How much does it cost to replace an airbag?

Getting into an accident is never fun, but modern cars offer more protection than ever. Driver safety is at an all-time high, from crumple zones in the frame to better seat belts.

There are a lot of improvements that have impacted how cars are safer now than in 1970, and air bags are one of the most important aspects of your protection during a collision. All cars built after 1998 must have two frontal air bags, but most vehicles today come with many more. Some cars have a whopping 10 air bags, including side and rear passenger air bags.

While they keep you safe, air bag replacement costs can be expensive. Car insurance can help pay for replacement or repairs, but only if you have the right plan.

So, how much does it cost for air bag replacement? Read on to learn about air bags, then explore insurance options to ensure you don’t pay out-of-pocket for a deployed air bag.

How much does it cost to replace an air bag?

The typical air bag costs between $1,000 and $2,000 to replace, though it varies based on your car. Of course, a single air bag rarely deploys by itself. After an accident, you can expect a bill between $3,000 and $5,000 to replace multiple air bags.

Driver-side air bags usually cost a little less, ranging from $250 to $800. The passenger-side air bag costs more, at around $400 to $1,500. Other air bags aren’t as commonly replaced but cost about the same.

Remember that these prices are only for parts — mechanics will also charge you for labor.

If you’re hoping an extended car warranty will cover your air bags, you’re probably out of luck. Most warranties don’t cover air bags and other safety features.

Consider the following factors to understand how much a replacement air bag price for cars might be.

Air Bag Supplier

Like anything else, air bag costs depend on where you shop. You can save a lot of money by purchasing an air bag online or at a salvage yard, but you risk lower quality.

The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will likely cost more, but you’re guaranteed a quality air bag that matches your vehicle.

Before you make your decision, do some research online. You’ll probably find other drivers who have used the parts you’re looking at and can offer valuable advice.

Labor Costs

Regarding car repairs, it’s not always the parts that make your bill so expensive. Labor costs can significantly raise your bill, from complex cars to mechanics with high rates.

You have the option of repairing it yourself, and many drivers use online tutorials to figure out how to do it. However, you don’t want to mess around with your safety. Without mechanical experience, it’s best to leave air bags to the professionals.

If you have a trusted mechanic, your best bet is to take your air bags to them. You can shop around for repair quotes if you don’t have a mechanic in mind, but remember that your bill will likely be high no matter where you go.

Affected Air Bags

The more popped air bags, the more money you’ll pay.

Aside from the number of air bags that need replacement, their location will also affect your price. Modern cars often come with driver, passenger, seatbelt, side-impact, and knee air bags.

Each comes with its own replacement challenges, but the most expensive is usually the passenger-side air bag.

Other Affected Parts

When your air bag deploys, it might not be the only part that needs to be replaced or repaired. Airbag deployment can also affect fuses, the relay box, the air bag module, the seat belt tensioner, the STS unit, and the indicator light.

Your bill will increase if a mechanic or technician needs to work on any of these parts simultaneously.

Of course, accidents rarely cause air bags to deploy and do no other damage. Windshield replacement or bodywork will also affect the price of your repair bill.

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Does insurance cover air bag replacement?

Your insurance might cover air bag repair costs if you have the right coverage. Two primary insurance types will cover air bag replacement – collision and comprehensive coverage.

If your air bag deployed after an accident, collision insurance would cover the deployed air bag repair cost no matter who is at fault.

A comprehensive insurance policy might cover other sources of damage if it happened in a qualifying event. For example, if a deer jumps in front of your car and you hit it, comprehensive coverage would replace your air bags.

You’ll need to pay your deductible before your insurance kicks in. However, paying a deductible will be significantly cheaper than covering the entire repair bill.

Does air bag deployment mean your car is totaled?

If air bags deploy, it doesn’t mean the car is automatically totaled. However, it certainly is a possibility.

Insurance companies declare a car a total loss when the cost of repairs reaches a certain threshold. For most companies, that threshold is between 75 and 90% of the car’s total value.

So if your company’s total loss threshold is 75% of your car’s value and it’s worth $5,000, a repair bill of $3,750 or more will result in a total loss.

When this happens, the company will pay you for the vehicle rather than the repairs. Since air bag repairs cost so much, it’s not difficult to imagine them being enough to declare a total loss.

Can you repair an air bag?

Not all situations warrant air bag replacement — oftentimes, a skilled mechanic can reset them.

Generally speaking, the cost of air bag repairs is cheaper than buying new ones. However, it can still be a pricey procedure, costing up to $1,000 per air bag.

Another reason to repair your air bags is that the air bag light won’t turn off without being reset. That light isn’t simply a minor annoyance — you probably won’t pass state inspections with it on.

If your driver-side air bag has deployed, you could lower repair costs by purchasing a used steering wheel with an air bag. Sometimes, replacing a steering column is cheaper than installing a new air bag.

While it can be tempting to save money by skipping air bags, you should never drive without them, or the consequences could be fatal.

How do air bags work?

You might think your air bags inflate like a balloon, but the process is a little more complex.

Airbags are safety devices that cushion your body during a collision. The first air bags came out in the 1960s but didn’t become mandatory in vehicles until 1998. For the most part, air bags can undergo deployment once before requiring replacement.

The primary function of an air bag is to slow down the driver’s or passengers’ motion to reduce injury. Airbags have three primary parts that make cushioning possible:

• Airbag. The air bag is made of thin nylon and is located in the dashboard or steering wheel, and modern cars have them throughout the interior.
• Inflation system. The inflation system makes air bags inflate so quickly. It uses sodium azide and potassium nitrate to produce nitrogen gas. After inflation, the gas escapes through small holes that allow deflation.
• Sensor. Your air bag sensor uses an accelerometer to decide when it should inflate. Usually, any force equivalent to hitting a wall at 10 miles per hour will trigger your air bag.

Inflation happens in the blink of an eye or about one-twentieth of a second. You’ll probably notice a white powder after the air bag inflates — manufacturers cover air bags in talcum or cornstarch to keep the nylon pliable.

Read more: How Airbags Deploy: Understanding the Mechanics of Airbags

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Airbag Replacement Cost and Insurance Coverage

Although replacing an air bag can be expensive, the protection it offers you in a collision is invaluable. If you have the right insurance, you won’t be stuck with the entire bill — just your deductible.

Most insurance companies offer comprehensive and collision coverage, but you should shop around to find the right policy. Comparing quotes from as many companies as possible is the best way to find a price that works for your budget.

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