Taxi Driver Online

Fitted Car Cameras Set to Improve Insurance Industry as a Whole




Although not the most attractive pieces of equipment it seems the car camera is only increasing in popularity.

Where traditionally claims and accident information is relayed by the policyholders to their insurance firms, companies can now get an unbiased and definitive record of such events.

With many claiming the government to be lazy in addressing issues of fraudulent claims and uninsured drivers, the presence of the car camera could evolve into a non-negotiable policy incorporation.

According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) over 54% of their members are already reaping the benefits of having a fitted camera in their vehicle with a further 35% endeavouring to follow.

Jack Semple, director of policy for the RHA, said: “The recordings can show what happened in an accident and can put an end, quickly and simply, to potentially crippling insurance claims. In addition, many firms with cameras say they are useful tools for managing employees’ driving style.”

This could really cut the number of claims disputed throughout the industry saving both money and time across the board.

One of the main groups that will benefit from having a black box fitted is the taxi drivers of the country. With cab policies infamous for being high could this finally be the breakthrough that drivers need to show that they are not so high of a risk?

Alex Drummond, Director of Insure Your Taxi, has nothing but positive words when discussing this new insurance feature.

‘We work with many providers that insist on fitting a black box into taxis. Where at first many drivers were sceptical of being monitored they are now overjoyed on the opportunity they are given to prove they are good drivers. This equipment has been invaluable in settling disputes over accident liability and we suggest all taxi drivers to consider having one fitted’

SmartWitness, the company that supplies the cameras, says it can report 84 per cent of claims and back them up with evidence within 24 hours.

This quick turn around time allows for claims to be processed quicker than ever, allowing the industry as a whole to work more efficiently.

source: http://www.ladymotor.co.uk/news/fitted- ... ole-15220/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

As Sussex will testify I was against CCTV in the cab but now very pleased to get 10% discount on my premium from Tradex !!

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42 years now! and still going strong!

I was offered a £200 discount on my policy if I had one of their cameras fitted (which only recorded the road ahead), I would have had to pay £250 for the fitting and another £100 to have it removed if I switched policies.

I'm guessing the reduction is annually like down here.

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IDFIMH

Yes, but I would have had to stay with the same insurer 2 years just to save £50.

Plus the camera only records the road ahead, doesn't have a night mode, don't think it recorded sound and only the insurers had access to the footage. Also there was a clause that read the camera must be recording at all times whilst the vehicle is in use and claims may be reduced if it is not.

Why not ask for their criteria for discount and supply and fit yourself?

Down here Tradex (Westminster) allow systems that meet a certain high criteria to receive 10% each and every year. It's never their system, it's always yours.

A system that meets their criteria is £350 fitted.

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IDFIMH

I already have a cheap camera fitted, which has night and sound and I can use it to record ahead or interior - I told them this but it has to be one of their cameras fitted by an approved installer from their network to qualify for the discount.

Looking at their camera I'd say mine was better and I can still submit the footage to support any claim, so overall the cost/discount wasn't worth it.

They are as cheap as chips

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111166918970? ... EBIDX%3AIT

I think they want it to fit it themselves, so they know that the camera is working and records whenever the ignition is switched on, and you can't tamper with the memory card.

My one was fitted and hard wired to the car. To remove the memory card, you would need one of those barrrel-type keys to get the plastic cover off the part of the camera where the memory card is installed.

In the event of an accident, you have to inform the insurance company, and someone will come along with said key, and take the memory card.

edit - precisely what Sasha says, though you can think of the savings will come about when you have an accident, and the claim is dealt with quickly (as long as it's in your favour!). I have to take half a day off work to get the thing fitted!