Will insurance fix airbags?
Airbags are a critical safety feature in modern vehicles, designed to protect drivers and passengers during collisions. However, when airbags deploy or malfunction, the question arises: will your insurance cover the cost of fixing or replacing them? In this article, we’ll explore the factors that determine whether insurance will pay for airbag repairs or replacements and what you need to know as a vehicle owner.
When Does Insurance Cover Airbag Repairs or Replacement?
Whether your insurance will cover airbag repairs or replacement depends on the type of coverage you have and the circumstances of the damage. Here are the key scenarios:
- Collision Coverage: If your airbags deploy due to an accident, collision coverage typically pays for the repair or replacement of the airbags as part of the overall vehicle repair costs.
- Comprehensive Coverage: If the airbags are damaged due to non-collision events, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, comprehensive coverage may apply.
- Fault and Liability: If another driver is at fault for the accident, their liability insurance may cover the cost of your airbag repairs.
- Mechanical Malfunction: If the airbags fail due to a manufacturing defect, the cost may be covered under the vehicle’s warranty rather than insurance.
In most cases, insurance will cover airbag repairs or replacements if the damage is related to an insured event. However, it’s essential to review your policy details to understand your specific coverage.
What Happens If Airbags Deploy?
When airbags deploy, they often cause additional damage to the vehicle’s interior, such as the dashboard or steering wheel. Here’s what you can expect:
- Repair Costs: Airbag replacement can be expensive, often ranging from $1,000 to $6,000 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
- Insurance Deductible: You’ll need to pay your insurance deductible before coverage kicks in for the repairs.
- Vehicle Total Loss: If the cost of repairing the airbags and other damages exceeds the value of your car, the insurance company may declare it a total loss.
It’s important to work with a trusted auto repair shop to assess the damage and provide an accurate repair estimate for your insurance claim.
Steps to Take After Airbag Deployment
If your airbags deploy, follow these steps to ensure a smooth repair process:
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Contact your insurance company to report the incident and start a claim.
- Have your vehicle towed to a certified repair shop for an inspection.
- Work with the repair shop and your insurance adjuster to determine the cost of repairs.
- Review your insurance policy to understand your deductible and coverage limits.
Taking these steps promptly can help you get back on the road safely and minimize out-of-pocket expenses.
Conclusion
In most cases, insurance will cover the cost of fixing or replacing airbags if the damage is related to an insured event, such as a collision or vandalism. However, it’s crucial to understand your policy details and work with a reputable repair shop to ensure the repairs are done correctly. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in airbag repairs and can assist you with navigating the insurance process. Contact us today for expert advice and quality service!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim if my airbags didn't deploy?
Proving the Right to Compensation
At a minimum, the injured party must be able to prove the following: The airbags did not deploy when they should have. The airbag or airbag sensor had a defect or was not properly installed. You suffered injuries that were caused and/or exacerbated by the lack of airbag deployment.
At what speed do airbags deploy?
Frontal air bags are generally designed to deploy in "moderate to severe" frontal or near-frontal crashes, which are defined as crashes that are equivalent to hitting a solid, fixed barrier at 8 to 14 mph or higher. (This would be equivalent to striking a parked car of similar size at about 16 to 28 mph or higher.)
Does insurance cover airbag repair?
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 insurance companies repair airbags?
Typically, insurance will cover airbag replacement if: Your car isn't totaled. You're not at fault for the accident.
How much does it cost to fix airbags?
$1,000 to $2,000
How much does it cost to replace airbags? On average, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 to replace an airbag.
Is a car totaled if the air bags come out?
No, if your airbags deployed, your car is not automatically considered totaled. Whether your car is totaled depends on how much it will cost to repair your vehicle. If the repairs, including replacing the airbag system, cost more than the vehicle is worth, it is typically considered totaled.
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.
Do dealerships fix airbags for free?
Once your vehicle is included in a recall because of a defective airbag, you can take it to a dealership and have it fixed for free. It does not have to be the dealership where you purchased the vehicle, just a dealer that sells your brand of car (for instance, a Nissan dealership if you drive a Nissan).
Does insurance cover airbag replacement?
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.
What is the average settlement for airbags not deploying?
There's no such thing as an average settlement because the circumstances are different for every accident.
