If you live in California like I do, you’ve probably seen more than a few drivers with dashcams mounted on their windshields. And maybe you’ve even wondered—can having one of these little cameras actually help lower your car insurance?
After digging into the research, talking to agents, and testing a few policies myself, the short answer is: not directly, but there are still some real benefits you should know about. Here’s everything I’ve learned.
Are Insurance Companies in California Offering Dashcam Discounts?
Let’s clear something up right away. As of now, most major insurers in California do not offer an official discount just for installing a dashcam. I spoke with reps from GEICO, Progressive, State Farm, and Wawanesa, and none of them currently provide a dashcam-based premium reduction.
That said, some smaller or tech-forward insurers might offer limited programs or incentives in the future. For example:
- Root Insurance considers driving behavior (via their app) and may take dashcam footage into account during claims.
- Some niche insurers for commercial fleets or rideshare drivers may offer perks for having dashcams.
So while it’s not something you can plug in as a discount on your quote form right now, it’s worth asking your provider during renewal or switching.
Why Dashcams Still Save You Money Long-Term
Here’s where the real value comes in: dashcams help you protect your clean driving record, which does impact your insurance premium.
Here’s how:
- Accident disputes: If someone hits you and lies about what happened, dashcam footage can prove fault instantly.
- Hit-and-runs: You might catch license plates or vehicle details that otherwise would be missed.
- Fraud protection: Footage can protect you from staged accidents or false injury claims.
One friend of mine avoided a $4,000 hike in premiums after using dashcam footage to show they were rear-ended at a stoplight. That kind of proof? Worth every penny.
Recommended Dashcam Features for Insurance Use
If you’re getting a dashcam hoping to protect your rates and fight fraud, these are the features I recommend:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Loop Recording | So you never run out of memory |
| G-Sensor | Locks footage after a sudden impact |
| GPS Tagging | Helps prove location and speed |
| Parking Mode | Catches hit-and-runs when parked |
| Dual-Channel (Front + Rear) | Captures both ends of the vehicle |
I use a Viofo A129 Plus Duo. It’s under $200 and checks every box above. Easy to install, and the app is decent too.
Legal Considerations in California
California law allows dashcams, but with a few rules:
- Placement matters: It must be in the 7-inch square in the lower-right corner of your windshield (passenger side) or 5-inch square in the lower-left (driver’s side).
- Audio recording: California is a two-party consent state. If your dashcam records audio inside the vehicle, let passengers know.
Bottom Line: Should You Get One?
Even if you don’t get a discount upfront, dashcams absolutely help protect your finances and your record—especially in California, where traffic, insurance fraud, and hit-and-runs are way too common.
For under $200, you get peace of mind, better claims outcomes, and possibly faster resolutions. And if your insurance provider starts offering discounts down the line? You’ll already be ahead of the curve.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Best Dash Cams for Night Driving
- How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
- Car Insurance Discounts You Might Be Missing
If you’re serious about keeping your insurance rates low, I’d say a dashcam is a smart investment—even if the discount isn’t official yet.