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Dash Cam Footage in Australia: What To Do After a Crash
Heart's racing, adrenaline's up, and everyone's swapping stories on the side of the road. Your dash cam was rolling - so what now?
At The Dash Cam Guys, we see it all the time: great footage that goes to waste because it wasn't handled correctly. This guide explains how to lock down your footage and share it with police and insurers the right way.
Step-by-Step: What to Do After an Incident
1. The Roadside Essentials Checklist
- Snap the Scene: Wide photos of the cars plus close-ups of the damage.
- ID the Driver: Photo of their Driver's Licence (front and back).
- The Basics: Full name, phone number, and current address.
- Vehicle Details: Rego, make, model, and colour of all cars involved.
- Witnesses: Grab name and number of anyone who stopped to help.
2. Secure the Camera Footage Immediately
- Backup via Mobile App: Save the footage to your phone while still on-site. Grab both Front and Rear footage.
- Stop Loop Recording: Power the camera down or remove the microSD card so the accident clip isn't overwritten.
- Make Double Backups: Copy raw files to a computer and a cloud drive with clear folder names like 2026-01-27_Melb_CBD_Accident.
3. Do Not Edit or Alter the Quality
Altering the file can strip away vital metadata like GPS coordinates, speed and G-Sensor information. Provide the raw, untouched file to establish authenticity with an insurer or police.
4. Submitting Footage to Police
Many Australian states allow online crash reporting. Prepare a brief cover note with incident date, time, exact location and vehicle registrations.
5. Using Footage for Insurance Claims
Ask your insurer for their preferred delivery method. Use WeTransfer or Google Drive for large files.
The Dash Cam Guys Perspective
The biggest mistake we see is panic-formatting - people accidentally wipe their cards. Spend the extra dollars on a genuine high-endurance microSD card and keep a spare in your glovebox so you can swap it out immediately after an accident.
FAQ
Is it legal to record other drivers?
Generally yes, on public roads in Australia. Check your state's laws regarding recording private conversations (audio).
Should I edit the clip to highlight the impact?
No. Provide the unedited original. Attach a separate note with specific timestamps if needed.
How do I prevent file corruption?
Use high-endurance cards and format them in-camera once a month.