How expensive are airbags to replace?
Airbags are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles, but replacing them can be an expensive proposition. The cost to replace airbags can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the specific airbag components that need to be replaced, and the labor involved. On average, the cost to replace airbags can range from $1,000 to $6,000 or more.
Understanding Airbag Replacement Costs
Airbags are complex safety systems that are designed to deploy in the event of a collision. They consist of several components, including the airbag itself, the inflator that rapidly fills the airbag with gas, the sensors that detect a collision, and the wiring that connects these components. When an airbag deploys, these components are often damaged and need to be replaced.
The cost of replacing airbags can vary widely depending on the specific vehicle and the components that need to be replaced. Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:
- Vehicle make and model: Luxury and high-end vehicles often have more advanced airbag systems that are more expensive to replace.
- Number of airbags: Vehicles with more airbags, such as side airbags or curtain airbags, will be more expensive to replace.
- Airbag components: The inflator, sensor, and wiring components can all be expensive to replace, especially if they are integrated into the vehicle's electronics.
- Labor costs: Replacing airbags can be a complex and time-consuming process, and labor costs can add significantly to the overall cost.
In addition to the cost of the airbag components themselves, there may also be additional costs associated with the replacement process, such as the need to recalibrate the vehicle's safety systems or the cost of disposing of the old airbag components.
Factors That Can Affect Airbag Replacement Costs
There are several factors that can affect the cost of replacing airbags, including:
- Vehicle age and mileage: Older vehicles or those with high mileage may have more wear and tear on their airbag components, making them more expensive to replace.
- Airbag deployment history: If an airbag has already deployed in a previous accident, the cost to replace it may be higher.
- Availability of replacement parts: Some airbag components may be more difficult to find or may be discontinued, which can drive up the cost.
- Repair shop location and labor rates: The cost of labor can vary significantly depending on the location of the repair shop and the prevailing labor rates in the area.
It's important to note that the cost of replacing airbags can be a significant expense, and it's important to factor this into the overall cost of owning and maintaining a vehicle.
Does insurance fix airbags?
Typically, insurance will cover airbag replacement if: Your car isn't totaled. You're not at fault for the accident. You have collision insurance, which pays for collision damage regardless of who's at fault.
Do body shops replace airbags?
They can fix or replace your airbags, and perform any body repair work that needs to be done on the exterior.
Can I drive my car after the airbags without fixing them?
Although the ISTEA has made it a legal requirement for automakers to install airbags on all new cars and light trucks since 1998, no state or federal laws prohibit driving without airbags installed. You can legally drive a car even if its airbags have already been deployed and were not replaced.
Will insurance cover if airbags deploy?
Typically, insurance will cover airbag replacement if: Your car isn't totaled. You're not at fault for the accident. You have collision insurance, which pays for collision damage regardless of who's at fault.
Is a car drivable after airbags go off?
After deployment, the car's safety systems, including the airbags, may be compromised, making it unsafe to drive. Many regions require that vehicles be inspected and repaired before they can be legally driven again.
Is it worth fixing a car with airbags deployed?
While airbag deployment does not necessarily mean a total loss, it does add to the grand total of repairing your car. Replacing airbags is not cheap. On average, airbag replacement can end up costing anywhere between $1,000 to $6,000. This cost has to be added on top of all the other damages your car sustained.
Can you drive a car with a faulty airbag?
It is not illegal to drive a car or truck after the airbags have deployed. The bags deflate immediately so one only has to make sure the bag does not interfere with steering function. It is legal to rebuild a car or truck without air bags after they have deployed.
Is a car totaled if airbags go off?
Airbags deploying alone will not necessarily render a car totaled. Generally, a vehicle could only be considered totaled if the cost of repairing the vehicle will exceed the value of the vehicle.
Do mechanics replace airbags?
Yes, collision repair shops are equipped to replace airbags.
Is it expensive to replace airbags?
Air bag replacement cost
The cost to replace an air bag is generally around $1,500 per air bag, including parts and labor, and that can easily exceed $6,000 on high-end luxury vehicles.
