If Airbags Deploy is a Car Totalled & Written-Off?

The short answer: yes and no. Here's a closer look.

Before answering the question, ‘Is a car totalled if airbags deploy?’ we should know what a totalled car is.’ A totalled or written-off car is one that your insurer deems not fit for repair because its overhauling cost exceeds its market value. The insurance firm will pay the actual cash value minus deductibles for the totalled vehicle (if you have a comprehensive policy), so you can buy a new one.

Criteria for determining a total loss

If Airbags Deploy is a Car Totaled?
Photo: iStock

The insurer must follow your state or province’s law to declare a vehicle ‘totalled.’ Every state has its total loss threshold, ranging from 50% to 100%. 

For instance, if your accidental vehicle’s value stands at $5,000 in Iowa, the insurance firm will declare it write-off/totalled if the repair cost exceeds $2,500. The reason is the threshold value in Iowa is 50%. On the other hand, the insurer will write off the same car in Colorado only when the repair cost is $5,000 because the limit in the Centennial State is 100%. Now that you know about total loss cars, let us answer the most crucial question:

Is my car totalled if airbags deploy?

Yes and No! 

Understanding the definition of totalled/written-off/total loss, the insurance firm will write off if your airbags deploy after a crash and the cost of their replacement and other repairs surpasses your state’s threshold. If it does not, you can still have your vehicle and get the necessary repairs through your insurer.

As mentioned earlier, you will only receive some compensation for a total loss if you possess a comprehensive insurance policy. Unfortunately, the liability coverage will leave you empty-handed.

Why do most cars get a ‘totalled’ status after airbag deployment?

Most vehicles receive a totalled status after airbag deployment because of their old age. Let’s consider a scenario for easy understanding: 

If you own an eight-year-old car with a comprehensive insurance policy and you have an accident that deploys your airbags, the chances of getting a total loss status are very high. On the other hand, if the airbags had been deployed in a six-month-old vehicle, the insurance company might have fixed it. 

Do I have to reinstall my airbags?

Steering wheel repair. Disconnecting of driver’s airbag in LHD mounted driving wheel. Photo: iStock

Once your vehicle’s airbags deploy, they are useless because you cannot reuse them. If your airbags went off after an accident, and your insurer did not declare it a total loss, you must replace them. In an unfortunate event, if this vehicle meets another accident in the future. Your fatal injury chances are enhanced by 30 per cent because the car does not have airbags.  

Every state has its own rules about airbag replacement. For instance, the Georgia state penalizes you for installing or reinstalling a bogus, non-operational, low-standard airbag. If you live in Alabama, it is up to you whether you want to install new airbags or not. However, while selling, you are responsible for telling the buyer that the car does not have airbags, or else the buyer can sue you.

Your insurer will replace the airbags if your vehicle:

  • Is not totalled
  • Is hit by another vehicle
  • Has collision insurance paying for breaks, dents, and destruction, irrespective of the issue

Other airbag FAQs

  1. Does insurance cover airbag replacement?
    • Yes, comprehensive and collision insurance typically cover airbag replacement, but the coverage may vary. It’s essential to check your specific policy.
  2. Can airbags be replaced, or can a car be repaired if the airbags are deployed?
    • Yes, airbags can be replaced, and the car can be repaired if the airbags deploy. However, it’s crucial to assess the extent of the damage and follow safety guidelines.
  3. Minimum speed for airbag deployment?
    • Airbags generally deploy at speeds of around 8 to 14 mph (13 to 23 km/h) during a collision. The specific speed can vary based on the vehicle’s make and model.
Get the Goods

Join our newsletter - special projects, gear collaborations, new cars & more.

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us.
Author:
Suhail Ajmal
Suhail Ajmal
As an automotive writer with a finger on the industry's pulse, I explore the latest trends, dissect cutting-edge technologies, and unearth the history that shapes the vehicles we love. From reviews that delve into the driving experience to insightful commentary on industry developments, my goal is to inform, entertain, and spark the passion that drives us all. Check out my new blog Motorsadvice.com.