India has implemented stringent safety regulations for passenger vehicles. As of October 1, 2023, all passenger vehicles must have six airbags and rear seat belt alarms, a significant increase from the previous requirement of two airbags for front-row occupants. This mandate highlights the importance of airbags as a safety component designed to protect occupants during collisions. However, many car owners want to know: How do airbags work? Does insurance cover airbag replacement?
Let’s explore what airbags are, their types, how they function, and whether their car insurance policies cover airbag replacement costs.
What are Airbags?
Airbags are inflatable cushions installed in vehicles to prevent passengers from hitting the interior parts of the car during an accident. These devices have reduced injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents. There are various types of airbags, including:
- Front Airbags: These deploy from the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the driver and front passenger.
- Side Airbags: Installed in the seats or doors, they protect occupants’ torso during side-impact collisions.
- Curtain Airbags: These deploy from the roof lining and cover the side windows, protecting the heads of passengers.
- Knee Airbags: Located below the dashboard, they protect the knees and legs.
Airbags, also known as supplementary restraint devices, work with seatbelts to protect occupants by limiting their movement during a crash.
Airbag in Car: How it Works
Many people have questions about how do airbags work. Airbags function through sensors and a control unit that triggers their deployment.
Here is a breakdown of how do airbags work:
- Sensors: Vehicles have crash sensors that detect sudden deceleration or impact.
- Control Unit: The control unit activates the inflator upon receiving sensor signals.
- Inflator: The inflator ignites a chemical fuel, producing a rapid burst of gas.
- Deployment: The gas inflates the airbag within milliseconds, providing a cushion between the passengers and the vehicle’s hard surfaces.
When you understand how do airbags work, you learn about the precise engineering that ensures they deploy only in the event of collisions. It prevents unnecessary deployment during minor impacts.
Does Insurance Cover Airbag Replacement?
The car airbag costs vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. On average, replacing an airbag can range from ₹1,000 to ₹4,000 per airbag. It includes the price of the airbag unit and the installation’s labour charges.
One critical question car owners ask: Does insurance cover airbag replacement? The answer largely depends on the type of car insurance policy you have.
- Comprehensive Car Insurance
This policy covers damages to your vehicle, including airbag deployment. Comprehensive coverage is beneficial since airbag replacement can be expensive. The airbag replacement cost is usually covered after deductibles are applied.
- Third-Party Car Insurance
This policy covers damages to third parties but does not cover damages to your vehicle, including airbag replacement. Therefore, if you only have third-party car insurance, you will need to bear car airbag costs out of pocket.
Review the policy documents or contact your insurance provider directly to determine if your policy covers airbag replacement. If you have comprehensive coverage, it is likely included. If you purchase car insurance online, the coverage details should be listed on the insurer’s website.
Airbag in Car: How it Works With Zero Depreciation?
Zero depreciation coverage in car insurance affects claims involving airbags. Insurance policies usually factor in depreciation when settling claims, reducing the payout for replacement parts. Depreciation on replaced car parts is determined as follows:
- Glass parts: No depreciation applied
- Fibreglass components: 30% depreciation
- Rubber, nylon, and plastic parts (including tubes, tyres, batteries, and airbags): 50% depreciation
However, zero-depreciation policies cover the total cost of parts without considering depreciation. If your airbags deploy and you have an add-on for zero depreciation, your insurer will cover the entire cost of replacing them, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
Let’s understand with an example. Suppose your car’s airbags deploy and need replacement and the cost of new airbags is ₹5,000, then:
- Without zero depreciation: Your insurer might only reimburse you Rs. 2,500 (after a 50% depreciation deduction).
- With zero depreciation: You would receive the entire ₹5,000.
Note: Third-party car insurance does not cover replacing a car airbag. This type of insurance only covers damages to third parties involved in an accident. You will need comprehensive insurance to cover the airbag replacement cost.
Airbags are vital for passenger safety, and understanding their coverage under your car insurance policy is essential. While comprehensive insurance usually covers airbag replacement costs, zero depreciation coverage ensures you receive the total car airbag cost without deductions. Knowing how airbags work in the car can help you make informed decisions when purchasing or renewing your insurance.
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