So, you’re thinking about getting a dash cam? Smart move. Whether it’s for peace of mind, recording those “did-that-just-happen?” moments, or just having your back in the case of an accident – dash cams are quickly becoming a must-have. But you’re probably wondering: what’s the cost to install a dash cam, and is it really worth it?
We’re here to break it down for you.
First up – what exactly are you paying for?
There are two main things to factor in: the cost of the dash cam itself and the cost to install the dash cam professionally. You can pick up a basic dash cam for around $100, but if you want clearer footage, features like GPS, dual cameras (front and rear), night vision, or parking mode, you’re looking at more like $200–$500+. Quality makes a big difference here.
Okay, but how much to install it?
If you’re going DIY, the cost is basically just your time, a bit of trial and error, and the occasional “why won’t this bloody cable stay hidden?” moment. But for a professional install, which is what we recommend if you want it done cleanly, safely, and without messing up your car’s electronics – you’re generally looking at around $150 to $300 for most standard setups (not including parts).
If you’re adding a rear camera, hardwiring for parking mode, or your vehicle is a little trickier (like a European model or ute with limited cable access), it could bump the price up a little. Still, it’s a once-off cost that pays for itself pretty quickly.
Why pay someone to do it when you can DIY?
Look, you can absolutely do it yourself if you’re handy. But, there are good reasons why people usually choose professional installation. First, there are no ugly cables hanging everywhere. Second, you won’t have to muck around with your car’s fuse box or risk draining your battery if you’re using parking mode. Third, there’s no risk of voiding your warranty by doing it wrong. And finally, it looks a lot neater. Plus, when it’s done professionally, you get peace of mind knowing your dash cam is always recording when it should – no missed moments, no dodgy connections.
So, is it actually worth the cost?
Short answer? Yep. Long answer? Here’s why. A dash cam gives you accident evidence if someone hits you and takes off, or there’s a disagreement over what happened. It helps with insurance claims too – more and more insurers are asking for footage, and having it can speed up claims or even save you from being blamed. If your dash cam is hardwired with parking mode, it can even record when someone dings your door or reverses into your bumper. Whether you’re leaving your car parked overnight or letting someone else borrow it, you’ve got an extra set of eyes on the road.
What type of dash cam should you go for?
Here’s a quick breakdown. Basic front-facing cams are great for budget setups and record everything in front of the car. Dual cam setups give you front and rear views, which is perfect for full coverage. Hardwired cams are more secure, run without plugging into the cigarette socket, and support parking mode. Wi-Fi and GPS models track your location, speed, and let you download footage straight to your phone. If you’re not sure what suits your car or your needs, just ask. At Autospark, we help customers choose the right setup every day.
Hidden costs to watch out for
The good news is, there usually aren’t many. But just in case, here’s what might come up. Hardwiring kits, if not included with the dash cam, can add an extra $30 to $70. Labour costs can be higher if you’ve got a fancy vehicle, extra panels, or need rear cam wiring through a ute tray. Higher quality footage means larger file sizes, so you’ll want a decent SD card too – 32GB minimum, but 64GB or more is even better.
Final thoughts
So, what’s the actual cost to install a dash cam? Ballpark, you’re looking at $300 to $700 total for a solid setup with pro installation. But when you think about what you’re getting – round-the-clock protection, evidence if things go wrong, lower stress on the road – it’s a pretty sweet deal. And unlike your streaming subscriptions or that gym membership you got in January, this one actually pays off when you need it most.
If you’re keen to get one installed, give us a shout. We’ll help you pick the right dash cam, install it cleanly, and make sure you’re good to go.
