This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules on using and sharing footage differ between countries and insurers.
1. Letting the camera overwrite the clip
Dash cams record in a loop and delete the oldest files when the card fills — sometimes within an hour of driving. After an incident, press the camera's lock or emergency button if it has one, and copy the files off the card as soon as it's safe. Don't keep driving for hours "and deal with it later".
2. Copying only the moment of impact
The seconds before an incident often matter most: speed, lane position, signals, traffic lights. Copy the whole folder, including segments before and after, and the rear camera's files if you have one.
3. Handing over only an edited version
Trimmed, captioned clips are easier to watch, but an insurer or investigator may want to know the footage wasn't altered. Keep the original files untouched, and share them alongside any edited viewing copy.
4. Over-editing the evidence copy
For insurers or police, keep the viewing copy simple: trim to a sensible window around the incident, perhaps add a text card with date, time and location. Avoid filters, speed changes within the incident, music or cuts that skip moments — any of them can raise doubts.
5. Trusting the camera's clock blindly
Dash cam clocks drift, and many don't adjust for daylight saving time. Note the difference between the camera's timestamp and the real time (compare with your phone's call log or a clock visible in the footage) and mention it when you submit the video.
6. Posting it online straight away
Sharing a clip publicly while a claim or investigation is open can complicate things, and it exposes other people — drivers, passengers, pedestrians — who didn't consent. If you do share it later, blur faces and cover number plates, and remove audio of conversations. See our privacy guide.
7. Sending a file nobody can open
Many dash cams record MPEG transport streams (.ts files), sometimes in HEVC, which lots of computers and phones won't play. Send an MP4 viewing copy as well. VDOAPP can open .ts files and export MP4 in your browser without uploading the footage — useful when the video is sensitive.
A quick checklist
- Lock the clip; copy the whole folder, front and rear.
- Keep originals untouched and backed up in two places.
- Make a simple MP4 viewing copy with a clear file name, e.g.
2026-10-01_0815_roundabout.mp4. - Note any clock difference.
- Check with your insurer before posting anything publicly.
For the editing steps in detail, read how to edit dash cam footage.