Car airbags are undoubtedly one of safety features that has saved hundreds of lives on the roads. Front airbags reduce the risk of fatality in front collisions by 29%, while side airbags reduce the risk of death by 37-52%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports
In case of a car accident, car insurance companies typically cover airbag replacement. But if the airbags are replaced due to wear and tear and manufacturing defects, the replacement cost may not be covered.
Does the insurance company cover airbag replacement?
Airbags are pricey and your insurer won’t replace them if your car is totaled.
Most crash packages cover airbag replacement. If you simply have liability coverage and cause an accident, your insurance company won’t repair your airbags.
Which insurance type covers airbag replacement?
Airbag replacement is covered under vehicle’s collision coverage auto insurance. It’s an optional auto insurance policy. Collision coverage pays for vehicle repairs in case of an accident, irrespective of who is at fault.
If your airbags are broken, collision coverage will usually replace them.
Also, remember that liability insurance, which is mandatory in most states, does not cover repairs to your vehicle in case of an accident.
How to Buy Replacement Airbags?
Here are some tips for buying replacement airbags:
- Shop at a trusted dealer. Only acquire airbags from a reliable dealer that specializes in replacing airbag parts. Avoid salvage or used airbags since they may have been deployed. 1A Auto Parts, Parts Geek, and RockAuto are suggested retailers.
- Make sure the airbag works. Buy an airbag that matches your car’s make, model, and year. The airbag type (driver, passenger, side curtain) must also match. Airbags that don’t fit can be dangerous.
- Compare pricing at different retailers. Compare airbag costs on retailers’ websites to discover the cheapest alternative. Shopping around may save you 10-30% or more.
- Buy a whole airbag module. The airbag, inflator, and housing should be replaced together for most cars. Replacing the airbag alone may not work in your vehicle.
- Consider buying refurbished or secondhand modules. Airbag modules that have been used or remanufactured are evaluated for safety. They cost 50% or more less than new modules. However, their warranties are shorter.
- Check for airbag recalls. The dealer should give free airbag module replacement parts if there is an open recall. Enter your VIN to check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Follow the installation instructions carefully. Safe airbag modules require correct installation. Install the airbags yourself or have a mechanic do it. Installing incorrectly is risky.
- Properly dispose of old airbags. Remove old airbag modules carefully to avoid activating them. Take them to an airbag disposal service at an auto parts store or dealer. Do not toss them away.
Can you repair an airbag?
Repairing or replacing an airbag is typically not something that can be done by a vehicle owner. Airbags are complex safety systems that require specialized training, tools, and parts to service properly. For safety reasons, airbag service should only be performe by a certified mechanic at a licensed repair facility.
Some key points about airbag repair:
• Airbags contain explosive charges and should only be handle and serviced by trained professionals with the proper protective equipment.
• Airbag modules and sensors require precisely calibrate to function properly in a collision. Improper service could prevent the airbags from deploying when needed or cause them to deploy unexpectedly.
• Airbag replacement parts must be OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts made for that specific vehicle model. Aftermarket or used parts will not function properly and could be dangerous.
• Airbag service requires resetting the airbag control module and other diagnostics to ensure the system is functioning properly. This requires specialized computer equipment and software only available to licensed repair facilities.
• Tampering with or disabling an airbag system is illegal and extremely unsafe. Only a certified mechanic at a licensed shop should perform any airbag repairs or service.
Airbag Insurance coverage FAQs
Here are some frequently ask questions regarding insurance coverage for airbag replacement.
How to reset an airbag light?
Resetting an airbag light depends on the car’s make and model. Here are some general steps that may be used to reset an airbag light:
- Locate your vehicle’s diagnostic link connector (DLC) in the dashboard.
- Use OBD-II scanner diagnostic tool to access the vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system.
- Follow the prompts on the diagnostic tool to clear any (DTCs) related to the airbag system.
- Turn off the vehicle and then disconnect the battery for at least five minutes to allow the system to reset.
- Reconnect the battery and turn the key to the on position without starting the engine.
- Check the airbag light and if the light is still on, then take the vehicle to a mechanic or a dealership service center for further diagnosis.
Does side airbag replacement cost?
Replacing a side airbag can range from $500 to $1,500. However, the cost can be higher for luxury or exotic vehicles or if multiple airbags need to be replaced.
- The cost of replacing an airbag includes the cost of the part and labor cost of installing the new airbag.
- You should get a quote from a mechanic or a dealership service center for a more accurate cost estimate.
Airbag replacement laws?
Airbag replacement laws vary by jurisdiction, but in general, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Accident-deployed airbags need replacement.
- Airbag recalls require replacement.
- Change tampered airbags.
- Salvage vehicles need new airbags.
- It’s illegal to sell a car with a broken airbag.
Do Insurance companies cover airbag replacements due to wear and tear?
Insurance policies do not cover wear and tear on car parts, including airbags. However, if an accident covered by your insurance policy deploys the airbag, collision coverage will usually pay the replacement.
