Do I Need a Rear Dash Cam?

Dash cams with a rear camera tend to be more expensive and can be a bit more challenging to install, so it's not surprising that many people aren't sure if they really need a rear dash cam. Even a wide-view front-facing dash cam will only record a limited amount of the road, however, so you may end up missing up to 50% of your surroundings. When you install a dash cam with front and rear cameras, you'll be set up to capture footage of everything that's happening around you.

What Footage Can a Rear Dash Cam Capture?

One of the reasons that people often ask if they need a front and rear dash cam is because, in the case of a rear-end accident, the driver in front is often given the benefit of the doubt and assumed by their insurance company to be not at fault. While this may be true, getting rear-ended is not the only type of incident that a rear-facing camera may capture. If you have a high-resolution camera, you may capture an image of a license plate during a hit and run, record an accident that takes place behind you, or provide evidence if another car is harassing you on the road.

Installing a front and rear dash cam with a screen that shows what's happening on the road behind you can also help you drive more safely. Some dash cams with screens allow you to choose which view, front or rear, that you see on screen, or may split the screen so that you can see both views simultaneously. While you may be able to spot issues happening in your rearview mirror, you need a rear dash cam to capture footage of the other drivers' behavior if it does lead to an accident or other incident.

If your dash cam is hard-wired to your vehicle fuse box, it may also be able to record your car's surroundings when you're parked. Just like when you're on the road, you need a rear dash cam to capture footage if someone backs into the rear of your car or a hit and run driver damages your vehicle.

Other Benefits of a Rear Dash Cam

Interestingly, some drivers have reported that tailgaters tend to back off when they spot a rear-facing dash cam on the car in front of them. This can make a rear-end accident less likely, keeping you safer on the road. The presence of any dash cam – front or rear – may also help discourage bad behavior from other drivers who don't want to be caught on video.

When you have a front and rear dash cam, you can also capture amazing footage of the world around you, whether it's a stunning sunset, a beautiful mountain view, or a gorgeous shot of the ocean. Check out our article, Choosing the Best Dash Cam For A Road Trip, to learn more about using your dash cam on road trips. There have even been reports of dash cam videos that capture meteor showers and other unexpected natural events.

The brand-new Cobra SC 400D is a good example of how a front and rear dash cam solution can provide full video coverage - in Ultra HD 4K resolution no less - of your vehicle while on the road or while parked. It is even 3-camera capable so you can add on a cabin-view accessory camera.