Will Insurance Total a Car if Airbags Deploy?

Understanding the Factors Involved in a Car Total Loss Claim

The decision to total a car in the event of airbag deployment is not as straightforward as it might seem. While airbags are a critical safety feature, their deployment is often indicative of a significant impact and accompanying vehicle damage. In most cases, yes, insurance will total a car if airbags deploy, but this decision is based on a complex evaluation of multiple factors. Let's delve deeper into what these factors entail.

Impact on Vehicle and Airbag Deployment

First and foremost, airbags don't deploy on their own without significant impact. The deployment of airbags often means that the vehicle has been involved in a collision severe enough to warrant their activation. In such instances, other parts of the vehicle are also likely to be damaged. For example, the passenger airbag can damage the windshield, causing a crack or break, and parts of the dashboard. A collision severe enough to deploy airbags often results in substantial damage to these areas, which need to be repaired or replaced.

The Role of Seat Sensors and Recalls

Modern vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features such as seat sensors that can detect if there is a passenger and disable the passenger airbag accordingly. However, even in the absence of passengers, airbags can deploy, leading to further damage. Additionally, other safety components such as Takada airbags might be subject to recalls, making specific parts unavailable for repair.

The Repair vs. Value Equation

The ultimate decision to total a vehicle is based on a straightforward calculation: the cost to repair the vehicle versus its current value. If the cost to repair exceeds the value, the car is deemed a total loss. This process is not merely about the cost of airbag repairs; it encompasses the wider damage assessment, including any additional parts that need replacement.

For example, in my 2016 Infiniti Q50S, airbags deployed after a crash into a wall. The insurance company decided to repair the car at a cost of $25,000, largely because the car was valued at $54,000 at the time. In another case, an insurance company might determine that repair costs exceed the current value of the vehicle, leading to a declaration of total loss.

Impact on Insurance and Recall

It's important to note that the decision to total a vehicle isn't solely based on airbag deployment. Insurance companies consider the total extent of the damage to the vehicle. For instance, if a vehicle is subject to a recall like the Takada airbag recall, and the replacement parts are not available, this can tip the scales towards a total loss decision.

Waiting for repair parts to arrive could potentially lead to a situation where the vehicle remains unrepairable, especially in areas where parts are scarce. In such cases, the decision to total the vehicle is not just about the cost of repairs but the availability and feasibility of obtaining the necessary parts.

Conclusion

The decision to total a car in the event of airbag deployment is a multifaceted one, involving a detailed assessment of the extent of damage, the availability of parts, and the current value of the vehicle. While airbag deployment is often a clear indicator of significant damage, the eventual decision is made on the repair cost versus the value. Understanding these factors can help owners and insurance companies make more informed decisions during the claims process.