Does activating the airbag result in a total loss on auto insurance?

Clarify your doubts about the myth that activating the airbag results in a total loss on your auto insurance. Find out what the conditions are for a car to be a total loss and understand how airbags work.

People tend to believe that when an airbag deploys in an accident, the car is considered a total loss.

But this is just a myth that has been perpetuated more and more.

This myth has gained strength, because generally when the airbag is activated it is a more serious accident, where the car ends up presenting many damages, which lead it to be considered a total loss.

To clarify this story once and for all, it is first necessary to explain how a total loss is characterized in car insurance.

Continue reading this article and better understand the subject that will be covered in more detail and find out how car insurance works when activating the airbag.

Image: Getty Images

Does activating the airbag result in a total loss on auto insurance?

Most of the time, activating the airbag does not result in a total loss on your auto insurance.

For a car to have an accident considered a total loss, the cost of repairs must be above 75% of the vehicle's value, according to the Fipe Table (a table that expresses average vehicle prices on the national market).

In cases where repair costs are less than 75%, the claim is considered a partial loss.

Since airbag repair costs are very high, most of the time, especially in old cars, the repair cost exceeds 75% and total loss is inevitable.

In other words, the statement that in an accident in the case of a airbag deployed is triggered by total loss, which can lead to the total loss of the vehicle is the cost of repairing the airbag combined with the other costs of vehicle damage.

In most cases this is what happens, as the majority of the fleet in circulation in Brazil is made up of popular cars and, for some reason, these models have one of the most expensive types of airbags on the market.

This means that whenever the airbag is activated in an accident involving a popular car, the accident is considered a total loss.

Example:

But in a situation, for example, of airbag for motorcycle or car triggered due to the strong impact, but the repair costs do not reach 75%, so the insured will have to bear the insurance franchiseso that the car insurance arrange for the property to be repaired.

In the event of a total loss of the car, the insured will be entitled to receive full compensation and will not need to pay the deductible to the insurer. So now you know if when the airbag is activated it is a total loss. See more information below!

This concept also applies to axle or side member damage.

As with airbags, many people believe that when a vehicle's axle or side member is damaged in a collision, the car will automatically be considered a total loss and the insured will be entitled to receive full compensation.

It must be clear that a total loss is only characterized when the repairs reach 75% or more of the purchase value of the car, or the vehicle is stolen or robbed.

Other than that, regardless of the damage that has been caused, it will be considered a partial loss.

What is the difference between a partial loss and a total loss?

Partial loss is when there is an accident that causes damage to the insured car.

However, the cost of this damage is less than 75% of the vehicle's value.

This value is normally given by a workshop accredited by the insurance company.

In this situation, the insurer is committed to paying the cost of the repair that exceeds the deductible amount stipulated in the contract.

For example, if the deductible is one thousand reais, and the total cost of the repair is three thousand reais, the insured must pay one thousand reais, and the insurer will pay the remaining two thousand reais.

Therefore, always check everything that is being contracted, including the insurance franchiseand don't just stick to the cheap car insurance.

You should receive the repaired car in perfect condition.

Anyone who ends up having their axle, airbag or side member affected is probably because they suffered a serious collision.

Because of this, policyholders are concerned that the car will not be as good as before.

However, in the event of partial loss, the customer has the right to receive good service and an excellent repair.

In the case of the airbag, the airbag must be new and working in perfect condition.

Furthermore, the insurer must always direct vehicle repairs to quality workshops that perform good work.

This should be common practice among insurance companies, whether Azul Auto Insurance, Tokio Marine, Youse Insurance, Allianz insurance company and other companies that offer insurance, such as Ituran Insurance, Santander auto insurance, for example.

Understand that companies that offer vehicle protection may have different practices.

What happens to a third party vehicle when the airbag is deployed?

Even if you have third party coverage, it is important to know that the rules mentioned above apply to cars that are covered by the insurance policy. Therefore, in the case of third parties, it is different.

If this happens, it is important to contact your insurance broker to negotiate the situation. Always pay attention to the contract and each clause.

