Dash cam in rental cars

[user2020]

Hi, does anyone came across rental car with dash cam installed? If not would you recommend to get one for rental car in america? Thanks

[toonarmani]

Never come across one and not sure why it would be needed specifically for the US?

Providing you have the right insurance, should anything happen you're covered.

[DonnaD]

Absolutely no need for one in a US rental IMO. You are covered even if you cause an accident with CDW.

[RickT]

Originally Posted by DonnaD

Absolutely no need for one in a US rental IMO. You are covered even if you cause an accident with CDW.

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The need for a dashcam in the USA is exactly the same need as in the UK.

Saying there is no need for one because you are insured is not really a valid point because when driving in the UK you are also covered (unless 3rd party which is rare these days.)

Having a dashcam can instantly provide evidence in the event of accident or emit blame.

In answer to the OP's question, rental cars dont come with them in general, though there is nothing stopping you taking your own to use in the car.

Do as you would in the UK.

[7SeasSailor]

Isn't there a law in the States requiring signs to be shown inside the car because it is illegal to record conversations without passengers being informed.

[toonarmani]

Originally Posted by RickT

The need for a dashcam in the USA is exactly the same need as in the UK.

Saying there is no need for one because you are insured is not really a valid point because when driving in the UK you are also covered (unless 3rd party which is rare these days.)

Having a dashcam can instantly provide evidence in the event of accident or emit blame.

In answer to the OP's question, rental cars dont come with them in general, though there is nothing stopping you taking your own to use in the car.

Do as you would in the UK.

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I would personally say “do as you would in the UK” is worse advise than making sure you have sufficient insurance cover...

The US has different rules per state and in some you can’t even mount one to the windscreen:

lifewire/are-dash-cams-legal-534879

OP if you’re thinking of taking one I would research thoroughly before doing so, but we have never bothered on a trip.

[inkiboo]

Originally Posted by RickT

The need for a dashcam in the USA is exactly the same need as in the UK.

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Except it's not.

We are not talking about your normal insurance policy, we are talking about car rental. Unless you decline it, you are covered for pretty much everything with US car insurance and having an accident will not affect your ability to rent a car again, or the cost.

[duncanb]

Rick you post so much good advice but sorry mate this one is pants.
You pay for all inclusive insurance
Negates any responsibility
The only value would be a contest fine for a traffic violation.
Sorry mate your wrong here.

[RickT]

Originally Posted by toonarmani

I would personally say “do as you would in the UK” is worse advise than making sure you have sufficient insurance cover...

.

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What you on about ? do as you would in the Uk means having the relevant required insurance, unless of course you don't bother with insurance in the UK!

Its only illegal if it impairs or obstructs your view.

(b) No person shall drive any motor vehicle with any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, side wings, or side or rear windows of such vehicle which materially obstructs, obscures, or impairs the driver’s clear view of the highway or any intersecting highway.

[RickT]

Originally Posted by duncanb

Rick you post so much good advice but sorry mate this one is pants.
You pay for all inclusive insurance
Negates any responsibility
The only value would be a contest fine for a traffic violation.
Sorry mate your wrong here.

See more...

Originally Posted by inkiboo

Except it's not.

We are not talking about your normal insurance policy, we are talking about car rental. Unless you decline it, you are covered for pretty much everything with US car insurance and having an accident will not affect your ability to rent a car again, or the cost.

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Think of the bigger picture...

Yes you have insurance which covers you for all possible incurred financial loss in the event of an accident. - i agree.

However, let me run this scenario by you. im going extreme.

You are driving at 30 MPH down an american street in a perfectly safe manor at the permitted speed limit minding your own business being a responsible driver.

All of a sudden BANG - a 5 year old child runs out between 2 parked car and unfortunately you kill the said child.

Due to the shock and panic, the only witnesses are the parents of the said child who tell the cops you were speeding down the road, recklessly and dangerously.

Instantly, the cops have to assess the situation and you end up getting arrested and going to the local sheriff office for investigation due to death by dangerous driving.

You then request the dashcam footage is reviewed, the footage then is your only key evidence that it was a pure non preventable accident and you are not to blame as a law abiding citizen.

Sometimes you need more than just insurance for financial reason's.