Yes, in many cases, a car can be fixed after airbags deploy. Whether a car can be repaired depends on how bad the crash was, how much damage the car has, and the cost of fixing it compared to the car’s value. Airbags coming out means the car was in a notable crash, but it does not always mean the car is beyond repair.
Image Source: valleycollision.com
Grasping Airbag Deployment
Airbags are a big part of how modern cars keep you safe. They are part of the SRS system. SRS stands for Supplemental Restraint System. Airbags work with seatbelts to protect people in a crash.
When sensors in the car feel a strong hit, they send a signal. This signal goes to a computer part, often called the Airbag Control Module. The module quickly decides if the crash is bad enough to need the airbags. If it is, the module sends a signal to fire the airbags.
Airbags fill up with gas very fast. This makes a cushion. This cushion stops your body from hitting hard parts of the car like the steering wheel or dashboard.
Why Airbags Come Out
Airbags deploy when a car hits something hard enough. The crash sensors measure the force of the stop or hit. Not every small bump makes airbags deploy. They are meant for more serious crashes.
The speed of the car, what it hits, and the angle of the hit all matter. Airbags are designed to protect people in specific types of crashes, usually frontal or side impacts.
Parts of the SRS System
The SRS system is more than just the airbags themselves. It includes:
- Airbag Modules: The cloth bags hidden in the steering wheel, dashboard, seats, or sides of the car.
- Inflators: Small devices that make gas quickly to fill the airbags.
- Sensors: Placed around the car to detect crash forces.
- Airbag Control Module: The main computer that gets sensor signals and decides when to deploy airbags.
- Wiring: Connects all the parts.
- Seatbelt Pretensioners: Devices that tighten seatbelts quickly in a crash to hold you in place better.
When airbags deploy, many parts of this system are used up or damaged. These parts must be replaced for the system to work again.
What Happens When Airbags Deploy?
Deploying airbags is a violent process. It involves small explosions to create gas. This gas fills the bags very fast. This speed and force can cause other damage inside the car.
- The airbag cover on the steering wheel or dashboard breaks open.
- The force of the bag filling up can push against the car’s structure.
- Hot gas and dust come out when the bag fills and then deflates.
- Seatbelt pretensioners can fire, which tightens the seatbelts with force.
All these actions are necessary to save lives. But they add to the overall damage from the crash itself.
Figuring Out If a Car Can Be Fixed
After a crash where airbags deploy, figuring out if the car can be fixed is key. This decision depends on several things.
How Bad Is the Crash?
The most important thing is how hard the car hit something. A light crash might make airbags deploy if hit just right. A very hard crash will cause lots of damage everywhere.
Serious damage often includes:
- Structural damage after airbag deployment: The car’s frame or main body gets bent or broken. This is like the car’s skeleton being hurt. Fixing this is hard and costly. It also affects how safe the car is in future crashes.
- Damage to the engine or transmission.
- Damage to the suspension or steering parts.
- Damage to the body panels like fenders, hood, doors.
If the main structure of the car is badly bent, it is much harder to fix correctly. It can make the car unsafe.
How Much Do Repairs Cost?
Fixing a car after airbags deploy is expensive. Several things add to the cost.
- Airbag replacement cost: New airbags are needed. A car can have many airbags (driver, passenger, side, curtain, knee bags). Each one costs money. Prices for just the parts can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per airbag.
- SRS system repair cost: Beyond the bags, the whole system needs checking and often parts replaced. The Airbag Control Module replacement is often needed. Sensors might be broken. Wiring can be damaged. Seatbelt pretensioners must be replaced. This adds a lot to the cost.
- Body and mechanical repairs: Fixing the parts of the car hit in the crash costs money too. This includes fixing metal, painting, and replacing broken mechanical parts.
- Labor costs: It takes skilled mechanics time to do all these repairs. This labor adds up.
The total cost to fix car after crash with airbags can be very high. It is not just the cost of the bags. It is the whole repair job.
What Is the Car Worth?
Insurance companies look at the repair cost compared to the car’s actual value just before the crash. This is called the Actual Cash Value (ACV).
The ACV is not what you paid for the car new. It is what the car was worth based on its age, miles, condition, and market prices.
Insurance companies have a point where they decide a car is not worth fixing. This is called the Insurance total loss threshold. It is a percentage. If the repair cost goes over this percentage of the car’s ACV, the insurer might declare the car a “total loss” or “totaled.”
