Can you drive a car with airbags deployed?
Accidents happen, and often after a collision you’re left asking if you can drive a car with airbags deployed. It might be possible, but it isn’t always a great decision. If the vehicle is still operational, you can try to continue driving it with your airbags deployed.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Feature Writer
Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...
Rachel Bodine
Licensed Insurance Agent
Brad Larson has been in the insurance industry for over 16 years. He specializes in helping clients navigate the claims process, with a particular emphasis on coverage analysis. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in Political Science. He also holds an Associate in Claims (AIC) and Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designations, as well as a Utah Property and Casual...
Brad Larson
Updated January 2025
Airbags are lifesaving devices that can keep a driver and passenger safe when a crash happens. Having these and other safety features in a car also make your car insurance cheaper. After a collision, it can be overwhelming to manage all the things you have to think about. But one of the top questions you might have as a driver is, “Can you drive a car with air bags deployed?”
You may have other questions, like how legal it is to drive with deployed air bags. What about your insurance company? Will your insurer replace the air bags for you or is the car automatically totaled after air bags deploy? Does air bag deployment disable vehicle?
Knowing what is covered is a key part of understanding your car insurance policy. This guide will answer all these questions and more. You don’t have to wait to find quotes from car insurance companies that insure cars after the air bags deploy. With a quick comparison shopping, you can buy car insurance from companies near you that insure when air bags deploy.
- It is possible to drive a car with air bags deployed, but that does not mean it’s safe to do so
- Your insurance company may decide to total the car if replacing the air bags will cost more than the car’s value
- Most states don’t have air bag replacement laws, so you are not legally required to replace the air bags if they deploy
Buying a Car With an Airbag Deployed
When considering buying a car with an airbag deployed, it’s crucial to understand the implications and potential costs involved. The airbag deployed meaning indicates that the car has been involved in a significant collision, triggering the airbag system. While you can drive a car after airbags deploy, it’s essential to assess the extent of the damage.
Often, when airbags are deployed in the car, totaled might be the first thought that comes to mind. However, a car is not automatically totaled if airbags are deployed. You can still drive a car if the airbags deploy, but ensure that all other critical systems are intact and the vehicle passes safety inspections.
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Assessing Damage and Safety
If you’re buying a car with a deployed airbag, have it thoroughly inspected by a professional mechanic. This inspection should confirm whether the vehicle is safe to drive and determine the cost of necessary repairs. Although you can drive a car with the airbag deployed, the vehicle may have hidden structural damage.
Actions to take with deployed airbags include evaluating the condition of the vehicle’s frame, suspension, and other essential components. If the airbag deploys, the car is totaled only if the repair costs exceed the car’s value. Remember, while it is legal to drive a car after airbags deploy, non-functional airbags may affect insurance coverage and future claims.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
It is legal to drive a car after airbags deploy, but it’s important to be aware of the legal and insurance ramifications. If your airbags deploy, your car is totaled from an insurance perspective only if the repair costs outweigh the car’s current market value. Insurers might hesitate to provide coverage for a car with blown airbags unless the airbags are repaired or replaced.
Furthermore, while you can drive a car with blown airbags, it might not pass a state safety inspection, which could make it illegal to drive in some jurisdictions. Always check your local laws and consult with your insurance provider about coverage for a car with deployed airbags.
Repair or replace?
Deciding whether to repair or replace a car with deployed airbags depends on several factors. A car can still drive with airbags deployed, but the safety of the vehicle is compromised. If the airbags deployed, is the car totaled a common question, hinges on the repair estimates versus the car’s value. A car is still drivable after airbags deploy, but driving without functional airbags reduces protection in future accidents.
When airbags deploy, the car is totaled only if the damage is extensive. Therefore, weigh the costs of repairs against the car’s value and your safety. If repairs are feasible and the vehicle passes safety standards, you can drive your car if airbags are deployed.
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What to Do When Airbags Deploy: Driving and Totaling Considerations
When airbags deploy in a car, many drivers wonder if their vehicle is still usable. While you can drive a car after the airbags deploy, it is crucial to understand the implications of driving a vehicle with deployed airbags.
