Dash Cam Install Cost: What You Really Need to Know Before You Pay

If you are thinking about getting a dash cam for your car, you may be curious about how much it costs to install. People who drive often ask this question when they want to feel safer and more at ease. You can make a wise choice by knowing the actual dash cam installation cost. Knowing how much something costs and what it comes with can save you time, stress, and extra money, whether you are buying your first camera or an upgrade to a front and back system.

Professional dash cam installation leaves you with a clean, reliable setup that does not have any wires hanging around. It costs something different for each camera type and each car style. Depending on how advanced your dash cam is and how much work is required, dash cam installation typically costs between $50 and $200.

• Front Dash Cam: This is the simplest type of dashcam available. It is usually mounted on your windshield and plugged into the power outlet.
• Front and Rear Dash Cam: In this setup, two separate cameras are used which require more wiring, especially for the rear view.
• Mirror Dash Cam: This replaces your rearview mirror and often comes with a rear camera too. These types of dashcams need careful handling and might cost a little more than normal versions.

Modern electronics and high-end trim materials in high-end cars like BMWs often make installation harder. Installers need to be careful not to damage delicate parts. If you want a clean end, the wiring has to be routed exactly. The cost of installation is usually around $150 to $300.

Tesla cars have complex systems and technology that are built in which makes it harder to install. Technicians need to be careful with the sensors and screens inside the car. The price usually runs from $180 to $350, but this extra work and care make it cost more.

Larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs need longer wires and the bigger interior space takes more time to route cables. Rear camera placement also becomes trickier. Dash cam installation costs for these types usually range from $130 to $250.

High-end materials in luxury cars need to be handled with more care and sometimes special tools are needed. To protect the inside, installers have to work more slowly. It costs an extra $150 to $280 because of this extra time.

Sports cars often have tighter cabin spaces, making it harder to reach mounting points and run wiring. Installers may need creative solutions to complete the job. The cost of installing a dash cam in sports cars usually falls between $140 and $270.

For cable routing, some cars are easy to get to, while others need panels to be taken off. As a result, installation takes longer and costs more if the wiring path is stopped or hidden.

More care needs to be taken with cars that have high-end seats like leather trim or custom panels. Installers move more slowly and carefully to protect the look of your car, which takes longer and costs more.

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, require longer cable lengths and longer installation times, especially for back cameras. How far it is from front to back takes more time and costs more money.

Some vehicles come with tightly secured panels or hidden fasteners. Removing these without causing damage takes more skill and more time, adding to the overall installation cost.

High-tech vehicles often have extra sensors or airbags inside panels. Installers must work around these safely. This means more planning, precision and higher labor time which affects the price.

The kind of dash cam you choose has a big impact on the final installation cost. Single-channel cams are easier to set up. Multi-channel cams which record front and rear views, take more time because of added wiring. The more parts your camera has, the more labor is needed.

Different brands and models come with different levels of installation difficulty. A standard sedan is usually simple. But high-end cars like BMW or Tesla have unique parts, tight spaces and sensitive panels. Installers must move more slowly to avoid damage which adds to your cost.

If you want your dash cam wires hidden, the installer will need to route them under the headliner, along the A-pillars and behind trim panels. This process makes your car look clean, but it also takes extra time and patience. Clean cable work often increases labor charges.

How you power your dash cam matters. If it plugs into a cigarette lighter port, it's quick and easy. But if you want it hardwired to the fuse box, the installer has to open panels and connect wires safely. This adds extra steps and raises the total price.

Some dash cams come with features like GPS, parking mode or reverse camera functions. These features need extra wiring or modules. The installer has to carefully mount and test everything which takes longer than a basic setup and leads to higher labor costs.

Yes, if you care about clean setup and professional results. Paying a bit more means you don’t have to worry about loose wires or incorrect power connections. A proper install helps your camera perform better and keeps your car’s interior neat. It's also a good way to avoid damaging your vehicle’s electronics.

• You learn more about your car's electrical system, not pay someone else to do it, and save money on it. Being hands-on also helps you learn how the camera works.
• You learn more about your car's electrical system, not pay someone else to do it, and save money on labor. You can also learn how the camera works by using it yourself.

• The trim on your car or the wires could get messed up, which would make your dash cam not work. Also, making mistakes could mean you need a pro anyway.
• Do-it-yourself projects can be hard if you are not good with tools or your car's systems. Short circuits or bad camera angles could happen because of a lack of knowledge.

Read more: How to Install Dash Cam

• Experts know what they’re doing, so the result looks clean and works reliably. Installers also have the right tools and knowledge to deal with tricky car models.
• A professional job means neatly hidden wires, stable power connections and cameras positioned for the best angle. You also get peace of mind knowing it’s done right.

• You’ll spend more because of labor costs. Installers charge based on complexity and time.
• It can be hard to book, especially during busy times. You might have to wait a few days to get an interview.

RedTiger dash cams are designed for easy installation. With our easy step-by-step guides, you can do it yourself, which makes it a great choice.

How much does a dash cam installation cost? It varies depending on the type of dash cam you have, your car, and whether you do it yourself or hire someone to do it. Many drivers love how easy it is to set up a RedTiger dash cam on their own, even though professional installation gives you peace of mind. Ensuring your drive or keeping records is important, and a properly placed dash cam is worth the time.

Can I pay someone to install a dash cam?

Yes, you can hire a pro to install your dash cam. Many shops do this. The price usually starts around $50 but can be more based on your car and setup.

Do dashcams need to be professionally installed?

No, you don’t have to pay a pro. If your dash cam plugs into the power outlet, you can do it yourself. Complex setups are easier with help.

Can I install a dashcam myself?

Yes, you can. Just follow the steps in the manual and take your time. RedTiger dash cams are designed so you can install them without much trouble.

Are dashcams difficult to install?

No, they aren’t hard if you follow the guide. Some take longer if they need hardwiring, but you can still do it if you're patient and careful.