Dashcams remains extremely popular. More and more drivers rely on the compact cameras to protect them should the need arise: The devices are designed to provide evidence in the event of traffic accidents that are not caused by the driver. A new dashcam is now taking the devices out of the category of pure cameras. The devices are also becoming more and more relevant for workshops, as they have high sales potential.
Dashcams are fitted on the windscreen or dashboard and continuously record the events in front of the vehicle. In the event of an accident not caused by the driver, drivers hope that the recorded video material can be used as evidence to prove their innocence.
Dashcams approved as evidence
But purely in terms of figures, the devices occupy something of a "grey zone". In 2018, the German Federal Court of Justice decided that dashcam video recordings are admissible as evidence as a means of clarifying traffic accidents in court - even if the recordings technically violate data protection law. However: The parties involved in an accident have to provide personal information anyway.
The use of dashcams remains a grey area
The ADAC states: "For data protection officers, it is particularly important that dashcams only film briefly in response to an event." But anyone who films other road users "permanently" and saves the corresponding recordings will risk fines.
Many drivers still don't want to do without the devices. And they are likely to become even more widespread with the availability of ever more powerful dashcams. The British manufacturer Nextbase, for example, aims to launch a new dashcam generation in the autumn. The new camera not only films the traffic in front of the vehicle, but also the interior and the traffic behind. New dashcam assistance systems are also included, which will be particularly interesting for owners of older used cars.
New devices are becoming ever more powerful
The dashcam offers an automatic emergency call function, for example. Another interesting feature is the "Drive-Aware" function, which warns drivers if the system detects that they are distracted or tired. The "Roadwatch AI" function could also be a game changer. It monitors traffic around the vehicle and warns of imminent collisions.
With the new functions, dashcams are therefore becoming ever more relevant for drivers of used cars - and therefore also for independent workshops. After all, they offer extremely promising new sales potential. Both in terms of sales and installation.
Dashcams offer potential for vehicle workshops
Effective devices are available from just under €100. The most expensive dashcams cost just under €300. The higher the price, the higher the desire for professional installation. After all, who wants to invest a three-digit euro sum and leave the cable hanging unattractively from the windscreen?
It is true that basic installation is usually possible without any problems even for laymen - dashcams are usually attached to the windscreen with a suction cup. But professional installation of the cable is something completely different for most people.
"Mounting wedges and pull hooks are required for installation in addition to clean hands and, if necessary, access to the vehicle manufacturer's documentation," states the trade journal "amz". After routing the cable, often under the roof liner down to the dashboard, the workshop should also start up the camera and align it properly.
Workshops can score points here with clean installation and connection to the vehicle electrical system. And they can also offer their customers a completely new service.