In many cases, a car is drivable after airbags deploy, but the safety of the vehicle may be compromised. You can drive a car if airbags deploy, but this should be done with caution. It’s important to ensure that all critical systems are functioning properly before getting back on the road.
Assessing the Impact on Vehicle Value
One major concern is whether the car is totaled if airbags deploy. The cost of replacing deployed airbags and repairing any additional damage may lead insurers to decide that the car is totaled.
If airbags deploy, the car is totaled only if the repair costs exceed the vehicle’s current market value. In some cases, a car is totaled if side airbags deploy, especially if the deployment is accompanied by other significant damage. It’s important to recognize that a car is totaled if the airbags deploy, but this decision is based on repair costs relative to the car’s value.
Driving with Deployed Airbags: Safety and Legality
You can still drive a car after airbags have been deployed, but this should be done with an understanding of potential risks. A car will start after the airbags deploy, but you should assess the vehicle’s condition thoroughly.
A car can be driven after airbags deploy, but the safety features of the vehicle are compromised. It is legal to drive with deployed airbags in most jurisdictions, but not recommended due to the potential safety issues. In many cases, you can drive a car with deployed airbags, but it may not pass a state safety inspection, which could render it illegal to drive.
Actions to Take After Airbags Deploy
After airbags deploy, there are specific actions to take. Ensure that the car is inspected by a professional mechanic to assess the extent of the damage and ensure all systems are operational.
Even though you can drive a car with the airbags deployed, this doesn’t guarantee that the vehicle is in safe condition. If the airbags deploy, your car might be considered totaled if the cost of repairs is deemed too high. You can use a car after airbags deploy, but it is essential to address any potential safety issues and comply with local regulations regarding vehicle inspections.
Driving a Car With Airbags Deployed
So, can you drive a car with air bags deployed? The simple answer is yes, you can, as long as the car can start. However, the question you should be asking is if it is a good idea to continue to drive after an air bag deployment. After a collision where the air bags deploy, many newer cars will automatically shut off power for safety reasons. A battery cable may need to be reconnected if the car won’t start on its own.
In many cases though, it’s possible to drive the car after air bags deploy. A driver must still be able to access controls, like the wheel, and see the vehicle speedometer, though. The air bag will also need to deflate, which it usually does on its own. It’s possible to cut the air bag out completely.
Usually, though, a collision that’s strong enough to trigger the air bags results in other types of damage to the vehicle. It’s possible that you might not notice or be able to diagnose that damage on your own. The other main reason you probably don’t want to drive a car with air bags deployed is that if another collision happens, you and your passengers won’t be protected.
Evaluating If Your Car Is Totaled After Airbags Deploy
When airbags deploy in a car, determining if the vehicle is considered totaled involves more than just checking if the airbags are functional. Many people wonder, “If an airbag deploys, is the car totaled?” The straightforward answer is that while deployed airbags are a significant indicator of damage, a car is not automatically totaled just because the airbags deploy. The decision to total a car typically depends on the extent of the overall damage and the cost of repairs compared to the car’s value.
You can drive a car after the airbags have been deployed, but it’s crucial to assess the vehicle’s condition comprehensively. A car can drive after airbags deploy, but driving without functional airbags can compromise safety.
Therefore, while you can drive with the airbags deployed, you should ensure that all other critical components of the vehicle are inspected and repaired if necessary. It is important to understand that deployed airbags can lead to a car being considered totaled if repair costs exceed the vehicle’s market value. If the airbags deploy, the car is totaled only if the overall damage is extensive and repairs are deemed economically unfeasible.
In some cases, you can still drive a car after the airbag deploys, but you should be aware of the potential issues. For instance, a car will drive after an airbag is deployed, but it might not pass a safety inspection if the airbags are not replaced or repaired.
If your car has deployed airbags, you need to take specific actions to address the situation properly. Evaluate the overall damage, consult with a mechanic, and check with your insurance company to understand if the vehicle’s total loss status will affect your insurance coverage. Although it is legal to drive a car with a deployed airbag in most places, it is not advisable due to safety and legal considerations.
