Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but when airbags deploy, many drivers immediately wonder, “Will my insurance company declare my car totaled?” The truth is, while airbag deployment is a significant event, it does not automatically mean your car will be totaled. However, it can heavily influence the insurance company’s decision.
In this guide, we will explain what happens when airbags deploy, how insurance companies determine whether to total a vehicle, and what options you have as the policyholder.
What Does It Mean When a Car Is Totaled?
A car is considered “totaled” when the cost to repair it is more than a certain percentage of its actual cash value (ACV), or when it is unsafe to repair.
Each state and insurance company uses a different threshold, typically between 60 to 80 percent of the car’s value.
For example:
If your car is worth 10,000 dollars and repairs will cost 7,000 dollars, your insurer might declare it a total loss depending on their total loss formula.
Do Deployed Airbags Automatically Total a Car?
No, deployed airbags do not automatically mean the car will be totaled. However, replacing airbags is expensive and often contributes significantly to repair costs.
Why Airbags Matter:
- Front airbags cost 1,000 to 2,500 dollars each to replace
- Side curtain airbags can cost even more
- Additional damage to sensors, dashboards, and electronics may occur
- Repairs often require specialized labor and manufacturer-approved parts
If the airbag deployment is part of a larger accident with significant frame or mechanical damage, the chances of totaling increase.
Insurance Company Criteria for Totaling a Car
Here are the main factors that determine if your car will be totaled:
1. Actual Cash Value (ACV)
This is what your car was worth immediately before the accident, accounting for age, mileage, and condition.
2. Repair Cost Estimate
This includes parts, labor, paint, and safety system recalibration. Airbag replacement can dramatically increase this estimate.
3. State Laws and Insurer Policies
Some states have a Total Loss Threshold (TLT), requiring insurers to declare a car totaled if repairs exceed a certain percentage of ACV.
4. Extent of Damage
Damage to critical safety systems or the vehicle’s structural integrity may also influence the decision.
Average Airbag Replacement Costs
| Airbag Type | Average Replacement Cost |
|---|---|
| Driver airbag | 1,000 to 1,500 USD |
| Passenger airbag | 1,200 to 2,500 USD |
| Side curtain airbag | 2,000 to 4,000 USD |
| Dashboard and sensor replacement | 1,000 to 3,000 USD |
When multiple airbags deploy, costs can easily reach 5,000 to 10,000 dollars or more, making it more likely your car will be totaled.
Real-Life Scenarios
Scenario 1: Minor Crash with One Airbag Deployed
You rear-end a car at a low speed. Your driver-side airbag deploys, but the structural damage is minor. Repairs cost 4,500 dollars. Your car is worth 12,000 dollars.
- Outcome: Not totaled. Your insurance covers the repairs.
Scenario 2: Major Collision with Multiple Airbags
A head-on collision causes all front and side airbags to deploy. The repair estimate is 11,000 dollars. Your car is worth 9,000 dollars.
- Outcome: Totaled. The repair cost exceeds the car’s ACV.
Scenario 3: Moderate Crash in an Older Car
Your older sedan is involved in a T-bone crash. Two airbags deploy. Repairs are 6,000 dollars, but the car’s value is only 5,500 dollars.
Outcome: Totaled. Not worth repairing based on value.
What Happens If Your Car Is Totaled?
If the insurance company declares your car a total loss, here is what to expect:
- Claim review and damage inspection
- Receive an ACV offer for your vehicle
- Deductible is subtracted from the payout
- You can accept the payout or negotiate if you believe the offer is too low
- The insurer keeps the car unless you choose to keep it (salvage title applies)
Tip: Gather your own ACV estimates using resources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or NADA to compare against the insurer’s offer.
Can You Repair a Car After Airbag Deployment?
Yes, it is possible to repair a car after airbags deploy, but it can be complicated and expensive. You will need to:
- Replace all deployed airbags
- Reinstall the airbag control module
- Repair or replace affected panels, dashboards, and sensors
- Recalibrate the system to ensure safety
If your car is not totaled and you decide to repair it, make sure the shop is certified to perform airbag system repairs.
Should You Keep a Totaled Car and Repair It?
Some drivers choose to retain a totaled vehicle and repair it themselves or sell it privately. This is known as buying back the car for a salvage title.
Pros:
- You might save money if you can make repairs cheaply
- You retain a car you are familiar with
Cons:
- Salvage vehicles are harder to insure and finance
- Resale value is significantly reduced
- Future repairs may be more difficult or costly
Always consider the total cost and future use before making this decision.
Here Are 5 Important FAQs
No. Airbags deploy based on the force and angle of impact. Minor accidents may not trigger deployment.
Yes. A vehicle can be declared a total loss even if airbags do not deploy, especially if structural or mechanical damage is severe.
If repaired properly, the value may be similar, but buyers and insurers often view airbag deployment as a sign of a major accident.
If you file a claim and are found at fault, your premium may increase. Airbag deployment itself is not the reason for the rate change.
Yes, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage and the deployment occurred during a covered event.
Final Thoughts
So, do insurance companies total cars if airbags deploy? Not always, but airbag deployment is a major factor that insurers consider. Whether your car is totaled depends on the cost of repairs compared to the vehicle’s value. Since airbags are expensive to replace, multiple deployments can tip the balance toward a total loss.
Understanding your policy, your car’s value, and how damage is assessed will help you make smart decisions after an accident. If you are unsure, always ask your adjuster for a detailed breakdown.
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