How much does it cost to repair an airbag?

Airbags have been standard fitment on all cars for the last few decades, and for good reason; they help reduce injury in the event of a collision. But, like any additional component in a car, they cost money to replace should something go wrong.

This article takes a look at the costs associated with an airbag replacement or repair.

Airbag replacement cost

If your airbags have deployed because of an accident or fault, expect to pay anywhere from £200 to £2,000+ to repair the damage.

However, in most cases its best to let your insurance assess with and deal with the car. Often, if the airbags have deployed, it means the car will be uneconomical to repair, and as such will be considered a write-off.

If you're facing a repair bill for your airbag replacement, Bumper's car repair finance can help split the cost without any interest.

Can you just replace airbags?

If the damage to the rest of the car is repairable and has been deemed safe, it is possible to replace the airbags. In most cases, they will also cause damage to various parts of the interior, such as the steering wheel, dashboard and seats.

Along with the airbags needing replacing, it is quite likely that the seatbelt pre-tensioners will have activated too. These are explosive charges that pull occupants into the seat, and only work once.

How long does it take to replace airbags

The time it will take the garage to replace the airbags and repair any damaged interior panels will depend on the number of airbags deployed and the availability of parts.

In most cases, your insurer will first conduct an assessment of the damage to see if it’s worth repairing, which can add another few days to a week.

After the damage has been assessed, new parts will be ordered, usually directly from the manufacturer, and fitted. In total, this can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.

Can I drive with a damaged airbag?

No, airbags serve a very important role, and do not work twice. Once they have deployed, they need to be replaced. They are also likely to deposit debris and gases into the car, something that will not be safe to be around.

Furthermore, any collision forceful enough to set off airbags also means the car should be fully inspected by a professional before being driven.

This is to ensure the various other safety components, such as impact/crash bars and crumple zones, are not damaged.

Airbag recalls

In October, the largest ever vehicle recall was issued, after a fault was discovered with certain airbags made by now-folded Japanese company Takata.

The recall affects cars from many manufacturers, including Citroen, BMW, Toyota and more. It covers a wide range of products, made between 2002 and 2018, in total, around 67 million airbag units are affected.

To check your car, use the government recall checker.

Repair car damage with Bumper

If your car has sustained damage, either mechanically or to the bodywork, Bumper can help spread out the cost of large repair bills with a car repair loan. Choose from hundreds of approved garages nationwide, and get zero-interest car repair finance today.

Author - Joseph Law

Joseph has been writing about cars for over eight years and writing for Bumper for over three, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.