I was driving my Bagged Audi A4 when a front air bag blew out. The car dropped instantly, grinding the fender against the tire and scraping the front bumper. I filed a claim. The insurer denied the cost of the air bag (“Mechanical Breakdown”) and tried to deny the body damage too, saying it was caused by “failure of an aftermarket part.”
Key Takeaways
- The Bag is Maintenance: Just like a blown tire, the failed part itself (the air bag) is never covered. It is “Mechanical Breakdown.”
- Resulting Damage is Covered: The damage caused by the failure (the fender, the bumper) should be covered under Collision, but you have to fight for it.
- Aftermarket Exclusion: If the air ride wasn’t declared, they can deny the whole claim for “Material Misrepresentation.”
- Installation Error: If the bag rubbed because it was installed wrong, they deny it as “Faulty Workmanship.”
The “Why” (The Trap): Mechanical Breakdown vs. Resulting Loss
Policy language: “We do not cover loss caused by mechanical or electrical breakdown… however, we will pay for ensuing loss such as fire or collision unless otherwise excluded.”
The fight is proving the “drop” counts as a Collision with the road/tire.
Many adjusters lazy-deny the whole thing: “The bag broke, that’s your problem.” You have to point out the “Ensuing Loss” clause.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing the failed air bag (Excluded) and the crumpled fender (Covered Ensuing Loss)]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked how they handle blown bags.
1. Geico
- Result: Denied the bag. Offered to fix the fender but flagged the policy for non-renewal because of “hydraulics/air suspension” (often prohibited).
2. Hagerty
- Result: They understand air ride. They denied the bag (maintenance) but paid for the bodywork and wheel repair without hassle.
3. Claims Adjuster Interview
- Insight: “If the lines look rubbed through, I deny it as wear and tear. If the bag exploded due to a road impact, I cover it all.”
Comparison Table
| Component | Coverage Status | Reason |
| The Blown Air Bag | Denied | Mechanical Breakdown |
| The Compressor | Denied | Mechanical Breakdown |
| The Bent Fender | Covered | Resulting Loss (Collision) |
| Towing | Covered | Roadside Assistance |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Inspect Your Lines: 90% of failures are rubbing lines. This is preventable maintenance.
- Declare the Mod: Ensure your policy lists “Air Suspension.”
- Claim “Impact” if True: If you hit a pothole and then the bag blew, that is a Collision claim. The pothole killed the bag. This covers the bag too!
- Keep the Parts: Don’t throw the blown bag away. The adjuster needs to see it to prove it wasn’t cut intentionally or worn through over years.
FAQ Section
Is air ride considered hydraulics?
To old-school insurers? Yes. To modern ones? No. Clarify “Air Suspension for ride height,” not “Hydraulics for hopping.”
Does insurance cover a burnt-out compressor?
No. That is a failed part.
What if the car drops overnight?
That’s a slow leak. Maintenance issue. Not insurable.