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Understanding Vehicle Total Loss and Airbag Deployment
When considering whether a car is totaled after airbags deploy, it’s important to understand the factors that determine if your car is considered a total loss. While the presence of deployed airbags is a significant indicator of damage, it doesn’t automatically mean that the car is totaled. Specifically, a car is totaled if airbags deploy is a common misconception.
The key factor is whether the repair costs, including replacing the airbags, exceed the vehicle’s market value. Therefore, if an airbag deploys, the car is totaled is only accurate if the overall repair expenses surpass the value of the car.
However, you can drive a car if the airbags deploy, but this comes with some caveats. You can drive a car after the airbags go off or you can drive a car with a deployed airbag, but driving without functional airbags may compromise your safety and potentially affect your insurance coverage.
Actions to take if airbags deploy include having the vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure that all systems are operational and assessing the full extent of the damage. A car will pass inspection with an airbag deployed only if it meets all other safety requirements and repairs are made as needed.
In summary, deployed airbags total a car only if the cost of repairs is deemed too high compared to the car’s value. A car is totaled when airbags deploy is a conditional statement dependent on repair costs and vehicle value. If you’re faced with your car being totaled if the airbags deploy, it’s essential to get a detailed inspection and consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and next steps.
Total Loss After Airbag Deployment
When airbags deploy in a car, it’s crucial to evaluate if the vehicle is considered totaled. If the airbags deploy, your car is totaled only if the repair costs exceed the car’s market value. Simply having airbags deployed in the car does not automatically mean that it is totaled. However, many insurers will assess whether a car is totaled when the airbags deploy based on the extent of the damage and repair costs.
You might wonder, “Can you drive after the airbags deploy?” The answer is yes, you can drive a car with a deployed airbag. However, driving a vehicle with deployed airbags comes with safety and legal risks. It is illegal to drive without airbags in some jurisdictions if the car fails a safety inspection due to the absence of functional airbags.
if airbags deployed, the car may not totaled; your car will be totaled only if the airbags deployed and the repair costs are too high. You can drive after the airbags deploy, but ensuring your vehicle is safe and compliant with local laws is essential.
Is a car totaled if air bags deploy?
So what happens after air bags deploy? This is an important question, especially as it relates to your car insurance coverage. The answer is no, your car is not automatically totaled. However, there’s a good reason why many people think this is true. In many cases, your insurance company will make a decision based on the cost of replacing air bags after an accident.
Read more: If airbags deploy, is my car totaled?
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Can air bags be replaced?
Airbags are single-use only, so, once deployed, the old ones must be taken out. The cost of replacement is usually a minimum of $1,000 and can be much more. So air bags are not cheap to replace. And when the car air bags are deployed, there’s usually additional damage to the vehicle too. So if your collision resulted in a broken windshield, severe dents in the body, and more, the conclusion is simple to an insurance company: it’s not worth it to repair.
Is it legal to drive a car after air bags deploy?
While federal law says that new cars should be manufactured with air bags, it says nothing about replacing them or driving with them deployed. There are no air bag replacement laws that say you have to get new ones put in your vehicle after a deployment. This is most likely because making air bags mandatory in all vehicles would mean older models without air bags would not be able to be on the road.
Again, even though it may be legal, it doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. There is a high possibility that your car will not pass a state safety inspection if the air bags are not working. Non-functional air bags could also change the price of your insurance. Since air bags are a safety feature, your insurance company rewards you for having them installed in your vehicle. If your policy terms allow it, a missing air bag could actually make your insurance invalid.
What are my options if my air bags deploy?
After an accident, your options are restricted if your insurer decides to total the vehicle. However, if your insurance company totals the car, you’ll get the cash value minus your deductible. You’ll still have to pay off any loans that you took to buy the car.
