The number of driver-assistance safety features available to car buyers has exploded in recent years. From automatic braking to blind spot detection, modern vehicles are packed with technology designed to prevent crashes and protect passengers. But with so many features available, it’s easy to get confused about what each one does — and how it can affect your insurance.
Below, we break down the most common car safety features, how they work, and how they can help you save money on your car insurance in Ontario.
What are the most common car safety features?
Several car safety features are considered mandatory under Ontario and Canadian regulations, while others are optional or come as part of upgraded trim packages. The most common standard safety features include:
- Airbags
- Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Rearview Camera
Newer vehicles often add Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as:
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Driver Attention Monitoring
These systems work together to reduce collisions and protect drivers — particularly helpful for seniors, new drivers, and anyone facing heavy Ontario traffic.
Active vs. Passive Car Safety Features
Yes. If an accident occurs while driving your car, the passive safety features help to reduce the risk of injury during impact. Safety belts and airbags fall into this category. Active safety features are implemented to prevent accidents. These include traction control, braking systems, advanced driver assist, and collision warning.
Why Are Car Safety Features Important?
Car safety features lower the chances of an accident. However, this does not mean you can ignore checking your blind spots and mirrors. They can help you stay safe and provide you with peace of mind, knowing you have an extra layer of protection in place.
What Are the Most Critical Safety Features in a Car?
The three-point seat belt remains the most critical safety feature ever invented. According to the NHTSA, wearing a seat belt in the front seat cuts your risk of a fatal injury by nearly 50%.
Other crucial features include:
- Anti-lock brakes (ABS) – Prevents wheel lock-up during emergency stops.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Helps you stay in control on slippery roads.
- Airbags – Reduce injury in the event of a collision.
- Backup cameras – Eliminates rear blind spots.
As of 2025, many vehicles also include automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, which can significantly reduce rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
Do All Safety Features Come Standard on New Cars?
No. Many government-mandated safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags, are standard in every car. Beyond these and ABS, safety features are typically optional and vary between car companies and types of trim offered by each.
Read on to learn more about mandatory safety features for vehicles in Canada.
Can I Add Car Safety Features Myself?
Yes, some aftermarket safety features can be added to older vehicles. Some are DIY-friendly, while others require professional installation.
Examples include:
- Parking sensors or backup cameras – Around $300, can often be installed at home.
- Blind spot detection systems – $200–$500; professional installation recommended.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) – Starting around $200 for retrofit kits.
- Remote starter packages – $300–$400, depending on your vehicle model.
One example is the FenSens Parking Sensor, which installs on your license plate and connects to your smartphone to provide proximity alerts.
Insurance Tip: If you install aftermarket safety technology, please notify your isure broker. Some features may qualify you for discounts, while others may require extra coverage for repair or replacement.
The most important thing you can do to protect your life is to buckle your seat belt; safety belts save lives! Additionally, many advanced safety features, such as forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, can help you avoid accidents.
Is Insurance Cheaper in a Safer Car?
Generally, yes. Cars with higher safety ratings tend to have lower insurance premiums because they reduce the likelihood of injury or damage claims. Insurers evaluate how well a vehicle protects its occupants, how costly it is to repair, and how often it’s involved in collisions.
Car Safety Features That Can Lower Insurance Premiums
Airbags and Seat Belts
Some insurance companies may lower your car insurance rates if you have newer, automated seatbelts. Others may offer discounts for passenger-side and side-impact airbags. Updating these features can qualify you for better deals and increase the safety of your vehicle.
Collision Monitoring and Blind Spot Alerts
These car safety devices reduce the likelihood of accidents and insurance claims resulting from collisions. Many new vehicles come standard with these accident-avoidance systems. If you’re considering having these safety features installed, please check with your insurance provider to make sure they offer this discount.
Anti-Theft Tools and Devices
Whether these have been installed or come standard with your vehicle, alarms and navigation systems can make you eligible for insurance discounts. You can receive discounts of up to 10-25% off your total premium. Any technology that makes your car less likely to be targeted for theft, in turn, makes you less risky to be insured.
Labor for car alarm installation will cost between $50 and $200, depending on the complexity of the alarm system and the type of vehicle you have.
Sign-Up for Usage-Based Insurance (UBI) or Telematics
Telematics works by adopting onboard technology or mobile applications to monitor your driving habits. It then uses the information it gathers to reward safe driving habits with discounted premiums. Drivers can save between 10% and 30% on their annual car insurance premiums if the data collected indicates that they practice safe driving habits.
Winter Tires
The right snow tires are necessary for safe winter driving in Canada. Talk to your isure broker about your qualification for the winter tire discount.
Dash Cams
Dashboard cameras won’t give you a direct insurance discount. However, dash cams can help you save on insurance by proving you are not at fault for an accident. It can also help when disputing a traffic ticket or confirming you are the target of insurance fraud.
Emerging Safety Technology To Watch For
Cars are becoming increasingly connected and intelligent. In the coming years, expect to see:
- AI-powered driver monitoring to detect drowsiness or distraction.
- Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication that allows cars to share hazard information.
- Over-the-air safety updates that improve performance automatically.
- Predictive collision detection, where AI anticipates potential hazards before they occur.
These advancements will continue to transform how we drive — and how insurers calculate risk.
Car safety technology has come a long way — and continues to evolve rapidly. Whether your car is new or older, upgrading safety features can help prevent accidents, protect your passengers, and even lower your insurance costs.
At isure, we help Ontario drivers stay safe and save money. Contact one of our licensed brokers today to learn which car safety features could qualify you for discounts on your auto insurance policy.
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