Best Security Cameras for Parked Cars [24 Hours] (2023)

What camera can you use for car security?

1. A professional security camera or security camera system

The following is a real life example of 4K video that was captured by a Reolink security camera.

"After documents disappeared in my car, I decided to Playback the Security Cameras and found out that the robbery occurred that day." says xhevi_mass.

A professional security camera is the best option to monitor your parked car. They often also come with security monitoring features like motion detection and night vision to ensure your car is protected even when you're not around.

Security camera systems come with multiple cameras that cover every angle, so anyone trying to get into your vehicle will be caught on video.

2. Dual cameras

Dual dash cameras are a great option for car security if you're looking for something a little more affordable than a professional system.

These cameras record from the front and rear of your car, giving you a complete view of everything going on around your vehicle. They are also small and inconspicuous, so they easily go unnoticed.

The only drawback is that most dual cameras stop working as soon as the car engine is turned off.

3. Camera on the dash

An interior dash cam records images of the interior of your car. These cameras give you a clear view of everything going on in the cabin, so you can keep an eye on your passengers and make sure everyone is safe.

They are also useful for recording any accidents or incidents while driving, which can be beneficial if you need to file an insurance claim.

Benefits of using a professional security camera for your parked car

• Good quality of footage– Many security cameras record images in sharp HD or 4K quality. This allows you to see much better what is happening around your car. Images can also be used as evidence in crimes or for insurance claims. Some security cameras can capture a car's license plate number clearly and sharply, even at night.

• 24 hour security: Security cameras can provide surveillance for very long periods of time, although it depends on the availability of a power source.

• placement flexibility: Unlike dashcams, security cameras have more flexibility in where they can be installed. They can be set at different heights and angles depending on the areas you want to cover. Some cameras can automatically track and follow the movement of objects.

• Notifications and Alarm:Security cameras can send alerts and warnings as a notification to your phone, if they detect suspicious movements or sounds in your car, so you can be aware of what's going on around your car in your absence.

• audio: Some security cameras usually come withtwo-way audio, so you can hear and talk to whoever is on the other end.

License plate security cameras (or LPR cameras)These are security cameras that capture a car's license plate clearly and sharply, even at night. If your focus is being able to see the license plates of other cars driving past your parked car so you can investigate later, LPR cameras may be the right choice for you.

What to consider when choosing a security camera for your car

In addition to camera quality, there are other important factors to consider when choosing a car security camera. These factors are listed below:

Power source:

All cameras need some power to work, so security camera power supply is very important.

You can easily run cables to power the cameras if you park your car at home. However, if you park in a public garage or in places where the passage of power lines is difficult, you can resort to a battery-powered camera. You can also use in-car cameras such as dashcams that are powered by the car's engine.

Internet access:

Your car security camera would need internet connectivity to send images to the cloud or alert you to suspicious events.

While you can always connect most cameras to Wi-Fi, some places have poor internet signal. In such cases, you can always go for a WiFi signal booster or a camera like Reolink Go 4G Cellular Security Camera, which works without WiFi.

Choosing the right locationfor a car camera is important when it comes to car safety. The best place to place a car security camera is near an electrical outlet or router, this will ensure that the camera stays connected to the Internet and captures clear video.

Night vision:

Night vision is essential in all types of security cameras. Since you would likely park your car overnight, it makes sense to use dark-enabled cameras to keep an eye on your vehicle while you sleep.

Motion sensors:

This is also an essential skill of all types of security cameras, especially for car security. Cameras with this feature can alert you when they detect movement around your car.

When you can't use a professional security camera

Professional security cameras are great and all, but there are situations where sometimes you can't use them for your car. For example, the law does not allow the installation of a security camera in public places.

In other cases, you may find yourself parked on the side of the road or in a parking lot for a few minutes where it is not possible to install a camera.

In these cases, a dash cam can be your best friend.

1. Dash Cams

Also known as dash cams, they are small cameras placed in cars that record a view of what is happening on the road ahead of the driver. Some rear-facing dash cams record the driver and what is happening in the vehicle. Other types, known as dual dash cams, provide a 360-degree view of events around the car.

Dash cams are designed to easily mount to your dashboard or windshield and start recording with the push of a button.

Most dashcams are intended for outdoor surveillance. Its wide-angle lenses, up to 180 degrees, allow a wide field of vision. Additionally, some have night vision capabilities, allowing them to work when it is dark.

2. Car Interior Dash Cams

These are the dash cams that face the driver. They capture images in the car and are especially useful for Uber and Lyft drivers, who may encounter unruly passengers. They are also valuable as evidence whenever a crime occurs.

Similarly, car rental companies, logistics companies, and cold chain providers use in-dash cameras to provide insight into how their cars are being used.

