A dash cam has become an essential piece of equipment for car owners. Whether you need extra security, want to record accidents, or keep an eye on your vehicle while it’s parked, dash cams offer valuable protection. But one common question remains—how much does it actually cost to install a dash cam, and is it worth the investment?
On average, professional dash cam installation costs between $200 to $400 depending on the car and features. DIY installation won’t cost you much in dollar terms, however will cost you time and more importantly a big compromise on advanced dash cam features. This guide is brought to you by Schmicko, we’ll break down the price, compare DIY vs professional installation, and help you decide if it’s worth the cost for your vehicle.
When you pay for dash cam installation, the cost covers the installation and labour associated with it. This may include the installation of a front dash camera, front and rear facing or at times 3 channels all the way to 5 channel dashcam systems. For those looking for a more advanced install, can also consider adding accessories to the list such as GPS modules, extra interior cams, external batteries and so on.
A professional dash cam installation typically, involves mounting the camera securely for maximal coverage, field of view angles, and sturdiness, hardwiring it to your car’s electrical system such as the fuse box, and ensuring everything works properly. Very few services would offer additional features like a warranty, which fortunately for you, we provide. Whether you drive a Toyota Corolla or a hybrid electric car like a Tesla, professional installation ensures the dash cam integrates smoothly with your car’s electronics.
For full coverage, it’s worth booking a professional dash cam installation service to ensure proper wiring, clean mounting, and feature setup.
Installing a dash cam yourself can save you money upfront, but it requires time and skill. You’ll need to learn how to install the camera, which could lead to issues like visible wires or a messy setup. Without professional help, you risk damaging your car’s electrical system, voiding your warranty, or having a dash cam that doesn’t function properly. If you’re unsure about the installation process, seeking expert help is a safe option, especially with advanced models like BlackVue, Thinkware, RedTiger, Viofo etc. If you are looking to hardwire it yourself, we advise highly against this as using the wrong fuses can seriously damage your ECU or affect your safety settings like the airbag deployment. If you do plan to DIY, it should only be via the cigarette lighter socket along the front console, although this is a messy installation with the overhanging wires.
The cost of installing a dash cam depends on factors like the type of vehicle, the features of the dash cam, and whether you choose DIY or professional installation.
The cost of installation varies based on your vehicle. For your regular-sized vehicles, hatchback, coupes, and sedan, you may pay around $200–$300 for a professional installation, assuming it is a single or dual channel dash cam for your standard non-electric vehicle. Larger cars like SUVs or trucks may cost between $250–$400 due to more complex wiring. Adding a rear camera or accessories like an external battery can increase the price. If you choose DIY, you can save money but need to factor in tool costs and the potential for costly mistakes that can disrupt your car’s ECU and safety settings, such as airbag deployment.
If you’re trying to estimate how much to budget for a dash cam install, the table below provides an at-a-glance comparison of typical costs based on vehicle type and installation method.
These are average estimates for Australian drivers. If you’re located in NSW, you can view our mobile dash cam installation services in Sydney for accurate pricing and on-site setup options.
Dash cam installation services offer different packages. Standard services typically cover the installation of a front-facing camera with simple wiring and setup, costing $150–$250. Premium services, including rear-facing cameras, hardwiring, and parking mode, cost between $300 and $450. These packages may also include extra testing and setup. For example, if you’re getting a Viofo dash cam with Wi-Fi and GPS features, you will want it to feed directly to your SD card.
While most installation services are straightforward, there are a few extra costs you should be aware of.
If your dashcam doesn’t include a hardwiring kit, you will need to buy one separately. These kits typically cost between $30 to $70, depending on your dash cam brand, some models may have it inclusive, but majority of the time it is not. If your vehicle requires more complex wiring or additional features like an electric battery for parking mode, this can add more time and cost to the installation. Additionally, if you’re using high-definition footage, you might need a larger SD card (128GB or more), which could add another $20 to $50 (not to the installation, just the initial cost). Some to mention that should also be included on this list are ute canopies, hybrid/electric cars, convertible tops and so on.
The type of vehicle you drive can affect the cost of installation. Cars like the Toyota Corolla may have simpler electrical systems, making the installation quicker and cheaper. In contrast, vehicles with more complex electrical layouts, such as luxury models or those with advanced electronics, may require additional time, increasing the labour costs. If your car needs extra accessories like an external battery or rear cameras, this will also add to the overall cost.
There are many types of dash cams to choose from, so it’s important to pick one that suits your needs.
Basic dash cams only record what’s in front of your car, otherwise known as front facing or single channel dash cams. On the other hand, we always recommend getting a dual-camera systems record both the front and rear views, which is great for full coverage. Dual-camera setups are ideal if you drive in busy areas or want extra security while parking. Basic models usually cost between $200 to $300, while dual-camera setups can range from $250 to $900, depending on which tier you opt for as many brands generally have their budget range to premium. Popular brands like BlackVue, Garmin and Viofo offer dual-camera setups with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, real-time footage transfer, and parking mode.
When choosing a dashcam, think about useful features. Features like GPS tracking, Wi-Fi connectivity, and parking mode can add to the price of your dash cam unit. For example, Wi-Fi allows you to transfer footage to your phone easily. If you need better clarity, it might be worth investing in a high-quality camera or a dash cam with Wi-Fi for convenience. Generally for more advanced features or higher quality functions, you will need to opt for the flagship premium models as opposed to the economical tiers.
Dash cams offer real value—capturing accidents, deterring theft, and speeding up insurance claims. While the upfront cost may seem subsequently high, the long-term benefits often outweigh it. Whether you drive a hatchback or a Toyota Corolla, it’s a smart investment for peace of mind. Having a dash cam, is like having insurance. Everyone questions it’s worth but until you get into an accident, you will be very grateful that you had one in the first place.
Ready to get started? Research trusted brands like BlackVue or Viofo, and book with a professional installer like Schmicko. You can also explore our car care services in Sydney to keep your vehicle protected year-round.
author, Automotive tech expert
I am a proficient writer with a preference in creating engaging and informative car content, particularly focused on the Australian automotive industry. With a relentless hunger to deliver car owners and drivers across the world with the latest emerging trends and innovations in the car space, you have tuned into the right place.
