Are Airbags Covered in Your Car Insurance Policy in India?

Yes, if your airbags deploy in a covered accident, a comprehensive car insurance policy will cover their replacement. But the final claim amount depends on the applicable depreciation rates as well as your policy terms & conditions. Let's break down how car insurance in India works for airbags and other safety components, and how much it may cost to replace them.Read more

How Car Insurance Policies in India Handle Airbags?

Here is how different types of car insurance work for airbag coverage in India:

• Third-Party Insurance: It is a liability-only policy and does not cover damage to your own car, including airbags, at all. It only includes coverage for third-party injury, death, or property damage.
• Comprehensive/Own-Damage Car Insurance: This policy covers airbag replacement if the airbags deploy in case of a road accident or collision, fire incident, floods, cyclones or landslides. However, the claim amount under comprehensive car insurance may be reduced due to applicable deductibles and policy rules, as well as depreciation rates, which are as follows:
  • Zero deductions on the parts made of glass in the car.
  • 30% depreciation on fibreglass components in the car.
  • 50% depreciation on nylon, rubber, or plastic parts, such as airbags, tubes, tyres, and batteries.
• Zero Depreciation Add-On: Opting for a zero dep cover with an own damage or comprehensive plan further reduces your out-of-pocket expenses when claiming for airbags. This is because, under this cover, insurers do not factor in depreciation on eligible parts when settling the claim.

What Exactly is Covered Under Car Insurance When the Airbags Deploy?

When airbags deploy, multiple safety components may also require replacement, and here's what all car insurance typically covers:

When are Airbags Not Covered Under Car Insurance?

Car insurance companies will reject claims for airbags or related components under these circumstances:

• Mechanical or Electrical Failure: When the airbag deploys on its own due to a manufacturing defect or system glitch without any physical collision
• Drunk Driving or No Licence: When the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving without a valid licence at the time of the accident
• Total Loss: When the insured car is declared a total loss and repair costs exceed 75% of its Insured Declared Value (IDV), the insurer pays the car's IDV instead of covering individual parts, like airbags
• Consequential Damage: When the airbag deploys during unauthorised modifications, stunts, or off-roading

How to Claim Car Insurance for Airbag Replacement?

If your airbags deploy due to an insured event, you can use your car insurance coverage to raise a claim for airbag replacement. Here are the simple steps:

• Step 1: Inform your insurer as soon as possible after the incident to register a claim.
• Step 2: Share your policy number, accident details and necessary documents with the insurer.
• Step 3: The insurer will send a surveyor for damage inspection and claim verification.
• Step 4: Once the claim is approved, get the airbags and other damaged safety components repaired or replaced at a cashless garage near you, or any garage of your choice in case of reimbursement claim.
• Step 5: After the repairs are completed and the claim is processed, the insurer settles the approved amount as per your policy terms.

What are the Documents Required for an Airbag Replacement Claim?

Keep these documents ready to ensure a hassle-free insurance claim for your car's airbag replacement:

• Duly filled & signed claim form
• Copy of your car insurance policy
• Your car's registration certificate (RC) copy
• A valid driving licence of the driver at the time of the incident
• Copy of police FIR (if required)
• Photos & videos of the damage
• Repair estimate