Can you drive a car with airbags deployed?

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.

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.

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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?

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.

This is especially true if your vehicle is older. The value of the vehicle goes down as the years go by, so putting new parts in an older car often just doesn’t make sense.

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.

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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“)

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

Hopefully, this guide has given you all of the info you need about driving a car with the air bags deployed. Getting a quote is the easiest way to find affordable car insurance companies after your air bags deploy.

 

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