When your airbags deploy during an accident, the first thing on your mind is likely your safety and that of your passengers. But once the dust settles, you’re probably wondering what happens next. Can your airbags be fixed, or does deployment automatically mean your car is totaled?
The classic airbag has saved countless lives in automobile accidents—in fact, as of 2017, the airbag has saved nearly 50,457 lives. Let’s break down everything you need to know about airbag deployment and what it means for your car.
How Do Airbags Deploy?
Airbag deployment happens incredibly fast—usually within just a few milliseconds of impact. When your car experiences a moderate to severe crash, sensors detect the rapid deceleration and send a signal to the airbag system.
The airbag itself is made up of a nylon bag filled with gas-generating chemicals. These chemicals react instantly, creating gases that expand and inflate the airbag. The inflated airbag then acts as a cushion between you and the steering wheel, dashboard, or other hard surfaces.
Airbags don’t deploy in every accident. They’re designed to activate only when:
- The impact exceeds a certain force threshold
- Sensors detect rapid deceleration
- The collision angle meets specific criteria
Does Airbag Deployment Automatically Total a Car?
The short answer is no. Airbags going off don’t automatically total your vehicle. However, it does significantly increase repair costs, which can push your car into total loss territory. Plus, modern vehicles often have multiple airbags—front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, and knee airbags. If several are deployed in one accident, repair costs climb quickly.
When Is a Car Considered Totaled?
A car is considered “totaled” when the cost to repair it exceeds a certain percentage of its actual cash value (usually 70–80%, depending on your state and insurance company). Airbag replacement alone can cost $1,000 to $5,000 per airbag, and that’s before addressing any other collision damage.
The decision to total a vehicle comes down to economics. Insurance companies typically calculate the total loss threshold by comparing repair costs to the vehicle’s current market value. Newer, higher-value vehicles are more likely to be repaired, while older vehicles with lower market values may be totaled even with minimal additional damage.
Factors that influence the total loss decision include:
- Age and condition of the vehicle
- Current market value
- Extent of structural damage
- Cost of airbag replacement and related components
- Availability of replacement parts
What Needs to Be Replaced When an Airbag Deploys?
Airbag deployment affects more than just the airbag itself. Several components typically need replacement:
Essential Replacements
- Airbag Modules: The actual airbags that deployed
- Airbag Control Module (ACM): The computer that manages the airbag system
- Seat Belt Pretensioners: These tighten seat belts during impact and are single-use
- Impact Sensors: May need replacement depending on damage location
Additional Components
- Steering Wheel or Dashboard Panels: Often damaged during deployment
- Seat Belt Assemblies: If pretensioners activated
- Wiring Harnesses: May be damaged by deployment forces
- Clock Spring: In steering wheel-mounted airbags
Can Airbags Be Fixed or Reset After Deployment?
Once an airbag deploys, it cannot be reused or “reset.” Deployed airbags must be completely replaced with new units. This is a critical safety requirement; there’s no way to safely restore a deployed airbag to working condition.
Important Safety Note: Never drive a vehicle with deployed airbags. The car is not safe to operate until all airbags are properly replaced and the system is fully restored by qualified technicians.
How Airbag Deployment Impacts Insurance Claims
Airbag deployment significantly affects your insurance claim in several ways:
- Increased Repair Costs: Deployed airbags add thousands to repair estimates, making total loss more likely.
- Accident Severity Indicator: Insurance adjusters view deployment as evidence of significant impact forces, which may influence their damage assessment.
- No Fault Impact: Airbag deployment doesn’t determine fault in an accident. Airbags deploy based on impact forces, not who caused the collision.
- Diminished Value Claims: Even after proper repair, vehicles with deployment history may have reduced resale value, which could factor into your claim.
Working with experienced collision repair professionals helps ensure all airbag-related damage is properly documented and repaired according to manufacturer specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace airbags?
Airbag replacement costs vary by vehicle and airbag location, typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per airbag. Luxury vehicles and those with advanced airbag systems cost more to repair.
Can I drive my car after the airbags have deployed?
No, you should never drive a vehicle with deployed airbags. The safety systems are compromised, and the car is not safe until all airbags are properly replaced and tested.
Will my insurance cover airbag replacement?
Most comprehensive and collision insurance policies cover airbag replacement as part of accident repairs, subject to your deductible and policy limits.
How long does airbag replacement take?
Professional airbag replacement typically takes 2–5 days, depending on parts availability and the extent of related damage that needs repair.
Can I replace airbags myself?
Airbag replacement requires specialized training, tools, and safety procedures. This work should only be performed by certified technicians to ensure proper installation and safety.
Valley Collision Has Your Car Covered
At Valley Collision, our I-CAR Gold Class certified technicians are trained to ensure that your car is repaired in the event of an accident. We work directly with your insurance company to ensure all necessary components are replaced according to manufacturer specifications.
Contact Valley Collision today for professional collision repair and get back on the road safely.
