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If you’re an Uber driver or drive for another rideshare company, having a dashcam is a must. Dashcams can come in handy for many reasons. In the unfortunate case of an accident, assault, dispute, false accusation, or another incident, real-time video footage can provide the information you need as a driver to exonerate yourself from any wrongdoing.
Read on to get all the details on when, where, and why Uber drivers and other rideshare or delivery drivers should invest in a quality dashcam.
Why Uber Drivers Should Have A Dash Cam
Here are some of the main reasons Uber drivers and other driving occupations could benefit from having a dashcam.
Auto Accidents
Uber drivers, rideshare drivers, and delivery drivers spend more time on the road than most occupations. More time on the road increases the chances of being involved in a collision. If you are involved in an auto accident, dashcam footage can provide clear evidence of exactly what happened and who was at fault.
Dashcam footage can help your insurance company determine that you were not at fault and potentially save thousands in increased insurance costs.
Passenger Disputes
Installing a dashcam can help protect Uber drivers from more than higher insurance costs. Dashcam video can help protect you if a dispute occurs between you and your passengers.
As an Uber driver or a driver for any other rideshare or delivery service, you strive to provide the best customer service possible. Even so, disputes and misunderstandings do occur, customers complain, and things get lost in translation. Violations of company standards can result in deactivation and loss of your livelihood.
Dashcam footage can help protect you against false claims, accusations, and misunderstandings. Video evidence can be crucial in clearing you of wrongdoing if a passenger files a complaint or makes a false accusation against you.
Unruly Passengers
While most rides unfold drama-free, occasionally, an Uber driver may have to deal with unruly, threatening, or even violent passengers. Most altercations, if they happen, will likely remain verbal, but passengers have been known to become physically violent.
If a passenger turns ugly, you should end the ride as soon as possible. If the passenger assaults you physically, you should file a police report. If you have to report a passenger assault, providing dashcam footage of the incident can help show what happened.
Sometimes, having a dashcam in plain sight can deter angry passengers from becoming violent, preventing a potential incident from happening in the first place.
What Are the Best Dash Cams for Uber Drivers?
Whether you work as a part-time or full-time Uber driver, a dash cam offers one of the best investments you can make. Dashcams can provide evidence in the event of an accident, dispute, or assault and potentially deter bad passenger behavior.
That said, it’s essential to have a high-quality dash cam that can provide multiple angles, clear video, and record crucial moments. Here are some of the features Uber drivers need in a dashcam.
Dual Camera
A good dash cam for Uber drivers should be able to record in more than one direction. Dual cameras record video both outward from your windshield and inside your vehicle. Dual cameras will be able to record incidents, whether they happen inside or outside your car.
Clear Picture
Many cheap dashcams provide grainy footage in black and white. It can be difficult to see precisely what’s occurring in poor quality, black and white, grainy footage. It’s practically useless, especially at night.
A good dash cam should have a minimum of 1080p on both cameras to provide a clear picture. The camera lens should cover a wide enough angle to capture the entire interior of your vehicle.
Night Mode
The best camera for Uber drivers will automatically shift into night mode when it gets dark. Having automatic night mode means you don’t have to remember to turn it on or mess with changing settings when the sun goes down or when lousy weather darkens the video.
Automatic Power On/Off
Some dash cams automatically turn on when you start your vehicle and turn off after a short delay when you turn the engine off. Having a dashcam with an auto on/off feature means you’ll never forget to turn on the camera at the beginning of your shift. You won’t need to remember to turn it off, preserving the camera’s battery life.
Memory Storage
Video can take up a lot of space, and you don’t want to run out of storage space in the middle of an incident. Your dash cam should have a memory card with a minimum of 64GB. 128GB or 256 is even better. Many dash cams do not come with a memory card, so you need to buy one separately. Check the brand specifications to ensure you get one compatible with the device.
Cloud Dash Cams
With a cloud-enabled dashcam, your video is constantly uploaded to the cloud while recording; this is ideal if your dashcam is damaged or stolen. Cloud dash cams add an extra layer of security, but they can also feel invasive to some. Drivers should inform all passengers they will be recorded on a cloud cam before entry into the vehicle.
Cloud dash cams also have a parking mode that can monitor your car around the clock. If something happens to your vehicle while it’s parked, a cloud cam can send a notification to your phone with an app.
Using a cloud cam requires a subscription. Monthly plans typically run around $20 a month and may be tax-deductible.
DisplayRide
DisplayRide is a new cloud cam touted as a Rideshare Monitoring Platform. DisplayRide consists of a dashcam with a 7-inch multi-media display and dual cameras. Drivers can use the display to present identification to passengers. DisplayRide can be programmed to play a periodic message informing passengers that the ride is being recorded for their safety.
Video footage is uploaded and stored in the cloud. Drivers can access footage with a phone call or through a web portal. You purchase the device by paying a monthly subscription fee of $20. DisplayRide can provide an excellent solution for drivers who operate at night or in sketchy areas and want the most secure driving experience possible.
Are dash cams allowed in Uber vehicles?
Currently, Uber has no policy against dash cams in vehicles used for Uber. Most passengers will appreciate the presence of a dashcam.
Are dash cams legal?
The legality of dashcams varies according to local and state laws. Some states have “two-party recording laws,” requiring everyone to know they are being recorded. That means that covert recording is not allowed.
Uber drivers should always let passengers know if they are recording on a dashcam and whether it is a live cloud recording or a stored recording on the device itself.
Uber drivers can let passengers know they will be recorded by placing a sticker on their window that informs them a recording is taking place. You can turn off the dash cam’s microphone to ensure no conversation is being recorded.
Some states have laws that prohibit mounting anything on your windshield. If this law applies in your state, you can still mount a camera on your dashboard.
Uber policy allows drivers to install dash cams or other recording devices to help fulfill transportation services only. Drivers may not post videos or media of passengers to any public channels, including YouTube, websites, or social media. Posting dashcam videos or images online could result in deactivation and losing account access.
You should always follow Uber policy and your local and state laws when using a dashcam.
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