Is blind spot detection worth it?

Ever had that heart-stopping moment when you accidentally swerved into another car you didn’t even see? You’re not alone—it happens to the best of us. Blind spots can be surprisingly huge, sometimes big enough to hide an entire city bus. That’s exactly why Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) systems have become so popular. These systems can save the day by alerting you whenever another vehicle enters your blind spot. Some even take it a step further, steering your car away to avoid an accident altogether.

But is blind spot detection really worth it? Let’s take a deep dive into how it works, its benefits, and whether it’s a must-have for your next vehicle.

How do blind spot monitoring systems work?

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) designed to help prevent car accidents during lane changes by alerting you when there’s a car hiding in your blind spot.

Blind spot monitoring systems use side and rear-mounted camera sensors, radar sensors, or both to keep an eye on the area around your car, scanning for nearby vehicles. If there’s another car in your blind spot, a small light will usually pop up in your dashboard or side-view mirror to let you know. This is how you’ll be alerted:

• Visual Warning: A small warning light appears on your side-view mirror or dashboard.
• Audio Alert: If you signal to change lanes while a vehicle is in your blind spot, an alarm may sound.
• Steering/Braking Assistance: Some advanced systems (Blind Spot Assist) can automatically adjust your steering or brake to prevent a collision.

You might also see blind spot monitoring referred to as:

• Blind spot detection
• Blind spot collision warning
• Blind spot information system
• Blind spot warning
• Blind zone detection

Blind spot monitoring used to be a luxury safety feature found only in high-end cars, but now it’s made its way into even budget-friendly models. If it’s not standard on a vehicle, there’s a good chance you can add it as a standalone option or part of a package.

These systems are almost always on by default, so you don’t need to do anything to activate them every time you start your car. That said, most cars give you the option to turn the feature off—but honestly, why would you want to?

Benefits of blind spot monitoring systems

Blind spot monitoring systems bring plenty of benefits that make driving safer and less stressful. Here’s why they’re a game-changer:

Fewer lane change accidents

Blind spot monitoring alerts give you those extra seconds to react and avoid hitting a car in your blind spot. This can be a lifesaver, especially on highways or crowded roads.

Boosted confidence

Let’s face it—changing lanes in heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas can be nerve-wracking. With blind spot monitoring keeping an eye on your blind spots, you can make those manoeuvres with more confidence.

Better awareness

While mirrors are great, they don’t catch everything. Blind spot monitoring fills in the gaps, giving you a fuller picture of what’s around your car and helping you stay more alert.

Possible insurance savings

Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring. So, along with staying safer, you might save a bit of money on your premiums too.

Peace of mind

Knowing you have an extra layer of protection makes driving more enjoyable. Instead of worrying about blind spots, you can focus on the road and the journey ahead.

So, is blind spot monitoring worth it?

In short, yes—blind-spot monitoring is worth it. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that cars with these systems are 14% less likely to be involved in lane-change crashes and 23% fewer lane-change crash involvements with injuries.

Blind-spot monitoring is one of the most practical tools for safer driving. By paying attention to the alerts, you can avoid merging into another vehicle. And systems that include blind spot assist take it a step further by steering or braking to help prevent accidents.

Sure, some budget-conscious buyers might roll their eyes and point out that drivers have managed without these features for decades. That’s true, and if you’re buying a smaller, more affordable car, you’ll probably be okay without it. But if you’re shelling out $60,000 for an SUV with blind spots the size of a pickup truck, having a blind-spot warning system is a smart move.

Types of blind spot monitoring

There are two varieties of blind spot monitoring:

Blind spot monitoring or warning

This feature keeps an eye on your blind spots while you’re driving and lets you know if there’s a vehicle hiding there with a small blind spot warning light that usually pops up in your dashboard or side-view mirror. If you signal to change lanes when it’s not safe, this system might also give you an extra heads-up with things like a blind spot warning sound or steering wheel vibration.

Blind spot assist

The BSA system steps in to assist you by automatically steering or braking if you signal to change lanes and there’s a vehicle in your blind spot.

