Dashcams are extremely useful tools for fleet managers. A fleet can use them to keep drivers accountable, protect the business in the event of an accident, reduce fraud attempts against the company, and even reduce fleet vehicle insurance premiums.
Equipping your fleet vehicles with dashcams is an excellent investment. This article will explain what a dashcam is and how fleets can benefit from using dashcams. We also include our picks for the best dashcams under $100.
What Is a Dashcam?
So what exactly is a dashcam? “Dashcam” is short for “dashboard camera.” It’s a camera mounted inside a vehicle. Dashcams continuously record video of the view through the vehicle’s front windshield. Dual-facing cameras also capture footage from inside the vehicle. Some even record the view through the rear windshield, include audio, or feature GPS tracking capabilities.
Dashcam technology has come a long way, and today dashcams are tiny and able to record high-definition videos. The technology has also come down in price. Some of the best dashcams on the market are available for under $100.
How Can Fleets Benefit from Using Dashcams?
Improved Driver Behavior
Dashcams keep an eye on the road, but they also keep an eye on the driver. Drivers are less likely to violate their fleet’s driving standards when a dashcam is recording them. This monitoring cuts down on speeding, texting while driving, and driving while drowsy or driving aggressively.
The dashcam acts as a digital supervisor looking over your fleet. Some dashcams even include infrared, which allows them to see in the dark. The best cameras can also offer driver coaching and real-time training.
Monitor Fleet Vehicles and Cargo
Dashcams can be used as surveillance toos. They continuously monitor fleet vehicles while they’re in motion or parked and can keep an eye on any valuable tools or cargo inside. Often, thieves are discouraged just by the presence of a camera. Having a dashcam can provide an extra layer of security over your fleet.
If a fleet vehicle is vandalized or a delivery is stolen or damaged while the driver is not present, a dashcam can help. Its video footage can be crucial evidence to submit to an insurance provider to cover the cost of lost goods or vehicle repairs. You may even be able to get a clear view of the vandals or thieves, allowing for prosecution.
In the event of a road accident or fraud attempt, dashcams are highly valuable in proving who is at fault to an insurer.
The Best Dashcams Under $100
You may now be wondering, “Which are the best dash cameras?” It may surprise you, but you can get some of the best dashcams on the market for under $100. That small investment could save you thousands of dollars with just one insurance dispute. Think about how much you might save over the lifetime of the vehicle. Here are our picks for the best dashcams under $100.
Azuga Fleet SafetyCam
Some of the best dashcams on the market can be acquired for less than $100 but if you need the best fleet dashcam with innovative technology and the one that gives you both front view (road facing) and rearview (in-cab) then check out this dual-facing fleet dashcam. With a subscription, your equipment costs can be as low as $0.
Azuga’s new AI software will monitor and alert drivers to risky driving behaviors like distracted driving. It offers effective driver coaching with real video examples. With a full-featured fleet dashcam, you can protect your fleet in the event of an accident, keep your drivers accountable, lower insurance premiums, and fight fraud.
Roav DashCam C1
The Roav DashCam C1 packs a ton of tech into a tiny frame. It’s one of the best dashcams on the market and comes at an incredibly low cost. But don’t let its price fool you. It’s equipped with 1080P high-definition video recording, built-in Wi-Fi, and an accelerometer (G-sensor). It also includes loop recording, night mode, and parking mode.
This dashcam can capture four lanes of traffic in its wide-angle lens. It includes an accompanying app (the Roav app) that fleets can use to download, manage, and view recordings on a mobile device.
The camera features motion-activation technology. Its accelerometer will detect if the vehicle is bumped or moved and will automatically start recording. This feature is especially useful for hit-and-runs or other incidents that occur when the driver is not around.
Rexing V1
It was a no-brainer to put the Rexing V1 on our list of the best dashcams under 100 dollars. It features 4K video resolution allowing it to shoot clear images with deep color. This camera captures license plate numbers clearly—even in low light conditions or when driving at a fast pace.
The Rexing V1 has a 170-degree ultra-wide-angle lens. The camera will automatically adapt to its environment (by adjusting its exposure) to create balanced images and videos. This dashcam utilizes a supercapacitor and can survive extreme temperatures (-20 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit).
This camera includes a parking monitor feature. It will automatically turn on and record when the camera detects vibration. You can also create a time-lapse video. These features require the smart hardwire kit at extra cost.
The camera also includes a Wi-Fi connection and a mobile app where drivers can share and view recordings.
APEMAN Dashcam C860
The APEMAN Dashcam C860 is the only one of our best dashcams for under $100 that features dual cameras. A 1080P camera monitors the front windscreen, and a 1440P camera monitors the rear. Both cameras have 170-degree wide-angle lenses. The dashcam also includes infrared night vision, motion detection, and a parking monitor mode.
This camera supports up to 128GB of memory to store more data and record for longer. The camera automatically overwrites previous recordings with new files when the memory card becomes full. Plus, it has an impressive 420mAh battery.
Some of the best dashcams on the market can cost less than $100. With this small investment, you can protect your fleet in the event of an accident, keep your drivers accountable, reduce insurance premiums, and fight fraud. To learn more about fleet optimization, safety, and countless other benefits, be sure to check out all that Azuga fleet management software has to offer.