Remember that third party insurance coverage is different from that contracted for the insurer's customer's vehicle.

More cars with airbags increased the number of total loss cases

An insurance company carried out a survey that presented a striking fact: due to the increase in the number of cars with airbags, since the item became mandatory in 2014, the number of cases of total loss in popular cars also increased.

This increase reached around 25% compared to previous data.

However, the total loss is often due to other damage caused by the accident rather than exclusively due to the airbag.

This is because the value of some vehicles is around 30 and 40 thousand reais.

Meanwhile, the cost of an airbag kit is around 4 thousand reais.

This amount represents 10% of the total value of the vehicle.

How does the airbag work?

What many people don't know is that the car doesn't need to be traveling at high speed for the airbag to activate.

It is important to know how the airbag works, since theSome are activated in collisions at speeds of 30 km/h or more.

So, at that speed, if the car collides with a wall, tree or stationary car, for example, it will be enough for the airbag to deploy.

Or, if a car traveling at 50 km/h collides with one traveling at 20 km/h, the airbag will also be activated.

This speed varies according to each manufacturer, but it is a fact that even at low speeds, there is a chance that the airbag will open.

However, the operation of the airbag causes doubts for some drivers, as there are cases that may be more serious in which the airbag is not activated, and in others, such as the low speeds mentioned above, the airbag is activated.

This is because it is the deceleration that causes the airbag to open.

Therefore, if the driver is traveling at 100 km/h and hits a pole, the airbag will be activated.

However, if the driver is traveling at 100 km/h and hits a car traveling at 90 km/h, the airbag may not be activated, as there was little deceleration.

Airbag deployment takes several factors into account, including the speed of the collision and the calibration of the system.

When does the airbag deploy?

We often witness accidents in which the car overturns, but the car airbag is not triggered.

This happens because the system only works when the vehicle is decelerating.

In some cars it also only works if the passenger or driver is wearing a seatbelt.

Remember that wearing a seatbelt is also a law in the back seat and ensures that, in the event of a serious accident, the impacts are reduced.

A seat belt can save a life.

For your safety, never drive too close to the steering wheel, as the airbag is triggered by a chemical explosion that reaches speeds of 300 km/h, which can cause serious injury in the event of a collision.

Is it possible to recover the airbag?

Depending on the car model, the airbag kit can reach 4,000, however, it is obvious that for safety reasons the kit needs to be replaced.

However, there are offers from people who recover airbags, eliminating the need to replace the part.

It is important to be aware that it is not possible to carry out this repair, and this change could put the driver at risk.

In these cases, what people who offer this repair usually do is just put the cover back in place and turn off the warning light.

This attitude is irresponsible and dangerous.

The airbag kit must always be replaced in its entirety to ensure the car is safe to drive again.

This is also a warning for those who are going to buy used cars, as they may have undergone this type of modification.

If the light does not come on and goes off after a few seconds, there is something wrong with the car airbag.

Now you know that activating the airbag results in a total loss of car insurance only in some cases and knew what the requirements are to activate the airbag.

In other words, just activating the airbag is not enough to lose the car.

To have peace of mind in the event of an accident, request a quote and travel with the security of having assistance at your disposal.

Image: Getty Images

If the insurance company doesn't want to pay the compensation, what do I do?

Insurance companies are regulated by Susep, which guarantees that the insured will be served according to what they contracted. Among these insurance companies car insurance regulated, are: Azul Auto Insurance, Tokio Marine, Allianz insurance, among others.

There are also companies that offer car insurance, such as Santander auto insurance and Ituran Seguros. These also have a good reputation, according to customer reviews.

However, if you still have a problem with your insurance company, in the event of a car accident or other issues, you can contact Susep or even your lawyer.

However, if you have hired a vehicle protection company, Susep will not be able to help you.

However, it is important to read your contract carefully and see what you have agreed to, that is, what the insurer's obligations are. If you have any questions about what is covered, and other claims, speak to your broker.

So now you know how car insurance works when the airbag is triggered. Do you have any questions? Talk to your insurance broker car insurance!

*Published on: 03/26/2018 and updated on 10/30/2022.