Routine brake-pad replacement due to wear is not covered; damage caused by an insured event may be. It is part of a car’s standard maintenance. Brake pads are safety-critical parts of a vehicle and can wear down during normal operation.
Brake pads are one of those areas where DIY diagnosis can lead to misleading answers. You should have a trained, equipped technician inspect your brake pads to determine whether they’ve reached the minimum thickness set by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
When To Stop Driving And Get Help
Arrange a prompt inspection and stop driving if braking performance is affected. Other signs that your brakes need attention include:
- Squealing when applying your brakes: This can mean your brakes are worn, but other factors can cause squealing as well. Some brake pads have a metal tab that contacts the brake rotor and makes a squealing sound to alert the driver that it’s time to replace the pads.
- Your brake pedal feels different than usual: Vibrations could mean warped rotors or uneven brake pad wear, which can interfere with your ability to brake safely.
- Your car takes longer than usual to stop: This can mean your brake pads are worn and can no longer create enough friction.
- You hear grinding noises when applying your brakes: Grinding can mean your brake pads have worn down to the backing plate. Continuing to drive can damage the rotors and possibly other parts of the braking system, such as the callipers.
- Your brake warning light is on: A warning light can indicate that the brake fluid level is low or that there’s an issue with the parking brake. In some cases, it can indicate another problem with the braking system. Some vehicles have brake-pad wear lights that let you know it’s time to replace the pads.
When An Insurance Claim May Apply
If a collision damages your vehicle’s braking system and your policy provides physical-damage coverage, your insurer may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the brake pads.
Comprehensive or All Perils coverage may cover vandalism that damages the braking system. Comprehensive, Specified Perils or All Perils may cover damage caused by fire, subject to the wording of the policy.
If your brake pads were already worn when an insured collision occurred, the insurer may apply betterment or charge you for the maintenance-related part of the repair.
If your car’s brakes are faulty because of a defect, they may not be covered by auto insurance. They may instead be covered by the vehicle’s parts warranty or a warranty from the repair shop that fixed your car. You can also search Transport Canada’s vehicle recall database.
When Insurance Is Not The Payer
The Ontario Automobile Policy excludes mechanical breakdown and wear and tear unless the damage results from an insured peril.
Wear and tear is part of owning and driving a vehicle. You may be able to reduce maintenance costs by following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and getting quotes from several mechanics.
Read More: Learn When to File an Insurance Claim or Pay Out of Pocket
How To Get A Useful Brake Service Quote
When it’s time to replace your brake pads, get a quote before authorizing the work. Your mechanic should provide an itemized quote that includes your name and vehicle information, the make and material of the brake pads, the axle being serviced, rotor measurements, parts, labour, taxes and any additional work.
Budgeting For Brake Service
When comparing brake-pad replacement quotes, make sure you’re comparing the same work. Some mechanics charge by axle, while others charge by wheel. Some will measure the rotor thickness before recommending replacement, while others may recommend replacing the rotors along with the brake pads.
Brake pads are not interchangeable between vehicles, and pads for luxury or performance cars can be more expensive.