In-dash cameras can sometimes be reused for monitoring outside of the vehicle. This does work, however it is limited and it is better to use a dual panel camera.

Safety tips for parking your car overnight

Parking your car outside overnight has its risks. While these issues are certainly cause for concern, there are a few things you can do to help keep your car safe.

• Park in a safe, well-lit area.Where you park exposes your car to different levels of risk. For example, parking on the street can cause your vehicle to be vandalized or run over. On the other hand, parking in a garage can expose your car to theft. When choosing a parking space, it is best to choose a well-lit area or an area monitored for security.

  (Video) 24-Hour Parked Vehicle Security Cameras In Extreme Night View & Low Resolution Setting

• Remove all valuables from your car before leaving it overnight..This will reduce the temptation of thieves and minimize losses if your car is broken into.

• Invest in a good security system.This is generally the most reliable method. These can be cameras, alarms and security sensors. Each of these, individually or together, will actively deter thieves and generally keep your car safe.

Safety tips against car theft and vandalism

It's every car owner's worst nightmare: going out to your car and finding out that someone else has stolen or damaged it. Unfortunately, auto theft is a very real problem and it can happen to anyone.

1. Tips for the prevention of car theft

Don't leave your vehicle running, especially if you have an auto start button on your key fob. It only takes a minute or two for someone to steal your car or valuables.

Go to our top 12car theft prevention tipsand tactics to prevent your car from being stolen or mugged.

2. How to recover the stolen car

There are a few things you can do to increase your chances of recovering your stolen vehicle.

For example, be sure to file a stolen car report with the police as soon as possible. This will provide them with a record of the theft and help them keep an eye on your car.

If you have a GPS device installed in your car, you can use it to locate your stolen vehicle.

Access our complete guide towhat to do when your car is stolen.

3. About car vandalism

Whether someone is stealing, vandalizing, stealing, or damaging your parked car, it can be difficult to catch the culprit in the act.

If your car has not been attacked by carjackers, thieves, or vandals, make sure your car is insured, locked, and parked safely in well-lit areas and parked legally. Also, do not leave valuables or electronic devices in sight and keep your car tidy and clean.

Access our complete guide toHow to catch someone tampering with your car.

3 Types of Car Security Cameras and Camera Recommendations

There are different types of security cameras that you can choose from depending on where you want to install them.

1. PoE cameras, best for a car parked near your house

If you want to keep an eye on your car while it's parked near your home, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera would be a good option.

PoE cameras are easy to install and do not require a separate power supply as they are powered by the Ethernet cable, which provides a connection to the Internet. They also tend to be more affordable than other security cameras and generally work better.

2. Battery operated car security cameras when there is no power around

They are ideal for car security when there is no power source nearby, such as in a remote parking lot. Their batteries typically last several months, and the cameras can be set to only record when motion is detected, further extending battery life.

3. 4G wireless cameras for your car in remote areas

These are suitable in remote areas without power and Wi-Fi connectivity.Security cameras that use SIM cardsthey are also known as 4G LTE cameras. They run on cellular networks and solar/battery power instead of Wi-Fi and power lines.

These cameras use cellular data to send images to your phone or computer and can work anywhere 4G cellular network is available. They are also usually inexpensive and easy to install.

Tips for selecting a dash cam as a car security camera

It would be better if you keep a few things in mind when choosing a dash cam:

• First, make sure the dash cam you choose has aparking mode. Since many dashcams are powered by the car battery, they stop working as soon as the engine is turned off. Parking mode allows the dash cam to continue to work even when the vehicle is turned off to provide constant surveillance.

• If you opt for a battery-powered dash cam, make sure you choose one that can last.Enough timeFor your needs

• Use dashcams that can be linked to your devices. This allows them to send alerts to their phones or computers when an event occurs. It is also recommended to use 4G cameras with cell phones so that they can work without WiFi signals.

• Finally,low light performanceis another crucial factor to consider. Ideally, your dash cams should be able to record images in the dark.

Introducing Tesla's 'Sentinel' Mode

This is a great example of a car security camera that continues to record after the car engine is turned off.

Tesla's 'Sentinel' mode turns your car into a surveillance camera capable of deterring would-be thieves and catching vandals in the act.

In-car cameras start recording when they detect threats, such as someone leaning against the car or trying to break the windows. Images are stored on a pre-inserted USB drive for later review.

You can also set up an alert system to notify you if something happens while you're away from your car. 'Sentinel' mode is a great way to get a little more peace of mind and is just another example of Tesla's commitment to innovation and safety.

Conclusion

There are countless stories of how car security cameras thwarted criminal plans and also as evidence in a criminal investigation. In addition to the security benefits, cameras also help drivers make better decisions, knowing they are constantly under surveillance.

Whether for personal or official use, the benefits of car security cameras make them an essential driving accessory in today's world.