This threshold is different depending on the state and the insurance company. Some states have a set number (like 70% or 75%). Others let the insurer decide based on their own rules.
Car totaled after airbags deploy happens when the combined cost of replacing airbags, fixing the SRS system, and fixing the crash damage is more than the car’s value threshold. It is not just the airbags that total the car. It is the total repair bill.
Age and Type of Car
Older cars or cars with lower market value are more likely to be totaled after airbags deploy. This is because the repair costs, especially for the airbag system, might quickly exceed the car’s value.
A newer, more expensive car has a higher ACV. It can handle higher repair costs before hitting the total loss threshold.
The Repair Process
If the decision is made to fix the car, it is a complex process. It must be done right to make the car safe again.
Checking All the Damage
The first step is a full check of the car. This means looking at:
- All parts of the car hit in the crash.
- The entire SRS system.
- The car’s main frame and body structure (Structural damage after airbag deployment).
- Mechanical parts (engine, transmission, suspension).
- Electrical system, especially related to the SRS.
Special tools and training are needed to check for hidden damage, especially in the structure.
Fixing the Structure
If there is structural damage after airbag deployment, this is a critical repair. The car’s frame needs to be pulled back into its correct shape. Special machines are used for this. If the structure is not fixed right, the car might not protect you as well in a future crash. The wheels might not line up, causing tire wear and handling problems.
Replacing Airbags and SRS Parts
All deployed airbags must be replaced. Any sensors that were crushed or damaged need replacing. The Airbag control module replacement is often necessary. Even if the module is not physically broken, it stores crash data and needs to be reset or replaced to work right again.
Other parts like clock springs (in the steering wheel) or wiring harnesses might need replacing. Seatbelt pretensioners that fired must be replaced.
Putting It All Back Together
After the structure is fixed and major parts replaced, the car gets new body panels, paint, and interior parts. The new airbags are installed carefully.
Checking and Testing the System
This is very important for Post-accident vehicle safety. After everything is put back, the SRS system must be checked. This is done using special computer tools. The system needs to be calibrated. This means making sure the computer and sensors are set correctly.
The airbag warning light on the dashboard must go off. If it stays on, it means there is still a problem with the SRS system. The system might not work if you crash again. A car is not safe to drive until the SRS system is fully repaired and working correctly.
Costs Involved in Repairs
Let’s look closer at the money side. The cost to fix car after crash with airbags is more than just the bags.
- Airbag replacement cost: This varies a lot by car make, model, and year. A single airbag can cost $200 to over $1000 just for the part. If multiple bags deployed, this cost adds up fast. Side curtain airbags, which run along the roofline, can be costly and hard to replace.
- SRS system repair cost: This includes the module, sensors, wiring, and pretensioners. The control module alone can cost $500 to $1500 or more. Sensors might be $100-$300 each. Pretensioners $200-$500 each. Plus the labor to take out old parts and put in new ones, which can be many hours of work.
- Structural damage after airbag deployment repair cost: Fixing a bent frame is specialized work. This can cost thousands of dollars, depending on how bad the damage is. It might involve many hours on a frame machine.
- Body repair: Fixing fenders, hoods, doors, bumpers, and painting can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the damage.
- Other mechanical repairs: Damage to engine parts, suspension, etc., adds more cost.
- Labor: Skilled labor is needed for all these repairs. Shop labor rates vary but can be $50-$150+ per hour. Fixing a car after airbags deploy is a big job that takes many hours.
Here is a simple look at possible costs (these are just rough examples):
| Repair Item | Example Cost Range (Parts & Labor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Airbag Replacement Cost | $700 – $2,000+ | Includes bag, inflator, labor, sometimes clock spring |
| Passenger Airbag Replacement Cost | $800 – $2,500+ | Includes bag, panel/dashboard work, labor |
| Side Airbag Replacement Cost | $500 – $1,500+ per bag | Often seat or door mounted |
| Curtain Airbag Replacement Cost | $1,000 – $3,000+ per side | Runs along roofline, complex to install |
| Airbag Control Module Replacement | $600 – $2,000+ | Part cost + reprogramming/labor |
| Seatbelt Pretensioner | $300 – $800+ per belt | Replacement is required if deployed |
| SRS System Repair Cost (Total) | Varies widely, often thousands | Depends on parts needed beyond bags |
| Minor Structural Damage Repair | $1,000 – $5,000+ | Frame pulling, measuring, welding |
| Moderate Body Panel Repair | $1,500 – $4,000+ | Fenders, hood, bumper, paint |
| Total Cost to Fix | Can easily be $5,000 to $15,000+ | Depends completely on damage and car |
When you add up the Airbag replacement cost, SRS system repair cost, Structural damage after airbag deployment repair cost, and other crash repairs, the total can be very high.
