How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Car With Deployed Airbags?

When airbags deploy in a car accident, it signals a serious impact that requires immediate attention. Repairing a vehicle after airbag deployment involves more than just replacing the airbags themselves. Many car owners face uncertainty about the repair process and the expenses involved. Understanding what goes into fixing a car with deployed airbags can help you prepare for the repair journey and make informed decisions.

Car dashboard showing deployed airbags and damage

What Happens When Airbags Deploy

Airbags are designed to inflate rapidly during a collision to protect passengers from injury. Once deployed, airbags cannot be reused and must be replaced. The deployment also often triggers other safety systems and sensors, which may need inspection or replacement. Additionally, the force that causes airbags to deploy can damage other parts of the vehicle, such as the steering wheel, dashboard, and seat belts.

Components Involved Repairing a Car with Airbags Deployed

Repairing a car with deployed airbags involves several components:

• Airbags themselves: These include front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, or knee airbags, depending on the vehicle and accident.

• Airbag control module: This electronic unit controls airbag deployment and may need resetting or replacement.

• Sensors: Impact sensors that trigger airbag deployment often require replacement.

• Seat belts and pretensioners: These safety devices work with airbags and may be damaged during a crash.

• Dashboard and steering wheel: Physical damage to these parts often occurs when airbags deploy.

• Labor costs: Skilled technicians must carefully replace and recalibrate safety systems.

  
  

Each of these parts contributes to the overall repair cost, and the extent of damage varies by accident severity and vehicle model.

Factors That Affect Repair Costs

Several factors influence how much it costs to repair a car with deployed airbags:

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury or imported cars tend to have more expensive parts and labor.

• Number and type of airbags deployed: More airbags mean higher replacement costs.

• Extent of additional damage: Damage to the dashboard, steering column, or sensors adds to the repair bill.

• Labor rates in your area: Repair shops in different regions charge varying hourly rates.

• Availability of parts: Some parts may be harder to find or require ordering from the manufacturer.

• Insurance coverage: Your policy may cover some or all of the repair costs depending on your deductible and coverage limits.

  
  

Typical Repair Process

When you bring a car with deployed airbags to a repair shop, the process usually includes:

1. Damage assessment: A technician inspects the vehicle to identify all damaged components.

2. Estimate preparation: The shop provides a detailed repair estimate, including parts and labor.

3. Parts ordering: Replacement airbags and related components are ordered.

4. Disassembly: Damaged parts like the dashboard and steering wheel are removed.

5. Installation: New airbags, sensors, and modules are installed.

6. System calibration: The airbag control module and sensors are reset and tested.

7. Final inspection: The vehicle undergoes safety checks to ensure everything works correctly.

   
   

This process can take several days or longer depending on the damage and parts availability.

Insurance and Repair Costs

Insurance plays a crucial role in managing repair costs after airbag deployment. Comprehensive or collision coverage often helps cover repairs, but deductibles and policy limits affect out-of-pocket expenses. Some insurance companies may declare a vehicle a total loss if repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the car’s value. In such cases, owners might receive a payout instead of repairs.

It’s important to communicate with your insurance provider early and understand what your policy covers. Getting multiple repair estimates can also help you negotiate with insurers or choose the best repair option.

Tips to Manage Repair Expenses

Repairing a car with deployed airbags can be costly, but there are ways to manage expenses:

• Get multiple quotes: Different shops may offer varying prices for parts and labor.

• Consider aftermarket parts: Some non-OEM airbags and components can reduce costs but check for quality and safety.

• Check for recalls: Sometimes airbags are replaced under manufacturer recalls at no cost.

• Use insurance wisely: Understand your coverage and deductible to avoid surprises.

• Ask about payment plans: Some repair shops offer financing options for expensive repairs.

  
  

When to Consider Vehicle Replacement

If repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle’s value, replacing the car might be a better option. Factors to consider include:

• Age and condition of the car before the accident

• Availability of replacement parts

• Safety concerns after repairs

• Insurance payout offers

  
  

Choosing between repair and replacement depends on your budget, vehicle importance, and safety priorities.