When the Airbag Deploys, Is the Car Totalled? Exploring the Myths and Realities of Vehicle Safety Systems

When the Airbag Deploys, Is the Car Totalled? Exploring the Myths and Realities of Vehicle Safety Systems

The deployment of an airbag is often seen as a dramatic and definitive moment in a car accident. It’s a loud, sudden event that can leave drivers and passengers disoriented, but it’s also a critical safety feature designed to save lives. However, there’s a common misconception that when an airbag deploys, the car is automatically considered totalled. This belief has led to confusion and anxiety among drivers, especially those who have experienced an accident. In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between airbag deployment and vehicle totalling, debunk some myths, and provide a comprehensive understanding of how modern safety systems work.

Understanding Airbag Deployment

Airbags are part of a vehicle’s Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which works in conjunction with seat belts to protect occupants during a collision. The system is designed to deploy airbags in moderate to severe crashes, typically those involving a significant change in velocity (delta-V) over a short period of time. Sensors located throughout the vehicle detect the impact and trigger the airbags to inflate within milliseconds, cushioning the occupants and reducing the risk of injury.

How Airbags Work

When a collision occurs, the vehicle’s sensors send a signal to the airbag control unit, which determines whether the crash is severe enough to warrant deployment. If so, the control unit sends an electrical signal to the airbag inflator, which ignites a chemical propellant. This reaction produces a large volume of gas, rapidly inflating the airbag. The entire process happens in less than 1/20th of a second.

Types of Airbags

Modern vehicles are equipped with multiple types of airbags, including:

  • Frontal Airbags: Located in the steering wheel and dashboard, these are the most common and are designed to protect the driver and front passenger in head-on collisions.
  • Side Airbags: These are mounted in the seats or doors and protect occupants in side-impact crashes.
  • Curtain Airbags: Deployed from the roof lining, these airbags provide head protection in side impacts and rollovers.
  • Knee Airbags: Positioned below the dashboard, these protect the driver’s knees and legs.

The Myth: Airbag Deployment Equals a Totalled Car

One of the most pervasive myths is that if an airbag deploys, the car is automatically totalled. This belief stems from the assumption that airbag deployment indicates a severe crash, and therefore, the vehicle must be beyond repair. However, this is not always the case.

What Does “Totalled” Mean?

In insurance terms, a car is considered “totalled” when the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV). This percentage varies by state and insurance company but is typically around 70-75%. If the repair costs exceed this threshold, the insurance company will declare the car a total loss and pay out the ACV rather than covering the repairs.

Factors That Determine if a Car is Totalled

Several factors influence whether a car is totalled after an accident, including:

  1. Severity of the Damage: While airbag deployment often indicates a significant impact, it doesn’t always mean the car is beyond repair. The extent of structural damage, rather than airbag deployment, is the primary factor in determining if a car is totalled.

  2. Age and Value of the Vehicle: Older cars with lower market values are more likely to be totalled because the cost of repairs can quickly exceed their worth. On the other hand, newer, more expensive vehicles may still be repairable even after airbag deployment.

  3. Cost of Airbag Replacement: Replacing airbags can be expensive, but it’s just one component of the overall repair cost. If the rest of the vehicle is relatively undamaged, the car may not be totalled.

  4. Insurance Policy: Different insurance companies have different thresholds for declaring a car totalled. Some may be more lenient, while others may be quicker to write off a vehicle.

Real-World Scenarios: When Airbag Deployment Doesn’t Mean Totalled

To better understand the relationship between airbag deployment and vehicle totalling, let’s look at a few real-world scenarios:

Scenario 1: Minor Front-End Collision

A driver is involved in a low-speed front-end collision. The airbags deploy, but the damage to the car is minimal—a bent bumper, a cracked headlight, and some minor frame damage. In this case, the cost of replacing the airbags and repairing the other damage may not exceed the car’s value, so the vehicle is not totalled.

Scenario 2: High-Speed Collision with Extensive Damage

A driver is involved in a high-speed collision that causes significant damage to the front end, engine, and frame. The airbags deploy, and the cost of repairs, including airbag replacement, far exceeds the car’s value. In this case, the insurance company declares the car totalled.

Scenario 3: Older Vehicle with Low Market Value

An older car with a low market value is involved in a moderate collision. The airbags deploy, and while the structural damage isn’t severe, the cost of replacing the airbags and repairing the car exceeds its value. The insurance company declares the car totalled.

The Role of Airbag Replacement in Repair Costs

Replacing airbags is a significant part of the repair process, but it’s not the only factor. The cost of airbag replacement can vary widely depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the type of airbag, and labor costs. On average, replacing a single airbag can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, and if multiple airbags deploy, the cost can quickly add up.

However, airbag replacement is just one component of the overall repair cost. Other factors, such as frame damage, engine repairs, and bodywork, can also contribute to the total cost. In some cases, even if the airbags deploy, the rest of the car may be in good enough condition that the repairs are still economically viable.

The Impact of Airbag Deployment on Vehicle Safety

While airbag deployment doesn’t necessarily mean a car is totalled, it does have implications for the vehicle’s safety. Once an airbag has deployed, it must be replaced, and the entire SRS system must be inspected to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If the airbags are not replaced or the system is not properly reset, the vehicle may not provide adequate protection in future collisions.

Additionally, some drivers may be hesitant to continue driving a car that has had its airbags deployed, even if it’s been repaired. This is a personal decision, but it’s important to remember that modern vehicles are designed to withstand significant impacts, and a properly repaired car can still be safe to drive.

Conclusion: Airbag Deployment and Vehicle Totalling

The idea that airbag deployment automatically means a car is totalled is a myth. While airbag deployment often indicates a significant impact, it’s just one factor in determining whether a car is totalled. The severity of the damage, the age and value of the vehicle, and the cost of repairs all play a role in the insurance company’s decision.

If you’re involved in an accident where the airbags deploy, it’s important to have the car thoroughly inspected by a professional. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide an estimate for repairs. From there, your insurance company will determine whether the car is totalled or if it can be repaired.

Ultimately, the most important thing is your safety. Airbags are a critical safety feature that can save lives, and while their deployment can be alarming, it’s a sign that the system is working as intended. Whether your car is totalled or not, the priority should always be ensuring that you and your passengers are safe.


Q: Can a car be driven after the airbags deploy? A: No, once the airbags have deployed, the car should not be driven until the airbags have been replaced and the SRS system has been inspected and reset by a professional.

Q: How much does it cost to replace airbags? A: The cost of replacing airbags can vary widely, but on average, it can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per airbag, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Q: Does airbag deployment affect the car’s resale value? A: Yes, airbag deployment can negatively affect a car’s resale value, as it indicates that the vehicle has been in a significant accident. However, if the car has been properly repaired, the impact on resale value may be minimized.

Q: Can airbags be reused after deployment? A: No, airbags are designed for single use only. Once they have deployed, they must be replaced.

Q: Are there any legal requirements for airbag replacement after deployment? A: While there are no federal laws requiring airbag replacement after deployment, most states have regulations that require vehicles to be in safe operating condition. This typically includes having functional airbags.

Q: How can I tell if my car’s airbags have deployed? A: If your car’s airbags have deployed, you will typically see the airbags inflated in the steering wheel, dashboard, or other locations where they are installed. Additionally, the airbag warning light on your dashboard will usually remain illuminated.