Driving in Newfoundland and Labrador comes with its own set of challenges. From unpredictable weather and long winter nights to wildlife crossings and rural highways, local drivers know that not every incident on the road is clear‑cut.
That’s where dash cams are becoming an increasingly popular tool — not just for peace of mind, but for protection. Across Canada, about 11% of drivers now use a dash cam, and adoption continues to grow as drivers seek ways to protect themselves from disputes, fraud, and “he said, she said” scenarios after a collision.
Why Dash Cams Make Sense for NL Roads
Canada’s roads are most dangerous during winter months, and that risk is amplified in places like Newfoundland and Labrador, where snow, ice, wind and limited daylight are common. National data shows that winter accounts for roughly 37% of all vehicle collisions in Canada, the highest of any season.
When conditions are poor and visibility is limited, a fault can be harder to determine. A dash cam provides an objective view of what actually happened — road conditions, traffic signals, wildlife hazards, and driver behaviour — when it matters most.
Dash cams are also useful beyond major collisions, such as:
- Parking lot incidents and hit‑and‑runs
- Close calls with wildlife or debris
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Disputed traffic tickets
Dash Cams and Insurance: Why Footage Matters
Insurance fraud is a growing issue in Canada. Fraudulent auto‑related claims cost Canadians over $1–$1.6 billion every year, contributing to rising premiums nationwide.
Not surprisingly, 35% of Canadian dash cam owners installed one to protect themselves from fraud. Clear, time‑stamped video can help insurers:
- Determine fault more accurately.
- Resolve conflicting accounts
- Identify staged or exaggerated claims.
Dash cam footage can speed up claim settlements by an average of 2.5 weeks, helping drivers get answers during a stressful time.
How Dash Cams Can Help During an Auto Insurance Claim
In the event of a collision or disputed incident, dash cam footage can be a helpful piece of supporting evidence during the auto insurance claims process. While video won’t automatically determine fault on its own, it can provide an objective, time‑stamped record of what occurred — including road conditions, traffic signals, vehicle position, and the actions of other drivers. This can be especially useful when accounts differ or when there are no independent witnesses. Clear footage may help insurers better understand what happened and, in some cases, reduce delays caused by conflicting statements.
How to Shop for a Dash Cam: Practical Guidance for Canadian Drivers
If you want a dash cam, consider these practical tips to help you choose.
1. Start by Defining Your Needs
Think about how and where you drive. Do you travel rural highways? Do you often drive at night? Park on the street? You may want features like night recording, wide‑angle lenses, or parking‑mode protection. Some drivers also opt for interior‑facing cameras when using a vehicle for business purposes.
2. Test Before You Invest
Before buying, try a free smartphone dash cam app. This lets you see how footage is captured and stored, and whether you’d review it. For some, this may be enough.
3. Don’t Compromise on Video Quality
Resolution matters, especially for licence plates or signals in poor weather. Start with at least 2K; 4K gives four times the detail of 1080p, improving clarity when reviewing evidence.
4. Look for Built‑In Data, Not Just Video
The best dash cams embed speed, date/time, and GPS coordinates in the video. These details help create a clearer record and resolve timing or location disputes.
5. Be Cautious with Audio and Interior Recording
Dash cams are legal in Canada, but privacy laws apply. If your camera records audio or is inside the vehicle, especially in ride‑share or business use, inform passengers, even if consent isn’t legally required in your province.
Avoid Hidden Costs and Feature Paywalls
Some dash cams appear affordable upfront, but lock key features behind monthly subscriptions. Before purchasing, confirm exactly which features work out of the box and which require ongoing fees. Reviews often cite aggressive paywalls as a major frustration for buyers, sometimes costing nearly $20 per month to access advertised functions.
The best dash cam works as expected without surprise costs.
Peace of Mind, Recorded
A dash cam won’t prevent collisions, but can protect your version of events. For local drivers facing tough conditions and complex insurance, peace of mind is hard to ignore.
LET'S TALK COVERAGE
Get coverage for your business, home, and car—with advice you can trust.
About Wedgwood Insurance
Wedgwood Insurance has offices in St. John’s & Corner Brook and is Newfoundland & Labrador’s largest independent insurance broker. We provide straightforward home, auto & business insurance advice.
With over 350 Google My Business reviews, experience the Wedgwood difference with expert advice from our dedicated team. We ensure that every client has the coverage that best suits their needs through upfront complimentary consultations and midterm reviews.
Contact Us