When a Car Is Totaled
As mentioned, a car is often declared a total loss by the insurance company. This happens when the estimated Cost to fix car after crash with airbags is too high compared to the car’s value.
The Insurance total loss threshold is the key factor here. If a car is worth $5,000 and the threshold is 75%, the car is totaled if repairs cost more than $3,750 (75% of $5,000). Airbag system repairs alone can easily reach this amount, even before fixing crash damage.
This is why a Car totaled after airbags deploy is common, especially for older or less valuable cars. It is not that the car cannot be fixed physically. It is that fixing it does not make financial sense based on the car’s value and insurance rules.
What Happens to a Totaled Car?
When an insurer totals a car, they pay the owner the Actual Cash Value (ACV) of the car before the crash. The insurer then takes ownership of the damaged car.
The totaled car is usually sold at a special auction. These cars are often bought by rebuilders or parts yards.
The price the car sells for at this auction is its Salvage value after airbag deployment. This value is what someone is willing to pay for the damaged car, either to fix it, use parts, or scrap the metal.
The salvage value is subtracted from the ACV the insurer pays the owner. For example, if ACV is $5,000 and salvage value is $1,000, the insurer pays the owner $4,000.
A car declared a total loss is given a “salvage title” in most places. This title shows that the car was seriously damaged.
Fixing a Salvage Car
Some people buy cars with salvage titles to fix them. This can be cheaper than buying a car that was never damaged. However, fixing a car with a salvage title after airbags deployed needs great care.
- The repair work must be done correctly. This includes fixing any structural damage after airbag deployment right and replacing all parts of the SRS system properly (SRS system repair cost, Airbag control module replacement, Airbag replacement cost).
- After repairs, in many states, the car must pass a special inspection. This inspection checks that the car is safe and repairs were done well. This might be called a “rebuilt inspection.”
- If the car passes, it gets a “rebuilt title.”
Buying or owning a car with a rebuilt title means:
- Its market value is less than a car with a clean title, even after being fixed.
- It might be harder to get insurance.
- You need to trust that the repairs were done safely and correctly. Vehicle repairability after airbag deployment is one thing, but the quality of the actual repair work is another.
Ensuring Post-accident vehicle safety is the most important thing if fixing a totaled car. Cheap or incorrect repairs, especially to the structure or SRS system, can make the car dangerous.
The Importance of Qualified Repairs
If you decide to fix your car after airbags deploy, it is critical to choose the right repair shop.
- Look for shops with experience fixing cars with structural damage.
- Find shops with training in SRS system repairs. This is not simple work. It involves complex electrical systems and safety parts.
- The shop should use high-quality replacement parts, including genuine or certified airbags and SRS components.
- They must have the right tools to check the SRS system and calibrate it after repairs.
Incorrect repairs to the SRS system mean the airbags might not work in the next crash. This puts lives at risk. The Airbag replacement cost and SRS system repair cost should include proper installation and system checks.
Why DIY or unqualified repairs are dangerous:
- Airbags can be dangerous if not handled right. They can deploy unexpectedly.
- Putting in used or incorrect airbags can be risky. They might not work or might even hurt someone.
- The SRS system needs to be reset or replaced correctly. Error codes need to be cleared.
- If the control module or sensors are not working, the system is off.
- Structural repairs need expert knowledge and equipment. Poor structural repairs affect crash safety.
Post-accident vehicle safety depends heavily on the quality of the repairs done.
Thinking About Vehicle Repairability
When considering if a car can be fixed, think about the concept of Vehicle repairability after airbag deployment.
- Is the needed repair work possible? Yes, most damage can be fixed with enough effort and money.
- Is the repair work financially wise? This is the key question insurers ask. Is the Cost to fix car after crash with airbags less than the value threshold?
- Can the car be returned to a safe condition? This is the question for your safety. Can the structure be made strong again? Can the SRS system be fully functional?
Just because parts are available and mechanics know how to do the work does not always mean a specific car should be fixed. The extent of the damage, especially structural damage, plays a huge role in whether a car can be safely repaired.
