Is is possible to buy a new car with no driver's airbag?

Hi

I won't go into the reasons but I wondered if it is currently possible
to purchase a new model of car in the UK which either has NO drivers
air-bag fitted, or one which can be switched off?

I realise that this might seem unusual but my wife is only 5-feet tall
and sits so very close to the steering wheel that, she feels, if there
was and accident which caused the air-bag to inflate, it would break
her neck.

(She really does sit VERY close to the wheel.)

Whilst we have only had one (minor) accident during the past ten
years, there is no point in my wife trying to drive a car of which she
is terrified. That's the way to a near-certain accident.

It is not a problem for me as I am 6' 5" tall and sit well back form
the wheel.

We shall have to change our current car during the next few months -
12-y-o Vauxhall Astra Estate is developing serious structural rust
problems and it probably only pass one more M.O.T.

The manufcatureres/dealers I have tried all refuse, point-blank, to
consider supplying a car with no driver's airbag.

Is there any way I could turn the bag off, notify the insurance
company and pay the increased premium?

Advice appreciated.

Regards

David

David Probett

 

I won't go into the reasons but I wondered if it is currently possible

There are companies all over the UK who specialise in adapting cars for
disabled people. They will be able to replace a steering wheel with an
airbag for one without. They may be able to suggest other adaptations which
might help instead.

For a list click here: http://tinyurl.com/3epm2.

You must inform your insurers about any adaptation, but it may not increase
the premium much.

It would also be advisable to budget for having the original steering wheel
replaced when you sell the car.

 

It is almost certain the Vx can simply disable the airbags via the Engine
Management System. If you approach your insurance company to ask for a
letter stating that if the airbags were disabled the insurance is still
valid, I hope you will find the dealers more friendly. I took this approach
with my wife's Clio - as soon as the dealership saw that the car's insurance
would not be invalidated, they disconnected the airbags.