Dash Cam Footage and Commercial Truck Insurance Claims

Preservation is urgent and time-limited

Most dash cameras use loop recording that overwrites older footage automatically when storage is full. After any incident—accident, near-miss, cargo damage allegation, or theft—the involved footage must be manually locked, downloaded, or copied before overwrite occurs. Many cameras have an event-lock triggered by impact or a manual button that can be used at the scene. Some telematics systems automatically upload footage triggered by hard braking or impact events, but this should be confirmed before relying on it.

Sharing footage through the right channel

• Provide footage to the insurer or claim adjuster through the designated claim contact—not directly to another party
• Do not post footage to social media, share on public platforms, or allow copying by unauthorized parties
• Do not provide raw footage to the other party's attorney or insurer without first consulting your claim representative or legal counsel
• Keep the original file—do not edit, trim, or enhance the footage before submitting it to the claim
• Document when footage was copied, who handled it, and where the original is stored

When there is no footage or footage is absent

Absence of footage does not automatically hurt a claim, but it shifts the evidentiary discussion to other sources: witnesses, police reports, ELD records, physical evidence, and driver account. A camera that malfunctioned, was improperly installed, or was on a loop that was not preserved may raise questions about the carrier's safety procedures in addition to the specific incident.