It makes sense why monitoring, warning, and assist systems are often bundled—they’re designed to work together. Blind spot monitoring keeps an eye on your blind spots and lets you know when a car is there. Some systems go a step further, giving you an audible alert or vibration in your steering wheel if you turn on your turn signal while a vehicle is in your blind spot. And if you don’t react in time, advanced systems can step in with active crash intervention to help avoid a collision. Of course, you’re always in control and can take over whenever you need to.

Often paired with blind spot monitoring

Blind spot monitoring systems sometimes come bundled with lane change assist. Lane change assist is another advanced driver assistance system feature that’s all about helping you make safe, intentional lane changes. It works with your turn signals and takes blind spot warning a step further, making safe lane changes the ultimate goal.

Blind spot monitoring also often comes paired with rear cross-traffic alert. It's a handy feature that gives you a heads-up about cars, people, or objects behind you when you’re backing out of a parking spot—especially when it’s hard to see what’s around you.

Another is lane departure warning. It’s designed to alert you if you start drifting out of your lane without using your turn signal. Using cameras or sensors to detect lane markings, it’ll give you a gentle nudge—like a dashboard alert or a vibration in the steering wheel—to remind you to steer back on course. Some more advanced versions will even steer you back into your lane.

Variations of blind spot monitoring systems

Many vehicles now come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems. However, automakers like to put their own spin on things, so they often give blind spot warning systems their own unique names. Here are some of the names you might come across:

What to look for in blind spot monitoring systems

When considering the purchase of a blind spot monitoring system, there are several important factors and features to keep in mind to ensure it meets your driving needs.

The best systems place warning lights in the side mirrors where you’re already looking. This makes it easy to notice without taking your eyes off the road. Blind spot warning lights or cameras on the dashboard can actually be distracting and pull your attention away from where it needs to be.

It’s also great if the system lets you adjust the sensitivity and type of alerts. Some systems with constant loud alarms can become more annoying than helpful. You might prefer one that primarily uses visual warnings and only escalates to an audible alert when you’re in immediate danger of hitting another vehicle.

Tips for using your blind-spot monitoring system

To get the most out of your blind spot monitoring system, here are a few tips to keep it working effectively and keep you safe:

Keep the cameras and sensors clean

Dust, mud, snow, or even a light coating of grime can interfere with your system’s ability to detect other vehicles. Make it a habit to wipe down the cameras and sensors regularly, especially after driving in messy conditions.

Familiarize yourself with the system

Take a moment to consult your car’s manual for specifics on how to activate and adjust your blind spot monitoring system. Each vehicle can have unique features, and knowing how yours works ensures you’re fully using it.

Understand its limitations

No system is perfect. Some may only function above certain speeds, and many don’t detect pedestrians, cyclists, or animals. Being aware of these limitations can help you avoid over-relying on the technology.

Trust, but verify

Even with the best systems, your eyes are still the best tool for ensuring safety. Always glance over your shoulder and double-check your blind spots before reversing or changing lanes.

How blind spot detection can help you save on car insurance

This may go without saying, but having blind spot monitoring can absolutely help you save on car insurance. How, you ask? By helping to prevent lane change collisions.

As you are likely aware, any collision, no matter how minor, can end up on your driving record and lead to higher insurance premiums. And even if it’s not your fault, dealing with claims can be costly and stressful. That’s where blind spot monitoring comes in—it acts as an extra set of eyes, giving you timely alerts when a vehicle is in your blind spot. This extra awareness can help you avoid accidents that might otherwise happen.

Think about it—how many times have you started to change lanes, only to realize at the last second there’s a car you didn’t see? With blind spot monitoring, those “close calls” are much less likely to turn into actual collisions. And by avoiding accidents, you’re also avoiding the risk of your insurance rates going up.

On top of that, some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring. So not only can it help you avoid costly premiums from an accident, but you might also see an immediate reduction in your rates just for having it.

Essential car insurance whether or not you have blind spot detection

Whether or not you have blind spot monitoring on your car, you still need to have car insurance. At a minimum, third-party liability and accident benefits coverage is mandatory in Canada, and, depending on where you live, you may also be required to have coverage for uninsured motorists and direct compensation-property damage. On top of that, many drivers choose to add optional coverages for even more protection, such as collision, comprehensive, and accident forgiveness coverages. Here's how these types of coverages can protect you on the road:

Third-party liability coverage

Liability insurance, often called third-party liability coverage, helps cover the costs if you accidentally injure someone or damage their property in a car accident. It can also help with things like medical bills, lost wages, and even legal fees if needed. So if your blind spot monitoring fails or if you choose to ignore it and end up in a collision with another vehicle, this coverage would kick in to cover the other driver's related damages.