If your insurance company won’t insure the car in its current state, you’ll want to compare car insurance companies that insure cars with blown air bags. (For more information, read our “Compare Best Car Insurance Companies That Insure Cars With Blown Airbags“)
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Case Studies: Driving a Car With Deployed Airbags
Case Study 1: The Operational Vehicle
John was involved in a collision that triggered the deployment of his car’s airbags. Fortunately, his vehicle remained operational despite the deployed airbags. John decided to continue driving his car until he could reach a safe location.
Although he could access the necessary controls and the airbag was deflating, John was aware that he should be cautious as he and his passengers would not be adequately protected in case of another collision.
Case Study 2: The Non-Operational Vehicle
Sarah experienced a collision that resulted in deployed airbags. Unfortunately, her car’s power automatically shut off for safety reasons, rendering it non-operational. She attempted to restart the vehicle but was unsuccessful.
Sarah realized that the battery cable might need to be reconnected to restore power. In this case, it would be necessary to address the underlying issues and consult a professional to ensure the car’s functionality before attempting to drive it again.
Case Study 3: The Comprehensive Damage
Emily’s car suffered significant damage in a collision, causing the airbags to deploy. Apart from the deployed airbags, her vehicle also had a broken windshield and severe dents in the body.
Emily’s insurance company assessed the situation and determined that the cost of replacing the airbags and repairing the additional damage would outweigh the car’s value. Consequently, the insurance company considered the vehicle as “totaled.”
Case Study 4: Legal and Insurance Implications
Mark’s car experienced airbag deployment after a collision. Wondering about the legality of driving with deployed airbags, Mark discovered that there are no specific laws requiring airbag replacement or prohibiting driving with deployed airbags.
However, he learned that non-functional airbags could impact the safety of the vehicle and potentially invalidate his insurance coverage. Mark understood that it would be wise to address the issue promptly to ensure the safety of himself and his passengers.
Can You Drive a Car With Airbags Deployed: The Bottom Line
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive a car with airbags deployed?
Yes, you can drive a car with airbags deployed if the vehicle is still operational. However, it is not always recommended due to safety reasons and the possibility of additional damage to the vehicle.
Is a car totaled if airbags deploy?
No, a car is not automatically totaled if the airbags deploy. However, if the cost of replacing the airbags and repairing other damages is high, the insurance company may consider the vehicle totaled.
Can airbags be replaced?
Airbags are single-use only, so once they deploy, they need to be replaced. The cost of replacement is usually significant, and if there is additional damage to the vehicle, it may not be worth repairing.
Is it legal to drive a car after airbags are deployed?
While there are no specific laws that require airbag replacement or prohibit driving with deployed airbags, it may not be a good idea. Non-functional airbags can affect the safety of the vehicle and may impact insurance coverage.
What are my options if my airbags deploy?
If the insurance company decides to total the vehicle, you will receive the cash value of the car minus your deductible. If the car is not insurable in its current state, you can compare car insurance companies that provide coverage for cars with deployed airbags.
Can you drive a car once the airbags have been deployed?
Yes, you can drive a car once the airbags have been deployed. However, driving a vehicle with deployed airbags is not recommended due to compromised safety features. It’s essential to have the car inspected to ensure that all critical systems are functioning properly before driving.
Does airbag deployment total a car?
Airbag deployment does not automatically total a car. The vehicle is considered totaled only if the repair costs, including replacing the airbags and addressing any additional damage, exceed the car’s market value. Insurers assess the overall damage and repair costs to determine if the car is a total loss.
How to start the car after the airbags deploy?
To start a car after airbags deploy, you may need to reconnect the battery cable if the power has been shut off for safety reasons. Ensure that the vehicle’s critical systems are inspected and repaired as necessary before attempting to drive.
Does airbag deployment disable the vehicle?
Airbag deployment can sometimes disable the vehicle, particularly if the car’s power is automatically shut off for safety reasons. In such cases, you might need to reconnect the battery or address any underlying issues to restore the car’s functionality.
Do airbags go off if the car is off?
Airbags typically deploy during a collision, not based on whether the car is on or off. They are triggered by impact sensors rather than the vehicle’s power status.
Is it illegal to drive with airbags deployed?
What happens after airbags deploy?
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