My buddy was driving my 4Runner and crashed it into a brick wall. Fortunately he isn't hurt, but both airbags deployed and there is front end damage.

The auto body place said between $1500 and $2000 to replace the airbags, and $1000 to $1500 for the front end damage. (They haven't seen it yet, just ballparking) My first question is how does airbag deployment affect insurance, am I able to install new airbags myself, or do i need a certified place to do it (or not install any, and just patch up the interior)? I'm not a big fan of airbags to begin with, and I wouldn't feel any less safe without them. I saw airbags on ebay for about 400$ for both.

I'll keep it updated with what happens, but I'm thinking about buying an 86 to 91 BMW E30 and this might be an opportunity to do it, and just leisurely fix the 4Runner before next winter.

 

Just wondering, why not file a claim with the insurance company? Or do they not cover stuff like this?

 

I don't know exactly how it's going to work yet the 'runner is in my dad's name, so he'll be contacting the insurance company.

Anyways, I already wrecked the 'runner when it had collision on it, and they gave me $8K for a car i paid $5K for. I'm basically just wondering if it's ok for me to replace airbags, just to open up another option.

 

Some times when the air bags are deploy the insurance company will right off the vehicle.

Basically if the cost of repair the vehicle is half the value of the vehicle or over, they're going to write it off.