David had always thought of brake inspections as just another expense. He believed if the brakes were working fine, why worry about regular checks? That was until a minor incident occurred—a sudden stop on the highway resulted in a fender-bender with a car in front of him. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured, but the insurance claim that followed made David realise just how crucial his vehicle’s maintenance was for both safety and insurance rates.
Just like David, many vehicle owners are unaware that regular brake inspections play a significant role in their vehicle insurance policy. In Ontario, insurers often consider the condition of your vehicle’s key safety features when determining your premium. Properly maintained brakes not only keep you safer on the road but can also help you avoid complications in the event of an accident. Failing to keep your vehicle in roadworthy condition may increase the risk of a crash and negatively impact your claims history and insurance rates.
Here’s everything Ontario drivers need to know about the importance of regular brake inspections.
The most serious financial risk drivers face when neglecting brake maintenance is the possibility of an insurer denying or reducing a claim.
Every car insurance policy in Ontario requires the vehicle owner to maintain the vehicle in a safe and roadworthy condition. If you fail to do so, it may be considered a breach of contract.
The “breach of policy” scenario
Imagine this: You are involved in a rear-end collision. Your policy covers you for liability and damage. However, the insurer investigates the accident and finds your brakes were severely worn—well past the point of being safe or legal. They may argue that the crash was not simply an unforeseen event but a direct result of the driver’s failure to maintain a critical safety system.
Claim denial: If the insurer can show that the poor condition of your brakes directly contributed to the accident, they may refuse to pay the claim or reduce the payout.
Out-of-pocket costs: You could be held personally responsible for all damages, including repair costs for your vehicle and the other driver’s vehicle, along with any legal or medical expenses. This undermines the protection that collision and liability coverage is meant to provide.
In essence, neglecting brake inspections in Ontario puts your entire insurance coverage at risk.
Even if brake issues do not result in a claim denial, they can still impact your insurance premiums over time.
A vehicle with worn brakes takes longer to stop, increasing the likelihood of a collision—especially in stop-and-go traffic.
At-fault record: Being found at fault for an accident stays on your driving record for approximately six years in Ontario. This is one of the leading factors that causes insurance premiums to rise.
Surcharge: Insurers often apply a surcharge to your premium for several years following an at-fault accident. This can add up to thousands of dollars.
Pro tip: Keeping your brakes in top condition is one of the most effective ways to maintain a clean driving record and protect your low rates.
While insurers do not offer a direct discount for brake maintenance, keeping your vehicle safe helps preserve other discounts.
Insurance discount category:
Accident-free discount: Properly functioning brakes reduce the risk of crashes that could void this discount.
Usage-based insurance (UBI): UBI programs often track events like hard braking. A well-maintained brake system helps avoid these events, leading to better UBI scores and maximum savings.
Ontario law requires all vehicles on the road to be safe. Brake condition is a key part of this requirement.
What is the Ontario Safety Standards Certificate?The Safety Standards Certificate (SSC) certifies that a vehicle meets the minimum safety requirements set by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) at the time of inspection. You need an SSC when:
Transferring vehicle ownership (to or from a non-spouse).
Registering a vehicle from outside Ontario.
Registering a rebuilt vehicle.
Changing a vehicle’s status from "unfit" to "fit."
Brake systems must meet minimum standards to pass an MTO-certified inspection. For example, brake-shoe lining must maintain a certain thickness, which varies depending on the type of braking system (disc, drum, hydraulic, or electric).
This standard represents the legal minimum. Driving a vehicle with brakes below this threshold violates Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and puts you at risk.
If a police officer or MTO official determines your brakes are unsafe, they may take action.
Fines and tickets: You may be fined for operating an unsafe vehicle.
Vehicle removal: The vehicle could be removed from the road. This leads to towing costs, delays, and repairs.
Insurance liability: If you crash while driving an unsafe vehicle, your insurer may reduce or deny your claim.
Although the MTO does not require regular brake inspections for all vehicles, automotive experts strongly recommend following a consistent schedule. Ontario’s climate, with its harsh winters and salted roads, speeds up brake wear.
Recommended inspection frequency:
General guideline: At least once per year.
During seasonal tyre changes: Twice per year (spring and autumn).
Based on mileage: Every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres.
For high-use vehicles: Every six months if you drive in heavy traffic, tow, or live in hilly areas.
Even with regular checks, pay attention to these warning signs:
Squealing noise: Often from wear indicators built into the pads.
Grinding sound: Signals that the pads are worn through and the rotors are being damaged.
Soft or spongy pedal: Could mean air in the brake lines or fluid issues.
Vibrations: May indicate warped rotors and reduced braking efficiency.
It is a common myth that insurance covers all vehicle issues. In reality, maintenance is the owner's responsibility.
Car insurance—including collision and comprehensive coverage—protects against sudden, unexpected events like accidents, theft, and fire. It does not cover wear and tear.
Brake pads, rotors, tyres, fluids, and spark plugs are all part of regular upkeep. These costs always fall to the vehicle owner.
By maintaining your brakes, you protect yourself, your passengers, and your wallet. You also help ensure your vehicle meets Ontario’s legal safety standards and avoid the worst-case insurance outcome: a claim denied due to poor maintenance.
For peace of mind and financial protection, make brake inspections a routine part of your car care schedule.
Want to learn more about brake inspections and their impact on your car insurance?Consult with our licensed and trusted insurance brokers. At Begin Insurance, we know that protecting your vehicle requires more than just a policy; it requires informed decisions. We are here to guide you and answer all your queries regarding vehicle insurance and the factors that can influence it, including brake inspections.
Our goal is to help you choose the right coverage as per your needs and lifestyle by providing you with the necessary information. We compare coverages from top insurance providers in Canada and help our clients customize a policy that fits their life and budget. Request a free quote today and learn which vehicle insurance coverage will be best for your car.
Posted May 29, 2025