Airbags are a one-time car safety feature that generally cannot be reused after deploying in a crash. The cost of airbag replacement can range between $1,500 and $6,000 depending on the severity of the crash.
More than 50,000 lives were saved by airbags over a 30-year period, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Below, we highlight how you can pay for the cost of airbag replacement.
Key Points
• Replacing a deployed airbag typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000 per airbag, depending on the vehicle’s make and model.
• If multiple airbags deploy during an accident, total replacement costs can escalate significantly, potentially exceeding $6,000.
• Beyond the airbags themselves, replacing associated components like the airbag control module, crash sensors, and clock springs can add several hundred dollars to the total repair bill.
• Collision or comprehensive insurance policies often cover airbag replacement costs if deployment occurs due to a covered event.
• You can pay for airbag replacement with cash, a credit card, a personal loan, or by refinancing your current auto loan.
What Are Airbags?
Airbags are cushions built into vehicles that inflate to protect the driver and passengers when a collision occurs. They’re intended to supplement seat belts with an extra layer of protection. Since 1998, frontal airbags have been standard in passenger cars. The following year, that became true for vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Side airbags are now being offered on many newer cars as options for added protection, too.
How Do Airbags Work?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), when a moderate to severe collision occurs, the airbag’s electronic control unit signals the inflator of the crash. An igniter launches a chemical process, inflating the front airbag in less than 1/20 of a second. Side airbags deploy even more quickly.
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Components of an Airbag System
Components of an airbag system include the following:
• Clock spring
• Impact sensor
• Igniter
• SRS warning light
• Passenger seat switch
• Pyrotechnic inflator
• ECU
• Seatbelt tensioners
Driver and Passenger Airbags
When driver-side airbags became required in 1998 and 1999, this included passenger-side ones, too. On the driver’s side, the airbag is placed in the steering wheel, while manufacturers install one for passengers in the dashboard.
Clock Spring
A clock spring attaches to the steering wheel housing/cover and then typically connects to the airbag’s control module. Then, the wires in the clock spring connect the control module to multiple other parts: the steering wheel, the ignition switch, and the computer. It relays messaging among these parts.
Impact Sensor
Also called crash sensors, the airbag system relies upon them to know when it’s time for the airbag to inflate. These impact sensors can detect when a car suddenly stops accelerating and are typically programmed to activate when a vehicle crashes into something solid at the rate of 15 miles per hour or more.
Igniter
Once a crash sensor sends a signal, the igniter plays a role. A chemical reaction creates a harmless gas that causes the airbag to inflate nearly instantly. Because the airbags inflate so rapidly, it’s crucial for drivers and passengers to not be too close to the airbag’s location. Serious injuries can occur if someone is too close to a deploying airbag, and injuries can be fatal.
SRS Warning Light
When this warning light, typically located on a vehicle’s instrument panel on the dashboard, is on, this means that the airbag inflation can be deployed. When the airbag system is triggered through a qualifying event, the airbag warning light may flash or otherwise send a signal. When it turns off, this means that the airbag has been fully deployed.
Passenger Seat Switch
Under certain circumstances, having a frontal airbag on could present risks that outweigh its benefits. If so, NHTSA may approve an on-off switch that allows the airbag deployment to be turned off. If this option is available in your vehicle, know how to turn it on and off and weigh pros and cons carefully.
Pyrotechnic Inflator
Over the past decade, vehicle manufacturers have been increasingly using pyrotechnic inflators to contain the gas-producing substance that triggers airbag inflation. This one is less toxic than older types, with the substance contained inside the casing. They are also more efficient than the previously used hybrid inflators.
ECU
ECU stands for an “electronic control unit.” Sensors detecting a crash send this information to the ECU, which sends out an electrical pulse that triggers the process that releases the gas that inflates the airbag. ECUs may be programmed for different activation parameters.
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Late-model vehicles often have a seatbelt pretensioner that lowers the amount of slack in seatbelts when a collision occurs. Having a snugger seatbelt system allows airbags to work more efficiently.
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Is It Safe to Drive Without Airbags?
Airbags are considered an important innovation in car safety because, if a crash occurs, they cushion people in the vehicle from full impact.
Plus, car insurance policies are based on your vehicle’s features, which would include working airbags. If they need to be replaced and this isn’t done, the policy could become void, which would mean the owner is driving without car insurance — something that’s illegal in most states.
