One of the most common questions that many drivers ask after an accident is whether they can still use their car if their airbag deployed upon collision. While this may seem like a laughable concern, the investment you put into your car makes this a genuine thought to be worried about! Depending on the severity of the damage, a vehicle can still be restored after a severe accident. Specific standards are set to determine if the car is totaled or can still be restored.
There are different rules in every state, and in most states, a vehicle’s damage must exceed the limit of 70-75% of its actual cash value for it to be declared a total loss. Also, just because the airbags deployed doesn’t mean the vehicle is headed to the scrapyard.
What Happens To Your Car After An Accident
Following a car crash, a process looking into the state of your vehicle must take place. A qualified automotive technician must thoroughly assess the vehicle and identify all damages. Your technician will provide you with an itemized cost of repairs to restore your vehicle back to its original look and function. When you have the breakdown of cost and repairs, your insurance company will consider the cost and compare it to the value of the vehicle.
Suppose repair costs will make fixing the car costlier and impractical. In that case, your vehicle will be labeled as a total loss, and your insurance company will provide you with a monetary settlement for the vehicle!
At this point, you have options. One, the insurance company can keep your car and make you an offer based on the cash value of the vehicle before it got into a crash. The other option is to keep the car, and your insurer will make you an offer based on its value before the crash minus the salvage value.
When it comes to the value of your vehicle, certain factors apply:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Upgrades
- Customization
- Options
- Condition before the crash
- Geographic location
If you disagree with your insurer’s offer, there’s no pressure for you to accept it. You can negotiate for a settlement with them instead. In the case that your vehicle can still be repaired, but you’re worried about the airbag that deployed, here are some of your options:
Reset The Airbag Light
Even if the airbags didn’t deploy in the accident, you need to reset the airbag sensors because they might have been triggered due to the force of the collision. If you notice the car light is on, reset the airbag light or the airbags will not deploy in the event of an accident.
Reset The Airbags
Mechanics may be able to reset most airbags in most vehicle models when they deploy due to an accident. As long as the airbags are not damaged, experts can do something about them to get your car back to a safe condition.
Replace The Airbags
For airbags that have exploded or overinflated, the best course of action here would be to replace the airbag. The same applies when the airbag can’t be reset anymore. For airbags that are installed on the steering wheel, this could involve the additional replacement of the steering wheel and column—which will cost you more.
Conclusion
Restoring your car post-accident is a crucial process—one that hinges on your diligence and penchant for safety. Whether your airbags deploy or not, it’s in your best interest to get them inspected by a professional to determine if it’s still functioning. Doing so may just save your life in the unfortunate event that you get into another accident!
Are you looking for a professional that can handle airbag module resets near your area? At Safety Restore, we are the leader in post-accident restorations, specializing in seat belt repairs, airbag module resetting, webbing replacements, and instrument cluster repairs. Connect with us today, and let us restore your car to safety!
