Android Continuous Video Recording Driving App: Hawk Dashcam
Hawk is an Android dashcam app that records continuously while you drive, writing cryptographic integrity hashes to every clip so your footage holds up as evidence in insurance claims, police reports, or small-claims court.
What Continuous Recording Means in Hawk
Continuous recording on Android means Hawk keeps filming the moment you start driving and doesn't stop until you manually end the session or your phone runs out of storage. The app runs in the background, using loop recording so older clips roll off automatically when space runs low. Every clip gets a SHA-256 integrity hash written to its metadata, which proves the video hasn't been edited or tampered with. This evidence-grade integrity check is what separates a phone recording from something you can actually use in court. Hawk works on any Android phone mounted on your dashboard; you don't need to buy a separate hardware dashcam device.
How Continuous Recording Stays Admissible
Courts and insurance companies want proof your footage is genuine. Hawk solves this by attaching a cryptographic hash to every clip the moment it's recorded. Think of it as a digital seal that proves nothing changed between when Hawk saved the file and when you show it to an adjuster or police officer. When you export a dispute, Hawk bundles all your evidence into a ZIP file with a manifest that includes every hash, timestamps, GPS coordinates, and your device information. You can send this entire package to your insurer, the other driver's insurer, or a magistrate, and they can verify the integrity themselves. As of 2025, this approach is increasingly recognised as evidence-grade in UK small-claims and insurance dispute proceedings.
Free vs Pro: What's Included
The free version of Hawk records continuously but caps you at 10 clips per month with 7 days of storage retention. This is enough to test the app or handle occasional incidents. Local Pro (£3.99 per month, £39.99 per year, or £49.99 lifetime) removes all clip limits, gives you unlimited storage, adds biometric-locked evidence locker, one-tap dispute export, GPS overlay with speed data, trip map replay, and Siri Shortcuts for voice-save commands. Rideshare Pro (£8.99 per month or £69.99 per year) adds cabin camera recording, shift mode for multi-trip sessions, and passenger recording notices required in your jurisdiction. All Pro recordings sync to your own iCloud account; nothing uploads to MRVL servers unless you choose to export it.
Why Daily Commuters and Rideshare Drivers Use Hawk
Rideshare drivers face unique liability. A passenger claims they were injured, or another driver hits your car while you're transporting someone. Without evidence, your word against theirs costs money and time. Hawk's continuous recording and cabin camera option (Rideshare Pro) mean you have footage from multiple angles. New drivers often worry about liability too; continuous recording gives peace of mind on unfamiliar routes. Daily commuters benefit from the same protection: if someone rear-ends you or disputes fault at a red light, you have an immutable record. The GPS overlay shows your speed at the moment of impact, which can be decisive in determining fault. No subscription is required to start; you can try the free tier today.
Exporting Evidence for Insurance or Court
When you need your footage, Hawk exports it as a ZIP file in one tap. This ZIP includes all your clips, a manifest with SHA-256 hashes, timestamp data, GPS coordinates, and device metadata. You can send this directly to your insurance company, attach it to a police report, or hand it to a solicitor for a small-claims case. The integrity hashes prove the evidence is untampered. Many UK insurers now accept this kind of cryptographically verified footage because it's faster and cheaper than hiring an expert to authenticate a traditional dashcam recording. Hawk also supports Siri Shortcuts (Pro tier), so you can automate evidence saves with voice commands like 'Hey Siri, save incident' while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Technical Details: Recording Quality and Stability
Hawk uses cinematic optical-flow stabilisation to smooth out jitter from potholes and rough roads, so your footage stays watchable even on poor surfaces. The app respects your GDPR privacy settings; if you disable GPS overlay, timestamps and speed data won't be recorded. Battery drain is minimised because recording runs optimised in the background, and the app intelligently pauses when your phone is stationary (detecting parking). Loop recording means old files delete automatically, so you won't get warnings about storage unless you're actually running out of space. Rideshare Pro's shift mode is designed for drivers who do multiple trips; it automatically bundles separate rides into one session for easier review and export.
Start recording protected driving evidence with Hawk today.
Frequently asked questions
Does Hawk work on Android without a subscription?
Yes. The free version records continuously with a 10-clip monthly limit and 7 days of storage retention. Local Pro (£3.99/mo or £49.99 lifetime) removes limits and adds evidence locker, dispute export, and GPS overlay.
Is Hawk footage admissible in UK courts?
Hawk's SHA-256 integrity hashes provide cryptographic proof your footage hasn't been edited, which strengthens its admissibility. Always check your jurisdiction and consult a solicitor for specific legal advice, but many UK insurers and small-claims courts now accept this evidence-grade approach.
Can I record my passengers if I'm a rideshare driver?
Rideshare Pro includes cabin camera and passenger recording notices required by law in your area. Always comply with local regulations and inform passengers they may be recorded.
Does Hawk upload my data to MRVL servers?
No. Free clips stay on your phone; Pro clips sync to your own iCloud account. Nothing is automatically uploaded to MRVL unless you choose to export and send it yourself.
How much battery does continuous recording use?
Hawk is optimised for background recording and uses minimal battery. The app pauses recording when your phone is stationary, further reducing drain. Actual usage depends on your phone model and screen brightness.
What if I don't want GPS and speed data recorded?
You can disable GPS overlay in Hawk's GDPR privacy settings. Timestamps will still be recorded, but speed and coordinates won't be captured or included in exports.