Insurance

Final Word: Does Having a Dash Cam Lower Insurance?

In most cases, you won’t get a dedicated dash cam discount from major U.S. insurers. But a dash cam can still pay for itself by helping you resolve accidents and insurance claims more fairly—especially when fault is disputed.

If you’re shopping for coverage, compare quotes across insurers and ask what discounts you qualify for. And if you install a dash cam, make sure it’s positioned legally, records clearly (especially at night), and saves footage reliably.