Does Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?

Car accidents can be stressful and scary experiences. Even after the accident, the damage to the vehicle can cause more stress, especially when it comes to repairing or replacing the airbags. Car owners might wonder if their insurance policy covers airbag replacement and if all types of airbag damages can be covered. This article will discuss what insurance may or may not cover for airbag replacement.

Does Comprehensive Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?

Comprehensive insurance is an optional coverage that covers damages caused by something other than a collision or accident. Airbag replacement may be covered under comprehensive insurance if the airbags were damaged due to theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, such as a flood or hailstorm. The policyholder may need to pay a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of airbag replacement.

However, it is important to note that comprehensive insurance may not cover airbag replacement if the airbags were deployed due to a collision or accident. In these cases, the car owner may need to rely on their collision coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.

Table 1: Comprehensive Insurance coverage for Airbag Replacement

Scenario
Is airbag replacement covered?
Does policyholder need to pay a deductible?
Theft or Vandalism
Yes
Possible
Natural disasters
Yes
Possible
Collision or accident
No
N/A

Does Collision Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?

Collision insurance is another optional coverage that covers damages to the car caused by a collision or accident. Airbag replacement may be covered under collision insurance if the airbags were deployed due to a collision or accident. The policyholder may need to pay a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of airbag replacement.

It is important to note that collision insurance may not cover airbag replacement if the airbags were damaged due to something other than a collision or accident.

Table 2: Collision Insurance coverage for Airbag Replacement

Scenario
Is airbag replacement covered?
Does policyholder need to pay a deductible?
Collision or accident
Yes
Possible
Theft or Vandalism
No
N/A
Natural disasters
No
N/A

Does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover Airbag Replacement?

Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is a type of auto insurance that covers medical expenses and lost wages for the driver and passengers after an accident. PIP coverage may cover the cost of airbag replacement if the airbags were deployed during the accident and the policy includes coverage for airbags. The policyholder may need to pay a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of airbag replacement.

Table 3: PIP Coverage for Airbag Replacement

Scenario
Is airbag replacement covered?
Does policyholder need to pay a deductible?
Airbags deployed during accident
Possible
Possible
Airbags damaged due to other reasons
No
N/A

FAQs

1. Do I need to pay a deductible for airbag replacement?

It depends on the type of insurance coverage and the circumstances of the airbag damage. Policyholders may need to pay a deductible for comprehensive, collision, or PIP coverage, depending on the policy terms and conditions.

2. What if I don’t have comprehensive, collision, or PIP coverage?

If the car owner does not have any of these types of coverage, they may need to pay for the airbag replacement out of pocket. The cost of airbag replacement can be expensive, so car owners should consider purchasing insurance coverage to avoid any unexpected costs.

3. What if my airbags were recalled?

If the airbags were recalled by the manufacturer, the car owner should contact the dealership or manufacturer for a replacement. The cost of the replacement may be covered by the manufacturer, depending on the specific details of the recall.

4. What if the damages to the airbags were caused by a hit-and-run?

If the damages were caused by a hit-and-run, the car owner may need to rely on their uninsured motorist coverage to cover the cost of airbag replacement. The policyholder may need to pay a deductible before the insurance company covers the cost of airbag replacement.

5. Can I choose where to get my airbags replaced?

Some insurance companies may have preferred repair shops or preferred vendors for airbag replacement. The policyholder may need to choose from the list of preferred vendors to have the airbags replaced. However, some insurance policies may allow the car owner to choose any repair shop or vendor for the airbag replacement.

Conclusion

It is important for car owners to understand what their insurance policies cover and what they don’t. Airbag replacement may be covered under comprehensive, collision, or PIP coverage, depending on the circumstances of the airbag damage. Car owners should also understand the deductibles for their insurance coverage and consider purchasing additional coverage to avoid any unexpected costs.