After a crash, the first concern is safety. Once injuries are addressed, attention turns to the car. Deployed airbags signal a strong impact and expensive repairs, which raises a common question: is a car totaled if airbags deploy?

Airbag deployment alone does not automatically make a car a total loss. The cost of restoring the airbag system and repairing the vehicle is weighed against its value before the crash. In Virginia, that decision also follows a specific formula written into state law.

If you are facing a total loss decision after a Virginia crash, Smith Law Center can review your claim and explain how your car’s status affects your injury case. Call (757) 244-7000 or message us here for a free case review.

The Real Cost of Airbag Replacement

Replacing airbags is one of the most expensive repairs after a crash. A single unit can cost $1,000 to $3,000. In many collisions, several deploy at once—front airbags, side curtains, and seat-mounted units. When they inflate, the control module is destroyed, crash sensors must be replaced, and seatbelts that locked during the impact are no longer usable.

Labor costs add another layer. Airbag systems are tied to electrical networks that require skilled work and thorough testing before the car can return to the road. Insurance companies usually require original manufacturer parts, which are more costly than aftermarket versions but essential for safety.

To put this into perspective: a 2018 sedan worth $18,000 may need $10,000 in safety system repairs if four airbags deploy. Add body damage, and the total bill can reach $15,000 or more. 

When Is a Car Considered Totaled?

Insurance companies in Virginia follow a state law that sets a clear threshold for declaring a vehicle a total loss.

If the estimated cost of repairs is 75 percent or more of the car’s actual cash value (ACV) before the crash, the insurer must apply for a salvage or nonrepairable certificate. Once that threshold is reached, the vehicle is legally treated as a total loss.

For example:

• A car with a pre-crash value of $15,000 and repair costs of $11,500 (about 77 percent) would be totaled under Virginia law.
  
• A truck worth $40,000 with $20,000 in repairs (50 percent) would not meet the threshold and could still be repaired.

Vehicle age and market value matter. Newer cars often have enough value to justify repairs. Older cars may cross the 75 percent line more quickly. Luxury models face another challenge because replacement parts cost more and may take longer to source. These higher estimates increase the likelihood of a total loss designation.

Is a Car Fixable if Airbags Deploy?

Yes. Modern vehicles are designed so that airbag systems can be replaced entirely. The question is whether the insurance company authorizes the work.

Repair shops follow a detailed process: replacing deployed airbags, installing a new control module, swapping crash sensors, and fitting new seatbelts. Once those steps are complete, the system goes through diagnostics and safety testing.

This work takes time. Depending on the extent of the damage and the availability of parts, the process may stretch from several weeks to months. During that period, most drivers rely on rental cars. Delays and rising costs are common reasons policyholders request a total loss determination instead of waiting for repairs.

Airbag deployment usually signals a high-impact collision. If the airbags deploy, is the car totaled, or should the insurance company pay for repairs?

While they argue about numbers, your focus should be on recovery. Contact Smith Law Center at (757) 244-7000 to discuss your options.

Salvage Titles and Total Loss Decisions

When a car is declared a total loss, the insurer pays its pre-crash value and takes possession of the vehicle. It is then issued a salvage title. In Virginia, a salvage car cannot be driven until it is rebuilt and inspected. Even after inspection, it still carries a rebuilt title, which lowers its resale value and limits its appeal to future buyers.

Financing adds another layer. If the insurance payout falls short of the loan balance, the driver remains responsible for the difference. GAP insurance can erase this debt, but many policyholders only learn about the coverage after a crash.

What Total Loss Means for an Injury Claim

Drivers often ask: Is a car a total loss when airbags deploy? The answer depends on repair costs and the vehicle’s value, but that designation affects more than just property.

A total loss strengthens an injury claim by documenting the severity of the crash. Large repair estimates or salvage titles show the collision was forceful enough to destroy structural systems, which supports the credibility of injury reports.

Even when a car is repaired, records of the cost and diminished value provide evidence. These documents tie the condition of the vehicle to the seriousness of the accident, countering attempts by insurers to downplay injuries.

After Your Car Gets Totaled or Repaired

Whether a vehicle is repaired or written off, medical care should remain the priority. Airbag deployment indicates a significant impact, and some injuries appear days later. Concussions, back injuries, and whiplash may develop or worsen over time.

Drivers should:

• Seek immediate medical evaluation.
• Track symptoms and follow up with doctors.
• Keep repair estimates, insurance paperwork, and medical bills.

Together, these records connect the crash to the injuries and strengthen any legal claim.

Talk to a Car Accident Attorney

If you were in a crash and wonder is a car totaled if airbags deploy, Smith Law Center can walk you through what that means for both your vehicle and your injury claim.

Our attorneys have represented Virginia drivers for 75 years and have recovered $1 billion for clients after serious collisions. Call (757) 244-7000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation about your car accident.