Can a Car Be Fixed If the Airbags Come Out? Understanding Post-Accident Repairs

It’s a common belief that if your car’s airbags deploy in a collision, the vehicle is automatically considered totaled. While it’s true that an accident severe enough to trigger airbag deployment often causes significant damage, leading to a total loss in many cases, this isn’t always a certainty. Let’s delve into why airbag deployment might lead to a car being totaled and what the repair process actually entails.

Understanding When a Car is Totaled After an Accident

Many car owners believe a vehicle is declared “totaled” when the repair costs exceed the car’s market value. Generally, this understanding is correct. A widely accepted rule of thumb is that a car is considered a total loss if the repair expenses are greater than 70% of its current value. For instance, if your car is valued at $5,000, and the estimated repairs reach or surpass $3,500, it might be deemed totaled.

When assessing vehicle damage to determine if it’s repairable or a total loss, various factors come into play. Insurance companies and claims adjusters follow specific procedures and criteria. The total repair cost encompasses everything: parts, materials, paint, and labor. Crucially, this includes the cost of airbag replacement. Although replacing airbags alone might not automatically total a car, it can substantially inflate the overall repair bill. This increase can push a vehicle, particularly an older one with lower market value, closer to the totaled threshold.

Typically, insurance coverage for airbag replacement is available under these conditions:

• The car is deemed repairable (not totaled).
• You are not at fault for the accident.
• You possess collision insurance, which covers accident damage regardless of fault.

Airbag Replacement: Is It Always Necessary After Deployment?

If you’ve been in an accident, the impact sensors likely activated, and your airbags might have deployed. Depending on your car model and the specifics of the accident, the necessary repair could range from a simple airbag sensor reset to a complete airbag system replacement. In some scenarios, only resetting the airbags and the sensor is needed. However, in many cases, especially with deployed airbags, replacement is necessary. Prompt airbag repair or replacement is crucial. Non-functional airbags significantly increase the risk of severe injury or fatality in any future accidents.

The Step-by-Step Process of Airbag Repair and Restoration

Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved in repairing your airbags and restoring their functionality:

Resetting the Airbag Warning Light

Even if airbags don’t deploy in an accident, the airbag sensors can still be triggered. Most vehicles are equipped with an airbag warning light on the dashboard that signals potential issues within the system. If this light is illuminated, or if your airbags have deployed, the airbag sensor needs to be reset. Failing to reset the sensor can lead to malfunctions, preventing proper airbag deployment in a subsequent accident.

Resetting the Airbags Themselves

In certain older vehicle models, if the airbags are not physically damaged after deployment, they can sometimes be reset. This process involves manually repackaging the airbags back into the airbag module and then resetting the airbag system’s computer to clear the deployment event. However, it’s important to note that many modern vehicles do not allow for airbag resetting. In these newer cars, replacement is generally the only viable option to restore airbag functionality.

Complete Airbag Replacement

If the airbags sustained damage during deployment, or if your vehicle model doesn’t permit resetting, airbag replacement becomes necessary. This procedure involves removing the entire airbag module assembly and installing a brand-new replacement module. In cases where the steering wheel airbag deployed, it might also be necessary to replace the entire steering wheel and potentially the steering column, depending on the damage and vehicle design. Following any airbag replacement, it’s essential to reset the airbag sensor system to ensure all components communicate correctly and the system is fully operational.

After a Car Accident, Seek Expert Collision Repair

Experiencing a car accident is undoubtedly stressful, even when the damage appears minor. However, your safety should always be the foremost concern. If your car isn’t declared a total loss, investing in airbag reset or replacement is a worthwhile measure, regardless of whether it seems immediately necessary. Functional airbags are a critical safety feature that should never be compromised.

If you’ve been involved in a collision that resulted in airbag deployment, or if your airbag warning light is illuminated, it’s crucial to consult with a certified collision repair center. Professionals can accurately assess the damage to your vehicle, including the airbag system, and determine whether a reset or replacement is required. Contact a reputable repair shop to schedule a comprehensive inspection and estimate to ensure your vehicle’s safety systems are restored to their optimal working condition.