PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Do you have to replace seat belts after an accident?
I was recently in a serious car accident and my collision shop said something about replacing the vehicle’s seat belts even though they don’t seem to be damaged. Is this something that’s required?
Jacqulyn Graber · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Yes, you’ll likely have to replace your vehicle’s seat belts after an accident—even if the damage isn’t noticeable.
This is, in part, due to the fact that seat belt parts are controlled by sensors, which communicate with the airbag system. Damage to these sensors might not be detectable but can seriously lower the efficacy of your seat belt post-accident.
Additionally, if you drive without replacing the seat belts and you get into another accident, your seat belt pretensioner might not work. The pretensioner is the part of the system that locks the seat belt into place upon impact. As a result, you could get ejected from the vehicle and sustain serious injuries.
If you’re already bringing your vehicle to a collision shop for repairs, seat belt replacement will likely be included in the cost of the quote.
If you have full-coverage car insurance, replacement should be covered by your
collision coverage
. You’ll only need to pay your deductible if you have one.Jerry is your ultra-talented car insurance broker for life. No need to sit across from him at a desk—Jerry is an app! It takes less than a minute to sign up, and you’ll be presented with competitive rates from top providers. Don’t lose coverage. Find savings with Jerry!
View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies