After a crash, many drivers wonder: “If airbags deploy, is the car totaled?” The short answer: not necessarily.

While deployed airbags are a sign of a serious impact, they don’t automatically mean your vehicle is a total loss. Let’s break down how airbag deployment relates to your car’s repair status and what steps to take if you’ve been in an accident.

If Airbags Deploy, Is the Car Totaled?

Airbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe crashes, particularly frontal or near-frontal impacts. When they do deploy, it signals that the crash involved significant force, but it doesn’t guarantee that your car is totaled.

A vehicle is considered “totaled” when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the car’s actual cash value (ACV), often between 70% and 75%, depending on the state and the insurance company.

Example:

If your car is worth $10,000 and repairs cost $8,000, the insurer may deem the vehicle a total loss.

So while airbag deployment increases costs (since airbags must be replaced and can’t be reused), it’s just one factor insurance companies consider when assessing a totaled vehicle.

Why Airbags Deploy (and When They Should)

Airbags are triggered by sensors that detect a sudden deceleration or impact. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), front airbags typically deploy when the crash is the equivalent of an impact into a rigid wall at 16 mph.

Deployment is meant to protect occupants, especially in front-seat positions, from serious injury. They can reduce driver fatalities by 29% and front passenger deaths by 32%.

What If My Airbags Didn’t Deploy?

If your airbags didn’t deploy in a crash where you believe they should have, this could point to:

• A sensor malfunction
• An airbag defect
• A collision that didn’t meet the threshold for deployment

In these cases, especially if serious injuries occurred, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney. You may be able to file a defective product claim against the manufacturer if a faulty airbag system contributed to your injuries.

Do I Have to Replace Airbags After Deployment?

Yes. Once airbags deploy, they must be replaced. They are single-use safety systems and cannot be reset or reused. If your car isn’t totaled, you’ll need to ensure the airbags are fully replaced and functional before driving again.

How Much Does Airbag Replacement Cost?

Replacing airbags is not cheap. Costs vary depending on:

• The number of airbags deployed
• Your vehicle’s make and model
• Additional parts like sensors or control modules

Replacing deployed airbags requires removing the entire airbag module and installing a new one. If the airbag was located in the steering wheel, you might also need to replace the wheel and steering column.

On average, replacing a single airbag can cost $1,000–$1,500. For accidents involving multiple airbags, the total cost could exceed $5,000.

Will Insurance Pay for Airbag Replacement?

If you have collision or comprehensive coverage, or if another driver was at fault, insurance will typically cover airbag replacement. However, you may be responsible for a deductible.

Because airbag deployment significantly increases repair costs, it can push the total estimate close to or beyond the car’s value, leading the insurer to total the vehicle.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Totals My Car?

If your car is totaled after the airbags deploy, your car insurance company will usually pay your vehicle’s actual cash value before the accident, minus any deductible.

They’ll assess:

• The extent of damage
• The vehicle’s salvage value
• Repairs (including airbags, sensors, and any structural work)

If you believe the insurance company is undervaluing your vehicle or making the wrong call, speak with a car accident attorney for help.

Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim If the Airbags Deployed?

If the accident was caused by another driver’s negligence and you were injured, you may be eligible for compensation. A personal injury claim can help you recover:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Property damage
• Ongoing treatment costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life

When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer

If your car airbags deployed and:

• You were seriously injured
• The accident wasn’t your fault
• You’re struggling with insurance claims or unclear liability

It’s time to consult an attorney. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and can help you understand your rights and next steps. Whether your car was totaled or not, we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us at (800) 719-9779 or fill out a quick form to schedule your free case evaluation.