Is a Car Totaled If the Side Curtain Airbags Deploy?

No. A car is not automatically totaled just because the side curtain airbags deploy. Whether it’s declared a total loss depends on the cost to repair the vehicle compared with its actual cash value under your state’s rules and your insurer’s formulas. Airbag deployment often increases repair costs and makes a total loss more likely—especially on older or lower-value vehicles—but it is not, by itself, a guarantee.

How Insurers Decide a Total Loss

Insurers determine total loss by comparing repair costs (including supplemental damage found during teardown) to the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) immediately before the crash. States use either a Total Loss Formula (repair cost plus salvage value ≥ ACV) or a statutory threshold (repairs exceeding a set percentage—often around 70–80%—of ACV). The presence of deployed airbags is one factor in the repair cost, not an automatic trigger.

Below are the most common total-loss rules insurers follow across the U.S. and how they affect claims when airbags deploy.

• Total Loss Formula (TLF): If estimated repair costs plus the vehicle’s salvage value meet or exceed the pre-accident ACV, the car is totaled.
• Threshold Percentage: Some states mandate a percentage of ACV (commonly 70–80%) at which the car must be totaled once repair costs exceed that mark.
• Supplemental Estimates: Initial estimates can rise after teardown reveals hidden damage (e.g., roof rails, pillars, wiring), which can push a borderline case into total-loss territory.
• Salvage Value Influence: Higher salvage value can make totaling more likely under TLF, since it lowers the gap between ACV and the sum of repairs plus salvage.

Taken together, these rules mean airbag deployment increases the odds of a total but does not dictate the outcome; it’s the final, verified repair cost versus the car’s value that decides.

What Airbag Deployment Usually Means for Repair Costs

When side curtain airbags deploy, more than just the airbags typically need replacement. The system is designed as a network, so impact sensors, modules, seat belt pretensioners, trim, and even the headliner can be involved. Modern vehicles also require safety system resets and ADAS calibrations after collision repairs, adding time and cost.

Here are the components and operations commonly required after side curtain deployment:

• Side curtain airbag module(s) for the affected side(s)
• Headliner replacement and roof rail garnish/trim, clips, and retainers
• Airbag control module (SDM) testing or replacement and reprogramming
• Side impact sensors and wiring repair or replacement
• Seat belt pretensioners and buckles on affected seating positions
• Interior pillar trim pieces with breakaway tabs; sunshades and grab handles as needed
• Diagnostics, fault-code clearing, and post-repair scans
• ADAS calibrations (e.g., cameras, radar, blind-spot sensors) if windshield, mirrors, roof, or body structure repairs affect sensor alignment

Because these parts and procedures add up—both in parts pricing and labor hours—repairs after airbag deployment can be substantial even if the body damage looks minor.

Typical Cost Ranges

Costs vary by make, model, and region, but recent repair data trends show: a single side curtain airbag replacement with headliner and trim can run several thousand dollars; adding sensors, a control module, and seat-belt pretensioners often puts the total in the $4,000–$8,000 range; multi-airbag deployments or luxury/EV parts can push repairs into the $10,000–$15,000+ bracket. These figures can rise further with structural repairs or extensive ADAS calibration requirements. Whether that totals the car depends on its ACV—an older vehicle valued at $6,500 may total; a newer one valued at $28,000 likely won’t.

When Airbag Deployment Often Leads to Totals

While not automatic, certain scenarios make a total loss more probable after side curtain deployment. Insurers weigh these factors during the estimate and supplement process.

• Low ACV vehicles: Older or high-mileage cars reach the threshold quickly once airbags, headliner, and safety components are added.
• Multiple airbags: Deployment of both side curtains, seat airbags, and pretensioners can multiply parts and labor costs.
• Structural damage: Roof rails, B-pillars, rockers, or quarter panels requiring sectioning drive body labor and refinish time up.
• ADAS complexity: Calibration of multiple sensors and cameras adds specialized labor and sublet costs.
• Parts scarcity or OEM-only parts: Longer cycle times and higher OEM pricing increase the estimate.
• Luxury/EV models: Premium interiors and integrated safety systems, plus potential high-voltage diagnostics, elevate costs.

If two or more of these apply, the repair estimate can exceed the total-loss threshold relative to the vehicle’s value, making a total more likely even without catastrophic exterior damage.

Safety and Legal Considerations

Once airbags deploy, they must be replaced; driving without functional airbags is unsafe, and in many jurisdictions a vehicle with an active airbag warning light will fail inspection. If a car is totaled and later rebuilt, most states require proof that airbag systems were restored correctly before issuing a rebuilt title. Avoid counterfeit airbags—insist on verified OEM or high-quality, certified parts, and ensure the shop performs pre- and post-repair scans and calibrations.

