Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are small video cameras mounted on a vehicle's dashboard or windshield. They record everything that happens while you drive. These cameras can be incredibly helpful when it comes to making insurance claims after an accident. Here’s how:

1. Clear Evidence of Accidents: Dash cams capture real-time video footage of the road and traffic conditions. If you get into an accident, this footage can show exactly what happened. It provides a clear and unbiased account of the incident, which can help prove who was at fault.

2. Preventing Fraud: Unfortunately, some people stage accidents to make false insurance claims. Dash cam footage can reveal these staged accidents, helping to prevent fraud and ensuring that only legitimate claims are processed.

3. Speeding Up Claims: With clear video evidence from a dash cam, the insurance claims process can be much faster. The footage provides concrete proof, reducing the back-and-forth often required to establish what happened during an accident. This means you can get your claim settled and your car repaired more quickly.

4. Supporting Your Statement: When filing a claim, you usually need to describe the accident. Dash cam footage can support your statement, providing a visual account of what you say happened. This makes your claim credible when there are multiple sides damages in the same accident. 

5. Capturing Hit-and-Runs: If you're involved in a hit-and-run accident, where the other driver flees the scene, a dash cam can be invaluable. It might capture the fleeing vehicle's license plate number, making it easier for the authorities to track down the driver and hold them accountable.

Dash cams serve as an extra set of eyes on the road, providing crucial evidence that can protect you and your vehicle. They help ensure that the insurance claims process is fair, accurate, and efficient.