Accident benefits coverage

Car accidents can be serious and sometimes lead to severe injuries—or worse. That’s where accident benefits coverage steps in. It helps cover lost wages if you can’t work and takes care of medical expenses related to the accident. And in the unthinkable worst-case scenario, it can provide a death benefit to support your loved ones during an incredibly tough time. It’s there to help you and your family when you need it most.

Uninsured motorist coverage

Uninsured automobile coverage is a must-have, just like other mandatory insurance. It kicks in if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough to cover the damages. It even has your back in hit-and-run situations or when there’s no one to blame for the collision, helping cover the costs of damages caused by the accident.

Direct compensation-property damage coverage

Direct compensation coverage, sometimes called no-fault insurance, helps cover damages if you’re in an accident that wasn’t your fault. This can include injuries and repairs to your vehicle. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re at fault for the accident, you’ll need collision insurance and comprehensive coverage to help with those costs.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage is a popular add-on that can save you a lot of stress if something goes wrong. It covers damage to your car if you collide with another vehicle, hit a stationary object, or even if your car rolls over. Now, blind spot monitoring can help prevent crashes during lane changes, but it can't prevent every crash. This is where collision coverage steps in to handle the damages to your vehicle in situations like this.

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage is another popular option for car insurance, and it’s great for covering the unexpected. Unlike collision coverage, it steps in when your car is damaged for reasons other than a crash. Think of things like theft, vandalism, fire, water damage, or even hitting an animal, like a deer.

Accident forgiveness coverage

Accident forgiveness coverage can be a lifesaver after your first at-fault accident, like an unsafe lane change or distracted driving. It prevents your insurance company from hiking up your rates after you file a claim. Plus, it helps you keep a clean driving record as long as you stick with the same insurer. It’s a popular optional coverage because it gives you some breathing room for those “oops” moments on the road.

Learn more with BrokerLink

Blind spot monitoring is an incredible safety feature, but it’s not a replacement for staying attentive behind the wheel. It's like having an extra set of eyes—it helps alert you to vehicles hiding in your blind spots and makes lane changes safer. However, it’s not foolproof. It might not detect smaller objects like cyclists, pedestrians, or even motorcycles in certain conditions.

So, even with advanced features like BSM, unexpected situations can arise, and accidents can still happen. That’s why having the right car insurance is so important. If you’re not sure what coverage is best for you, a BrokerLink insurance broker can guide you through your options. They’ll help you find the coverage that fits your vehicle, budget, and driving habits so you can hit the road with peace of mind—knowing you’re protected, no matter what.

You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. No matter how you choose to get in touch, a BrokerLink insurance advisor will be happy to assist you. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive quote in minutes.

Get an auto insurance quote [phone]

FAQs about blind spot detection

What are the disadvantages of blind spot detection?

While blind spot detection is super helpful, it’s not perfect. One downside is that the sensors have a limited range. That means they might miss vehicles that are either too far away or really close to your car. Another issue is that the system isn’t always 100% accurate. Sometimes, it might give you a false alert for a vehicle that isn’t there (false positive), or worse, it could miss a vehicle, like a motorcycle or a cyclist, that actually is in your blind spot (false negative). That’s why it’s always a good idea to use it as a backup, not a replacement for staying alert and checking your surroundings yourself.

Is it necessary to check a blind spot?

Before merging or changing lanes on the highway, it’s crucial to check your blind spots. These are the areas next to your car that your mirrors can’t cover, and ignoring them can mean missing things like pedestrians, cyclists, or even other vehicles. To check your blind spots properly, turn your head and look over your shoulder, angling your body slightly if needed. Focus on the area alongside your bumper, using the rear passenger window for a clear view. This quick move gives you the full picture of what’s around you and ensures a safer lane change. It’s a simple habit that can prevent accidents and keep everyone on the road safer.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.