What to Do After Side Curtain Airbags Deploy

If you’re dealing with a claim, these steps help protect safety and speed the process.

1. Document the scene: Photos of damage, interior, and any airbag deployment; gather the police report number if applicable.
2. Notify your insurer promptly: Provide basic facts; avoid speculating about fault until details are clear.
3. Select a qualified repairer: Choose a shop with proper certifications (e.g., I-CAR Gold, OEM approvals) and ADAS calibration capability.
4. Get a detailed estimate and allow teardown: Expect supplements once hidden damage is revealed.
5. Review repair vs. total decision: Ask how the ACV and total-loss threshold/Formula were applied.
6. Confirm safety restorations: Ensure airbags, pretensioners, modules, and calibrations are included; request documentation of scans and calibrations.
7. Mind your coverage: Clarify rental, towing, and any medical payments; check deductible and whether you have gap coverage if you finance/lease.

Following these steps gives you visibility into the costs driving the decision and helps ensure the vehicle, if repaired, is returned to safe operating condition.

If Your Car Is Totaled

When a total loss is declared, the settlement process focuses on paying you the vehicle’s ACV, minus any deductible for your coverage type. Understanding the workflow can help you maximize a fair payout.

• Valuation report: Insurers use comparable sales, condition adjustments, and local market data; review and challenge inaccuracies.
• Taxes and fees: In many states, sales tax, title, and registration fees are added to settlement—verify they’re included.
• Loan payoff and gap: If you owe more than ACV, gap insurance can cover the difference; contact your lender early.
• Retaining salvage: You may request to keep the vehicle, but the insurer deducts salvage value; check state rules and repair feasibility.
• Title handling: Expect a salvage title; if you plan to rebuild, confirm inspection requirements for a rebuilt title in your state.

A careful review of the valuation and a clear plan for title and payoff ensure you don’t leave money on the table and understand the car’s status going forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does one deployed side curtain change the outcome versus both?

Replacing one side costs less than both, but the decision still hinges on total repair cost versus ACV. A single curtain plus headliner and sensors can still be expensive on a low-value car.

Can airbags be “reset” instead of replaced?

No. Deployed airbags and triggered pretensioners must be replaced. Control modules can sometimes be reset or reprogrammed, but only if allowed by the manufacturer and confirmed by diagnostics.

Will my premiums increase if my airbags deploy?

Premium impact depends on fault, claim type (collision vs. comprehensive), and your insurer’s rating rules. An at-fault collision typically raises rates; comprehensive claims usually have less impact.

Is it safe to drive after side curtains deploy?

Generally no. The interior may be compromised, visibility can be reduced, and the SRS warning indicates an inactive or faulted restraint system. Have the vehicle towed to a qualified shop.

Summary

Side curtain airbag deployment does not automatically total a car. Insurers total vehicles when repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle’s actual cash value under state rules. Because replacing airbags, headliners, sensors, modules, and calibrating ADAS is costly, deployment makes a total more likely—especially on older, lower-value cars or when multiple airbags and structural repairs are involved. Focus on accurate estimating, proper safety-system restoration, and a fair ACV valuation to reach the right outcome for your situation.

Can a car be fixed if side airbags deploy?

Yes, a car can be repaired after the side airbags have deployed, but the vehicle will likely be considered a total loss by insurance if the repair costs exceed the car’s value, which is common due to the expense of replacing the airbags, sensors, and related components, as well as the severity of the accident that caused the airbags to deploy. Airbags are single-use safety devices that must be entirely replaced, not just reset, and the associated sensors, modules, and potentially the vehicle’s internal systems also need replacing and checking.
 
Why Airbags Don’t Usually Mean a Simple Fix

• Single-Use Devices: Airbags are designed for one-time use and must be replaced after deployment. 
• Costly Replacement: Replacing airbags is a significant expense, often adding several thousand dollars to repair costs. 
• Associated Damage: Deploying airbags indicate a severe impact, which often means other hidden or structural damage exists. 
• System Components: The airbag system includes sensors, a central control module, wiring, and clock springs, all of which must be inspected and replaced if damaged. 
• Labor Intensive: The replacement process involves labor costs for parts replacement, sensor recalibration, and computer diagnostics to ensure the system functions correctly. 

Factors Influencing Repair vs. Total Loss

• Vehicle Value: The main determinant is whether the total repair cost, including the expensive airbag system replacement, is more than the car’s actual cash value. 
• Age and Condition: An older or high-mileage vehicle might have a lower value, making it more likely to be declared a total loss even if the damage isn’t extensive. 
• Severity of Impact: The degree of damage to the vehicle’s frame and other components is also a major factor in the final decision by the insurance company. 

