Dash cams are one of the most powerful tools for protecting your fleet, but only if they’re working when it counts. We reviewed over 250 claims, and more than half had no usable dash cam footage. That means no video to prove what happened, no defense for the driver, and no way to keep the payout low.

Too often, we see these issues:

• The dash cam is unplugged.

• It's pointed at the dashboard or sky.

• The lens is covered up.

• It ran out of storage or battery.

• No one ever checked if it worked.

The result? Claims explode. Legal bills stack up. Premiums rise. And worst of all, the driver who wasn’t at fault can’t prove their case.

In one real case, a fatal accident nearly cost a fleet their business. But the dash cam showed the other driver was at fault. That footage saved the fleet.

So how do you make sure your dash cams protect you?

1. Add dash cam checks to your monthly checklist. We actually built this into our Fleet Safety Performance Report.

2. Make sure drivers know how to position, power, and use the camera.

3. Review dash cam footage at least monthly, even if there was no incident.

4. Set up alerts to flag when a device is offline or unplugged.

5. Store crash footage securely and back it up.

Having dash cams is not enough. You need working, reviewed, and properly placed cams to get the value.

Go a step further: use multi-camera AI setups.

Samsara’s AI-powered multicam system offers front, side, rear, and in-cab driver views. It gives a complete picture of every incident, helping you protect your fleet from false claims.

Frivolous claims are on the rise, and without multiple angles, it’s your word against theirs. With Samsara’s smart cameras, the system can also detect distracted driving, speeding, and unsafe behavior before a crash happens.

If you’re using Samsara or Motive, or thinking about it, reach out. We’re a preferred Samsara and Motive partner and can help you get the right setup for your fleet.

Bottom line: A broken or ignored dash cam is the same as not having one. A complete, AI-powered camera system is your best defense. Make it part of your safety process.