Free smartphone dash cam for UK drivers

Published: 02 Jul 2018

Our new dash cam functionality in the Aviva Drive app makes it simpler and easier for motorists to make a claim.

  • App offers automatic collision detection, using G-Force readings to detect and record collisions
  • Motorists can access the technology for free – regardless of whether they are an Aviva customer
  • Footage can be used as evidence to support motor insurance claims, which can quicken and simplify the claims process.

Aviva, the UK’s largest insurer, has today launched free dash cam functionality within the Aviva Drive app, making it simpler and easier for motorists to make an insurance claim directly from a smartphone. 

Dash cams – in-car cameras that record the road in front of you – have seen a major spike in popularity over the past year, with nearly half (43%) of dash cam users adopting the technology for the first time in the past 12 months.1

Motorists can now benefit from free dash cam technology via the Aviva Drive app, regardless of whether they hold an Aviva policy. The innovation adds to the app’s existing ability to track driving habits (acceleration, cornering and braking) in order to save customers an average of £170 on the annual cost of their motor insurance for those proven to be driving safely.2

Automatic collision detection technology 

The Aviva Dash Cam offers automatic collision detection technology, automatically detecting collisions using an undisclosed motion reading from the smartphone sensor data. The app was tested in controlled vehicle collisions at Thatcham Research Centre in the UK – experts in vehicle safety.

Once a potential crash is detected, the dash cam – which otherwise records journeys in short, unsaved loops – pauses filming and saves the clip directly to the app. Users can also manually save footage, with the ability to play recordings back or share them with their insurer via the clips section of the app. 

The role of footage in motor insurance claims 

Aviva only has access to dash cam footage if submitted by the user, with no effect on any insurance policy should it be withheld. 

However, dash cam recordings can help support motor insurance claims, by acting as video evidence that can clearly prove who was at fault and help to explain any unexplainable circumstances to their insurer. In some cases, the footage can also support any legal claims and avoid potentially lengthy liability disputes. 

The footage can be easily submitted to Aviva via email or directly through the Aviva Drive app, without the need for editing. 

Around 11 million motorists in the UK now use dash cams* with the technology becoming more affordable as it becomes more popular. Despite the widespread consensus of the benefits of dash cams however, there are still a number of motorists on the roads driving without one. Our dash cam feature of the Aviva Drive app goes one step further and offers all motorists access to this software for free, without the need for a new, physical gadget.

We’re striving to make the claims process as easy and simple as possible and harnessing the power of technology such as dash cams to reduce complexity for consumers. Dash cams can act as an independent witness that is always on, with the video footage often proving vital in settling claims or in explaining any road incidents to police.

We know that some things are tricky to explain, but the Aviva Drive app means that motorists can have the peace of mind knowing that if the unexpected should happen when travelling from A to B, it’s been captured on camera.

Blair Turnbull, Aviva’s MD of Digital & Retail

Aviva motor insurance customers also have the extra benefit of a ‘Call Aviva Claims’ button to enable them to contact their insurer from the roadside should they need support.

To find out more, or to download the app on iPhone or Android, please visit: https://www.aviva.co.uk/car-insurance/drive/

- ENDS -

References:

1. Research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Aviva in June 2018. Survey respondents included a nationally representative sample 2,438 UK motorists.

2. Based on policies bought direct from Aviva between 1st May and 31st December 2017. 52% scoring 7.1+ saved £170 or more. Discount is available on first car per policy and depends on score and price – minimum £200. Discount does not apply to optional extras. Compatible handset required. Data charges may apply. 

* Number of total full driving licenses in the UK as of March 2018 according to the DVLA: 40,331,643. Percentage of UK motorists who currently drive with a dash cam: 27%. 27% of 40,331,643 = 10,889,544.

Media enquires:

John Franklin, Aviva media relations:
john.s.franklin@aviva.com
01603 680795

Instinctif Partners:
aviva@instinctif.com
020 7457 2020

Notes to editors:

  • We are the UK's leading diversified insurer and we operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. We also have international investments in India and China.
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