Important Considerations 

• Never Reuse Deployed Airbags: It is illegal and extremely dangerous to attempt to reuse or repair deployed airbags, which are designed to be replaced with new units.
• Authorized Service: Have all airbag system repairs performed by an authorized service center to ensure proper function and safety.

Is it worth fixing a car with airbags deployed?

Whether it’s worth fixing a car with deployed airbags depends on the vehicle’s overall value versus the total repair costs, which include the expensive replacement of airbags, sensors, and the control module, as well as any other body or mechanical damage. Airbag deployment is often a strong indicator that the vehicle is a total loss, especially for older cars, because the repair costs can quickly exceed the car’s actual cash value. 
Factors determining if it’s worth fixing

• Car’s Actual Cash Value (ACV): Opens in new tabThe higher the car’s pre-accident value, the more likely it is worth repairing. 
• Cost of Repairs: Opens in new tabAirbag replacement is expensive, potentially costing thousands of dollars, according to Toyota of Clermont. 
• Extent of Damage: Opens in new tabAirbags deploying suggests a significant impact, which often leads to other damage, such as to the frame or engine, further increasing repair costs. 
• California’s Total Loss Threshold: Opens in new tabIn California, a vehicle is typically considered totaled if the repair costs reach 75% or more of its pre-accident value. 

Why it’s often not worth fixing

• High Replacement Costs: The cost of the airbag itself, plus the associated sensors and control module, is significant. 
• History of Damage: A vehicle that has had its airbags deploy can be considered a total loss due to the potential for hidden structural damage. 
• Lower Resale Value: Even after repairs, a car with a history of deployed airbags may have a lower resale value. 

When it might be worth fixing

• Newer, High-Value Vehicles: Opens in new tabIf the car is relatively new and has a high pre-accident value, the insurance company may cover the extensive repairs, including the airbags. 
• Minimal Other Damage: Opens in new tabIf the impact that triggered the airbags was minor and there is little to no other significant damage to the vehicle, it may be worth repairing. 

How much does it cost to repair side curtain airbags?

A side curtain airbag replacement can cost $1,200 to $1,800 for the part itself, but the total cost for a full system replacement can range from $3,000 to $6,000 or more due to additional components like the airbag control unit, sensors, seat belts, and labor. Costs vary significantly based on the specific year, make, and model of the vehicle, as well as the number of airbags and related systems that need replacement after an accident. 
Factors influencing the total cost

• Vehicle specifics: The year, make, and model of your car heavily influence the price of parts and labor. 
• Number of airbags: Replacing more than one airbag will increase the overall cost. 
• Related parts: You may also need to replace the airbag control unit, sensors, seat belt assemblies, and components of the dashboard or headliner. 
• Labor costs: Replacing the airbags and associated components is labor-intensive, and the time and rate for this work will be added to the total. 

What to do after an accident

• Contact your insurance company: Opens in new tabAuto insurance typically covers airbag replacement, though you will need to pay your deductible. 
• Check for recalls: Opens in new tabSee if your vehicle qualifies for a free recall repair for faulty airbags by checking with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Important considerations 

• Safety: Opens in new tabDo not attempt to reset old airbags or use low-cost used parts, as these can be unsafe or illegal.
• Counterfeit parts: Opens in new tabBe cautious of counterfeit airbags, as they may not work correctly or could scatter dangerous debris if they do deploy.

Is your car totaled if side airbags deploy?

No, side airbags deploying does not automatically mean a car is totaled. A car is considered a total loss when the cost to repair it exceeds its market value. Airbag deployment indicates the severity of the crash, but it’s the combined cost of repairing the airbags and all other damage that determines if it will be declared a total loss by your insurer.
 
Factors that influence a total loss declaration:

• Cost of repairs: Replacing deployed airbags is expensive, as is the cost of other damage from the crash. 
• Vehicle value: The older and less valuable the car, the more likely the repair costs will exceed its worth. 
• Extent of the damage: Airbag deployment is a sign of a severe crash, which often includes significant damage to other parts of the vehicle, such as the frame or body. 

Why it’s a common misconception:

• Severity of impact: Opens in new tabAirbags are designed to deploy in moderate to severe accidents, which usually cause extensive damage to the vehicle. 
• High replacement cost: Opens in new tabAirbags, their sensors, and the control module are costly components to replace, adding to the overall repair bill. 

What to do after deployment:

• Have it inspected: Even if a car isn’t totaled, you should have a trusted mechanic inspect it after airbag deployment to ensure it’s safe to drive. 
• Understand your policy: Your insurance company will assess the total repair costs and compare them to the car’s value to decide if it’s a total loss.