Can You Fix a Car If Airbags Deploy? Understanding Post-Accident Vehicle Repair

It’s a common concern after a car accident: “If my airbags deployed, is my car automatically totaled?” This is a frequent misconception. While a collision forceful enough to trigger airbag deployment often leads to significant vehicle damage, deeming it a total loss, this isn’t always the definitive outcome. Let’s delve into why airbag deployment can contribute to a car being totaled and what the repair process typically involves.

Decoding “Totaled Vehicle”: Is Airbag Deployment the Deciding Factor?

Many assume a vehicle is “totaled” when repair costs exceed its market value. Generally, this understanding is accurate. The standard industry guideline often dictates that a car is considered a total loss if the repair expenses are greater than 70% of its pre-accident value. For example, if your car was valued at $5,000 before the incident, and the estimated repairs reach or surpass $3,500, it could be classified as totaled.

Several elements come into play when assessing vehicle repairability versus total loss. Insurance companies and claims adjusters follow specific protocols and criteria in their evaluations. Determining repair costs involves a comprehensive assessment of all factors: replacement parts, materials, paintwork, and labor charges – crucially including the cost of airbag system restoration. While the expense of replacing deployed airbags alone might not automatically total a car, it can substantially inflate the overall repair bill. This increase can significantly push a vehicle, particularly an older model with depreciated value, closer to the threshold of being declared a total loss.

Insurance coverage for airbag replacement generally applies under these conditions:

• The vehicle is deemed repairable and not a total loss.
• You are not at fault for causing the accident.
• You possess collision insurance coverage, which covers accident-related damages regardless of fault.

Airbag Replacement: Is it Always Necessary After Deployment?

If you’ve been in a collision, the impact likely activated the airbag sensors, potentially resulting in airbag inflation. Depending on your car’s make and model, the required repair might range from a simple reset of the airbag system and sensors to a complete airbag system replacement. In some instances, only resetting the airbags and the associated sensor is necessary. However, if replacement is required, prompt action is crucial. Non-functional airbags pose a severe safety risk in any future accidents, increasing the potential for serious injuries or fatalities.

Step-by-Step Guide to Airbag Repair and Restoration

Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in restoring your airbag system to full functionality:

Resetting the Airbag Warning Light

Even if airbags don’t deploy in an accident, the sensors can still be triggered. Most vehicles are equipped with an airbag warning light on the dashboard that illuminates when the system detects an issue. If this light is activated, or if your airbags have deployed, resetting the airbag sensor is essential. Without resetting, the airbags might not deploy correctly in a subsequent collision, compromising safety.

Airbag System Resetting Procedures

Certain vehicle models allow for airbag resetting after deployment, provided the airbags themselves are undamaged. This process typically involves physically resetting the airbags within the airbag module and subsequently resetting the airbag warning light. However, many contemporary vehicles are designed such that airbag resetting is not an option; in these cases, replacement becomes the only viable solution.

Complete Airbag Replacement

If the deployed airbags sustained damage, or if your vehicle’s system doesn’t support resetting, airbag replacement is necessary. This involves removing the entire airbag module and installing a brand-new replacement unit. If the steering wheel airbag deployed, the replacement might extend to the entire steering wheel and steering column assembly. After installation, resetting the airbag sensor is the final step to ensure the system operates correctly.

Post-Accident Vehicle Assessment: Contact a Collision Repair Expert

Experiencing a car accident is invariably stressful, even with minor damage. However, prioritizing safety should always be paramount. If your vehicle is deemed repairable after an accident involving airbag deployment, investing in airbag system reset or replacement is a worthwhile safety measure, regardless of perceived necessity.

If you’ve been involved in an accident where airbags deployed, or if your airbag warning light is illuminated, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified collision repair center like Cline Collision Center (as mentioned in the original article, though adaptable to a general call to action). Professional technicians can accurately assess the damage to your vehicle and determine whether airbag system reset or replacement is required. Contact a reputable auto repair specialist to schedule a comprehensive damage assessment and ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are fully restored.