Even after repairs, a car might not be exactly as it was before the crash. Small issues could remain. This is why the value drops, leading to a lower Salvage value after airbag deployment if it were totaled again.
Summarizing the Factors
To sum up whether a car can be fixed after airbags deploy:
- Severity of Crash: Light damage vs. heavy damage (especially structural).
- Extent of Damage: What parts are broken? Is the frame bent?
- Cost of Repairs: Airbag replacement cost, SRS system repair cost, body work, mechanical, labor.
- Car’s Value: Actual Cash Value (ACV) before the crash.
- Insurance Policy/State Rules: The Insurance total loss threshold.
- Quality of Repairs: Can the car be fixed safely and correctly (Vehicle repairability after airbag deployment, Post-accident vehicle safety)?
A car with minor crash damage but deployed airbags might be fixed if its value is high enough that the repair cost (including airbag and SRS work) stays below the total loss threshold.
A car with major structural damage from a severe crash will likely be totaled, even if it is a newer car, because the repair costs are too high. The Salvage value after airbag deployment becomes the outcome for the totaled car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people ask about cars after airbags deploy.
H5 Q: Does airbag deployment automatically total a car?
H5 A: No, airbag deployment alone does not automatically total a car. It means the car was in a crash strong enough to trigger the airbags. The car is totaled if the total cost to fix all the damage, including the airbags and SRS system, is more than a set percentage of the car’s value (the insurance total loss threshold).
H5 Q: What is the typical airbag replacement cost?
H5 A: The cost to replace airbags varies greatly. A single airbag can cost from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars for the part. Labor costs are extra. If multiple airbags deployed, the total Airbag replacement cost for parts and labor can quickly reach several thousand dollars.
H5 Q: How much does it cost to fix the whole airbag system?
H5 A: The SRS system repair cost includes replacing deployed airbags, sensors, seatbelt pretensioners, and often the Airbag control module replacement. This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 or even more, depending on the car and how many parts are damaged or deployed. This is on top of any crash body work.
H5 Q: Can I drive a car after the airbags have deployed?
H5 A: It is generally not safe to drive a car after airbags have deployed. The car has been in a crash and likely has damage. The SRS system is no longer working to protect you in another crash. The car might also have structural or mechanical issues that make it unsafe to drive.
H5 Q: Will my insurance company total my car if the airbags deploy?
H5 A: Your insurance company will assess the damage and estimate the repair costs. If the total repair cost, including Airbag replacement cost and SRS system repair cost, exceeds your policy’s or state’s Insurance total loss threshold compared to the car’s value, they will likely total it.
H5 Q: What is structural damage after airbag deployment?
H5 A: Structural damage after airbag deployment refers to damage to the main frame or body structure of the car. The force of the crash, which also caused the airbags to deploy, can bend, twist, or break these key parts of the car’s foundation. This type of damage is serious and costly to fix correctly.
H5 Q: What is the salvage value after airbag deployment?
H5 A: The Salvage value after airbag deployment is the amount of money a totaled car is worth in its damaged state. Insurance companies sell these cars, usually at auction, to recover some of the money they paid out. This value depends on the car’s condition and market demand for its parts or for rebuilding.
H5 Q: Is a car safe after being fixed if the airbags deployed?
H5 A: A car can be safe after being fixed if the repairs are done correctly by qualified professionals. This includes proper Structural damage after airbag deployment repair and complete, correct repair of the SRS system (Post-accident vehicle safety). If repairs are done poorly, the car might not be safe.
H5 Q: How long does it take to fix a car after airbags deploy?
H5 A: Fixing a car after airbag deployment can take a long time. It involves assessing damage, ordering parts (airbags might need special order), doing body and structural repairs, replacing SRS parts, and final checks. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the damage and part availability.
H5 Q: What is the total cost to fix car after crash with airbags?
H5 A: The total Cost to fix car after crash with airbags includes all repairs: body work, mechanical fixes, Airbag replacement cost, SRS system repair cost, and labor. This total cost varies greatly but often ranges from $5,000 to well over $10,000, which is why many cars are totaled.
Looking Ahead
Deciding whether to fix a car after airbags deploy is a big decision. It involves looking at damage, costs, the car’s value, and most importantly, safety.
While fixing is often possible, it requires expert repair work to ensure the car is safe to drive afterward. The Vehicle repairability after airbag deployment is real, but it comes with significant costs and the need for high-quality repairs, especially regarding the SRS system and any Structural damage after airbag deployment. Always prioritize Post-accident vehicle safety.