0% intro APR for 15 months from account openi… Chase Freedom Flex ® Credit Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Buy a Dual Dash Cam Without Paying Full Price

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Dual Dash Cam Without Paying Full Price

Protect your car and your wallet by timing your dash cam purchase right and spreading out the cost.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $350 before anything else
Across the 0% window $19.44/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $350 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Driving around without a dash cam is a gamble these days. Between aggressive drivers and mysterious parking lot dents, having a front and rear setup gives you actual peace of mind. Running this gear usually costs about $350 once you factor in the hardware and a clean professional install.

You can save a chunk of change by buying during spring auto tech sales or major holiday promos when prices dip. Don't try to negotiate the price of an install at the shop like you would a used car; instead, shop around for the best labor rate and let your payment plan handle the cash flow.

The intro window is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, deferred interest or standard rates will kick in on what you owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Pick your window

    Wait for spring auto tech sales or major holiday promos to grab your front and rear dash cam setup for around $350. Buying during a sale means you get better hardware for less money upfront.

  2. 02

    Line up your financing

    If you want to space out the payments, use the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card which offers 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. That breaks the $350 cost down to about $19.44 per month.

  3. 03

    Book the installation

    Call a few local auto electronics shops to compare labor rates for a hidden wire install. A clean install keeps your sightlines clear and avoids messy cords dangling across your dash.

  4. 04

    Test the footage

    Once it is installed, format a high-end micro SD card and check the app connection immediately. Make sure both lenses capture crisp video and the rear camera is not blocked by your defroster lines.

  5. 05

    Set your auto-pay

    Divide your total by the months you have left and set up automatic monthly payments. Staying on top of it ensures you never miss a beat.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

How much does a dual dash cam cost to install?

The hardware and professional installation usually run around $350 total. Shops typically charge by the hour or a flat rate for hidden wire setups.

Can I install a front and rear dash cam myself?

You can, but running the wire for the rear camera through the headliner and tailgate boot takes patience. Paying a shop ensures the wires stay out of sight and do not interfere with side curtain airbags.

What size micro SD card do I need?

Most dual dash cams require at least a 128GB or 256GB high-endurance card. Cheaper cards wear out fast from the constant rewriting of video loops.

Do dash cams drain the car battery?

Not if you use a hardwire kit with a low-voltage cutoff. This prevents the camera from recording once your car battery drops below a safe level.