That Viral Insurance-Scam Crash Video Shows the Value of Dash Cams

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As we all know, some people in this world will resort to illegal measures to make a buck — for example, auto-insurance scams. So the now-viral footage of a would-be staged accident scheme in New York over the weekend is unsettling, but unsurprising — and it might have worked, if not for the dash cam that recorded the entire incident.

Crimes like staged accidents are becoming more common, with the FBI estimating that staged accidents cost insurance companies as much as $20 billion per year. With schemes such as these and fake injury claims on the rise, innocent drivers are left vulnerable to hefty repair costs and increased insurance premiums. One of the best ways to protect yourself in these situations is by equipping your car with a dash cam.

Our Gear Team has tested a bunch of the latest dash cams and put them through their paces, comparing image quality, features, and more. These come highly recommended by the experts:

These compact devices continuously record your surroundings, providing crucial video evidence in the event of an accident or suspicious activity. A dash cam can serve as a reliable witness, helping to disprove false claims and safeguard you from costly scams.

Using a dash cam is generally quite straightforward even for those who aren't tech-savvy. Most models come with simple, intuitive setups that involve mounting the camera, plugging it into your car's power outlet, and letting it record automatically while you drive.

Many units start and stop with the engine, and features like loop recording ensure you don't have to worry about running out of storage. Some advanced models even offer app connectivity, making it easy to access footage directly from your phone.

In the case of the silver Honda seen in the video, some unofficial internet detectives have used the dash-cam footage to obtain the license plate of the vehicle and track down the car (accident damage and all) to a neighborhood in Queens. Others have used the footage to point out that the red Kia seen on the rear camera can also be seen in and around other incidents.

When times are tough, a dash cam can be an extra layer of protection that offers peace of mind and could save you from financial disaster.