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How to Use Dash Cam Footage After an Accident
In the stressful minutes after a collision, a few deliberate steps make sure your footage is preserved and useful. Do these before the loop or a dead battery costs you the clip.
Secure the clip first
Confirm the camera locked the segment, or lock it manually. If safe to do so, stop recording or remove the card so nothing overwrites the moment.
Copy it promptly
Transfer the footage to your phone or a computer as soon as you can, and keep a backup. The card should not be the only copy.
Share it appropriately
Provide the footage to your insurer and, where relevant, the authorities. Avoid posting it publicly before a claim is resolved, as that can complicate matters.
Using it with your insurer
For more on how footage is typically used once you reach the claims stage, see Using Dash Cam Footage in an Insurance Claim.
Frequently asked questions
What if my dash cam did not lock the clip automatically?
Lock it manually as soon as it is safe to do so, before the loop has a chance to overwrite that segment. Do this before anything else at the scene, if conditions allow.
Should I share the footage publicly?
It is generally best to avoid posting footage publicly before a claim is resolved, since it can complicate the process. Share it with your insurer and, where relevant, the authorities first.