Service Airbag Light
When this light comes on, it means some part of your airbag system isn’t functioning well. Although it’s possible that airbags will still deploy in a crash, they may not. If this light comes on, have it investigated and addressed by an authorized repair center.
Safety Inspection
Some states will look at airbags during safety inspections and may issue warnings if they are not functional. If something comes up in an inspection, it’s best to get it looked at and repaired.
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Can Airbags Be Replaced After an Accident?
Yes, airbags can be replaced after an accident, and in most cases, they must be. Once deployed, airbags cannot be reused, as the system is designed for one-time activation. A certified technician will remove the deployed airbags, assess any damage to the airbag module and sensors, and install new components to restore the vehicle’s safety system.
Replacing airbags can be costly, but it’s crucial for maintaining the integrity of your car’s crash protection features.
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How Much Does it Cost to Replace Airbags?
The cost to replace airbags can vary widely depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the number of airbags deployed, and whether other components like sensors, seat belts, or the airbag control module also need replacement.
On average, replacing a single airbag can cost between $1,000 and $2,000. If multiple airbags deploy in a serious crash — such as the front, side, and curtain airbags — the total cost could range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more.
Labor costs and parts availability also influence the overall price. Luxury vehicles or those with advanced airbag systems may have higher replacement costs due to specialized components and complex installation. In some severe cases, especially when several safety systems are compromised, the repair costs can approach or exceed the car’s value, leading insurance companies to declare the vehicle a total loss.
Will Auto Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?
Yes, most policies will pay for airbag replacement if you were involved in an accident and the other driver was at fault (this means the at-fault driver’s liability insurance covers it) or if you have collision insurance that will pay for damage to your car no matter who was at fault.
However, because of the high price of new airbags and installation costs, some vehicles with a low cash value will be considered a total loss by the driver’s insurance company if the airbags deploy (added to whatever other damage takes place). This means your insurance company might consider it more economical to declare your car a total loss than cover repairs.
For this reason, a driver might consider paying for airbag replacement and other repairs without going to their auto insurer.
How Can I Pay For Airbag Repair Costs?
If you do not use auto insurance for airbag work, four ways to pay for it include:
• Cash
• Credit card
• Personal loan
• Auto loan refinance
Cash
Paying for airbag replacement in cash from checking or savings can be a good option if you want to avoid insurance rate increases or don’t have comprehensive coverage. It gives you more control over the repair process and may lead to discounts from repair shops.
However, because airbag replacement can be expensive — often thousands of dollars — it’s important to weigh the cost against what your insurance might cover. If the damage is extensive, filing a claim could be more practical, even if it affects your premiums.
Credit Card
If you don’t have enough cash or paying the bill that way would cut you short for other expenses, credit cards allow you to pay the airbag costs.
Benefits of this approach include the ability to pay over time and earn rewards. However, if you don’t pay the balance in full, you’ll also pay interest on the amount.
Personal Loan
A personal loan is another option. Interest rates are typically lower than credit card rates and payments are made back in regular installments.
Limits may be higher, and unsecured personal loans don’t require any collateral. Often, though, monthly payments are higher than with a credit card.
Auto Loan Refinance
Paying for airbag replacement through an auto loan refinance can be a smart financial move if you’re facing high repair costs and need immediate funds. By refinancing your existing auto loan, you may secure a lower interest rate or extend your loan term, freeing up cash to cover the airbag repair.
Some lenders even offer cash-out refinancing, allowing you to borrow more than you currently owe and use the extra funds for necessary expenses like vehicle repairs. This approach spreads the cost over time, making it more manageable than a lump-sum payment.
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The Takeaway
A new airbag can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 and even more. After an accident, many car insurance policies will cover airbag replacement. If not, other financing options come into play, including paying for the replacement in cash, using a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or refinancing your car.
If you’re seeking auto loan refinancing, SoFi is here to support you. On SoFi’s marketplace, you can shop and compare financing options for your car in minutes.
FAQ
What is the cost of airbag replacement?
An airbag replacement can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the vehicle and where the airbag is located.
How much does it cost to fix airbags?
An airbag can sometimes be rebuilt, though it’s not always recommended. If you choose to do this, you may be able to fix one for about $1,000.
How can I pay for airbag repair costs?
In some cases, your auto insurance policy will cover it. Other options include paying cash, using a credit card, taking out a personal loan, or refinancing your car.
Photo credit: iStock/gokhanilgaz
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