Introduction
Have you ever had your car’s airbags deploy after an accident and felt unsure about what to do next? You’re not alone—many car owners face the same question. You might wonder if your car still holds any value or if it’s now just scrap metal waiting to be sent off.
The good news is you can still sell a car with deployed airbags. Yes, it’s possible, and there are smart ways to do it. You need to explore your options, understand what buyers might pay, and know how to handle the legal aspects.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about selling a car with deployed airbags. Whether you plan to sell it privately, trade it in, or send it to a junkyard, you will get clear, simple answers here. Let’s make this decision easier for you.
Can You Sell a Car with Deployed Airbags in Canada?
Yes, you can sell a car with deployed airbags in Canada. No rule stops you from selling a car after an accident or airbag deployment. However, you must be honest about the condition when you sell it.
Some buyers might still want the vehicle for auto parts or scrap metal. Car scrapyards often buy accident-damaged cars because they can still use or recycle valuable parts like engines, transmissions, tires, and catalytic converters.
Many scrap yards across Canada buy damaged vehicles every day. According to Transport Canada, over 600,000 vehicles reach end-of-life status each year. And many of these vehicles have airbag issues.
Is It Safe to Drive a Car After the Airbags Deploy?
No, it’s not safe to drive a car once the airbags have deployed. Airbags work alongside your seatbelt as a safety system. When they are deployed, your vehicle no longer offers the same protection in case of another crash.
Even if your car appears to be drivable, the airbag warning light and damage to the steering wheel or dashboard can compromise its safety and performance. Also, some provinces in Canada, including Ontario, require you to get an inspection if your car has major safety defects before it can be legally sold or driven.
That’s why many people choose to sell their car to a scrap yard or auto recycler after an accident. It’s a safer and easier option.
Also Read: Do I Need a Safety Inspection to Sell My Car ‘As Is’ in Ontario?
How Does Airbag Deployment Affect Car Value?
When airbags deploy, your car’s market value drops immediately. This is because airbag repairs are expensive. Replacing front airbags and resetting the system could cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,000 in Canada, depending on your car’s make and model.
Even if you replace them, buyers and dealerships will see it as a once-crashed car, which lowers its resale value. Auto history reports in Canada record airbag deployments. So anyone can check your VIN and find out.
This makes it difficult to sell your car at full market value. In most cases, people either trade it in for a lower amount or sell it as-is to a junkyard, car scrap yard, or scrap buyer
Do You Have to Replace the Airbags Before Selling?
No, you don’t need to replace the airbags before selling a car in Canada. But you must tell the buyer about the airbag deployment. You may be held responsible if someone gets injured while driving it.
Also, if you sell the car to a dealership or junkyard, they will immediately notice the issue. So, it’s better to be upfront and honest. In most cases, it doesn’t make sense to replace airbags unless you are keeping the car. The repair costs often exceed the car’s actual value after an accident.
Options to Sell a Car with Deployed Airbags
When your airbags deploy, you have three main ways to sell your car. Let’s break them down.
1. Sell It Privately
You can list your car on sites like Kijiji, Facebook Marketplace, or AutoTrader. Some buyers look for damaged vehicles to fix or use for auto parts. You must clearly mention the deployed airbags in your ad and price the car fairly based on its condition.
2. Trade It In at a Dealership
Some dealerships accept accident-damaged cars as trade-ins, but be ready for a low offer. They will deduct the cost of airbag replacement and resale risk from your car’s value.
3. Sell It to a Scrap Yard or Auto Recycler
This is the quickest and easiest option. Auto recyclers, such as Greenway Auto Recycling, pay cash for cars with deployed airbags. They safely dismantle the vehicle, remove usable parts, and recycle the metal. This way, you skip the hassle of repairs, ads, and negotiations with buyers.
What Documents Do You Need to Sell a Car with Deployed Airbags?
In Canada, selling a car with deployed airbags needs the same paperwork as selling any other vehicle. Here is what you will need:
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- Vehicle ownership (permit)
- Bill of sale
- Used vehicle information package (UVIP) if selling privately in Ontario
- Disclosure of any accidents or damage, including airbag deployment
Also Read: A Complete Checklist of Documents You Need to Scrap Your Car in Canada
How Much Can You Get for a Car with Deployed Airbags?
The price depends on your car’s age, make, model, and condition beyond the airbags. Scrap yards pay based on the car’s weight, reusable parts, and metal value. On average, you can earn between $300 and $1,500 for a damaged car with deployed airbags at a junkyard. Newer cars with valuable parts can fetch you a higher price.
Why Do Scrap Yards and Auto Recyclers Buy Cars with Deployed Airbags?
Even if a car’s airbags have deployed, scrap yards and auto recyclers still see value in it. That’s because most vehicles hold usable parts and recyclable materials, no matter their condition. After an accident, many components like the engine, transmission, catalytic converter, wheels, and body panels hold good scrap value. Scrap yards carefully remove these parts and sell them to people looking for affordable replacements.
On top of that, scrap yards pay for the metal in your car. Every vehicle contains a mix of steel, aluminum, and copper, which can be recycled and used again in manufacturing. This helps reduce waste and supports Canada’s growing recycling industry. In fact, thousands of cars with deployed airbags end up in scrap yards and junkyards because it’s an easy, hassle-free solution for owners.
Conclusion
Selling a car with deployed airbags might sound tricky at first, but you have options. You can sell it privately, trade it in, or send it to a scrap yard. The smartest choice depends on your car’s age, damage level, and whether you want fast cash or to deal with repairs. In Canada, scrap yards near you handle cars like this every day. Greenway Auto Recycling is one of the trusted names offering fair deals and free pick-up services for scrap vehicles. So if your airbags have deployed and you’re looking to avoid costly repairs, selling your vehicle for scrap is often the smartest and most stress-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I sell a car with deployed airbags in Canada?
Yes. You can legally sell a car with deployed airbags in Canada, but you must disclose the damage to the buyer. Many people sell these cars to scrap yards, recyclers, or private buyers looking for parts.
2. Is it legal to drive a car after the airbags have deployed?
No. It’s not safe or legal in most provinces to drive a car after the airbags deploy. Without functioning airbags, your car no longer meets basic safety standards, and you may need an inspection before it can be driven again.
3. How much is a car worth with deployed airbags?
The value depends on the vehicle’s make, model, age, and condition. On average, scrap yards in Canada pay between $300 and $1,500 for cars with deployed airbags. Newer models with reusable parts may fetch more.
4. Do I need to replace the airbags before selling my car?
No. You are not required to replace airbags before selling a car in Canada. However, you must disclose the airbag deployment to the buyer to avoid legal issues.
5. Who buys cars with deployed airbags?
Scrap yards, auto recyclers, and some private buyers purchase cars with deployed airbags. Recyclers dismantle them for usable parts and recycle the remaining metal, while private buyers may use them for repair projects.
6. What documents are required to sell a car with deployed airbags in Ontario?
You’ll need:
-
- Vehicle ownership (permit)
- Bill of sale
- Used Vehicle Information Package (UVIP) if selling privately
- Accident disclosure, including airbag deployment
