Accidents can happen, no matter how much effort we put into avoiding them. All it takes is for another motorist to make
a careless error, and even the most skilled and careful driver
can end up in a fender-bender. 

Minor mishaps used to be less stressful. If the incident left the vehicles in question with minor scratches or small dents, the matter could be quickly (and privately) settled if one party compensated the other. You only needed to inform your insurer if the damage was bad.

But things changed. In 2008, the General Insurance
Association of Singapore (GIA) introduced the Motor Claims Framework (MCF), which requires all policyholders to report every accident - no matter how minor - to their insurer.

This regulation came about as a result of the growing number of drivers who would later file exaggerated claims for 'grievous injuries' sustained in accidents.

To cope with the higher payouts that were affecting their bottom line, insurance firms started charging steeper premiums to all motorists - even those who had never made a claim weren't spared. 

For protection, drivers began installing in-car cameras in their vehicles, using the recorded footage (which is typically stored on SD or micro SD cards) to combat fraudulent claims filed against them by unscrupulous parties. 

For non-geeks who rarely venture into the 'hardware zone', interlaced video tends to flicker when replayed in slow motion, while progressive scan delivers sharper images, especially when it comes to fast-moving or night sequences. 

One can imagine the advantages of HD, especially when the footage is used as evidence. HD-format cameras can cost as little as $150.



Tip 2: Video Loop recording

Most in-car cameras in the market come with a looping function, where the camera automatically records over the oldest file when the memory card fills up. Check to see that your camera has this feature as it ensures the most recent footage is captured in the camera's memory device.

Tip 3: Vantage Points

Another vital feature to consider is how wide the camera's lens angle is. Because you want to capture as much as possible, opt for a device with a field of vision of at least 120 degrees. 

If you mount the camera in the middle of your windscreen just in front of the rear view mirror, you should at least be able to see a bit of space on either side of your vehicle's bonnet. Alternatively, you can position the camera higher up on the windscreen to expand the viewing angle.

Tip 4: Motion Detection/G-Sensor

For car owners concerned with vehicle security, it would be wise to invest in a camera that can be activated via its motion sensor (also called G-Sensor). Basically, the camera stays 'asleep' in the Parking mode and only 'wakes up' and begins recording when any movement is detected, such as a knock on the door or windscreen. This could prove useful in helping nab vandals keen on 'sharing' their artwork with vehicle owners.