Crash Replacement Programs: Which Brands Offer Them
You just went down. Your helmet did its job — the shell has a scuff, the padding was compressed, and you walked away. Now what? A crashed helmet is a used-up crash structure; it needs to be replaced. Several premium manufacturers offer crash replacement programs that discount your next helmet if you send in the damaged one. Which brands? What's the process? Here's what's publicly known — and equally important, what to verify before you count on any specific program.
Program details change frequently. Manufacturer crash replacement policies are updated periodically, sometimes with little notice. Always contact the manufacturer directly to confirm current terms before you rely on any program. This article summarizes generally available industry practices but should not be treated as a definitive listing of current offers.
Why Crash Replacement Programs Exist
A helmet that has absorbed impact energy has done its one job. The EPS liner has compressed at the impact zone and will not absorb energy as effectively in a second impact. Manufacturers have a strong interest in getting riders to replace crashed helmets rather than keep riding them — both for safety reasons and because replacements are a source of ongoing sales.
Crash replacement programs offer discounts (typically in the 20-40% range) on a new helmet when the rider submits the damaged one. Terms vary widely by manufacturer.
Brands Known to Offer Crash Replacement (Historical and Current)
Several major helmet manufacturers have offered crash replacement programs at various times. Because programs change, here's the general landscape:
- Bell: Historically has offered crash replacement discounts on select models. Confirm current terms directly with Bell.
- Icon: Has offered various crash replacement policies. Contact Icon customer service to verify.
- HJC: Programs vary; check with HJC or your dealer.
- Scorpion: Historically offered a form of crash replacement; verify current program.
- 6D: Known for a formal crash replacement program tied to their advanced impact technology; confirm terms.
Notably absent from most crash replacement lists are Shoei and Arai — both have historically not offered crash replacement discounts, preferring instead to emphasize thorough inspection services for potentially damaged helmets. Again, contact the manufacturer to confirm current policy.
What Crash Replacement Programs Typically Require
General framework, though specifics vary by brand:
- Original purchase proof: Receipt, warranty registration, or serial number documentation
- The damaged helmet: You send it in (or drop off at authorized dealer)
- Photos or written description: Documentation of the incident
- Time limit: Usually 3-5 years from original purchase
- Program eligibility: Often limited to specific models (usually premium models where margin supports the discount)
What the Manufacturer Does with the Old Helmet
Reputable programs destroy or otherwise render the damaged helmet unusable to prevent resale. Some manufacturers use the damaged helmets for internal engineering study — understanding real-world crash outcomes helps improve future designs.
What Crash Replacement Programs Usually Do NOT Cover
- Helmets purchased used or without a valid receipt
- Helmets over the program time limit (typically 5+ years)
- Cosmetic damage without an actual crash
- Helmets used for professional racing (some brands exclude these)
- International purchases when returning to a different country (region-specific rules apply)
Inspection Services (An Alternative to Replacement)
Shoei, Arai, and some other premium brands offer — or have offered — helmet inspection services. You send in a helmet after any incident (even a drop from a truck or a garage shelf), and the manufacturer inspects the EPS liner, shell, and structure. They either declare it safe to continue using or recommend replacement.
This is a valuable service for high-end helmets where a full replacement is expensive and the crash may have been minor enough not to compromise the structure. Terms and pricing vary; confirm with the manufacturer.
What to Do Immediately After a Crash
Regardless of which brand you own:
- Do not continue riding in the crashed helmet. The internal damage may not be visible.
- Photograph the helmet from all angles before you do anything else.
- Locate your purchase documentation. Receipt, registration confirmation, or serial number.
- Contact the manufacturer. Their customer service can tell you their current crash replacement or inspection policy.
- Save the helmet until you've completed the manufacturer's process. Do not throw away or resell.
Insurance Angle
Motorcycle and health insurance may cover helmet replacement after a crash, depending on your policy. Some motorcycle insurance policies include a specific "helmet replacement" clause that pays for a new helmet if yours was damaged in a covered accident. Check your declarations page or call your insurer.
If insurance covers the replacement, you may still be able to use the crash replacement program on top — effectively getting a higher-tier helmet for the same out-of-pocket. Ask both parties before assuming.
The "Never Crashed" Guarantee: Generic Guidance If Your Brand Isn't Listed
If your specific helmet brand doesn't offer a formal crash replacement program:
- Contact them anyway — many brands offer informal discounts or programs not advertised publicly
- Your dealer may offer their own discount on a replacement
- Insurance may cover part or all of the cost
- Consider it an opportunity to upgrade to a brand that does offer such a program next time
Recommended Gear
When shopping for a new helmet, factor in the brand's crash replacement policy. Some brands' programs effectively lower the long-term cost of ownership.
Store your purchase receipt, warranty registration confirmation, and serial number photo together in a bag with the helmet. Critical for future crash replacement claims.
Simple sticker set to remind you to register your helmet with the manufacturer within the required window (typically 30 days).
Having a secondary helmet lets you continue riding while a crashed primary helmet goes through inspection or replacement. Never share primary helmet with unknown-fit rider.
Waterproof marker, small ruler, and photo template card. Helps document crash damage for insurance and manufacturer replacement claims.
Related reading: For counterfeit and recall verification, see helmet recalls and counterfeits. For understanding what "crashed" means for insurance purposes, our gear laws overview touches on the insurance angle. And for building a two-helmet rotation, our Schuberth vs Shoei touring analysis helps identify a good primary/backup combination.
The Bottom Line
Crash replacement programs are a genuine benefit — but only if you know they exist, understand the specific terms of your brand, and preserve the documentation you'll need to claim them. Contact the manufacturer directly whenever your helmet has been in any impact, no matter how minor it seemed. The worst outcome is throwing away a crashed helmet you could have exchanged for a discount, and the second-worst is continuing to ride in one that should have been retired.
When buying your next helmet, ask the manufacturer or dealer up front about their crash replacement policy. It's a legitimate factor to weigh alongside price, fit, and features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brands currently offer crash replacement?
Programs change frequently. Historically, Bell, Icon, HJC, Scorpion, and 6D have offered various programs. Always confirm current terms directly with the manufacturer before assuming any specific offer applies.
Do Shoei and Arai offer crash replacement?
Historically these premium Japanese brands have emphasized inspection services rather than crash replacement discounts. Contact them directly for current policy.
What documentation do I need to keep to qualify for crash replacement?
Original purchase receipt, warranty registration confirmation, and the damaged helmet itself. Photograph the damage as soon as possible after the incident.
Is a helmet inspection service better than crash replacement?
It depends. If the helmet passes inspection, you save the cost of replacement. If it fails, you've spent inspection fees on top of eventual replacement. Weigh both options for your specific situation.
Can my insurance and the manufacturer both pay?
Sometimes. Some riders use insurance to cover a base-level replacement and apply the crash replacement discount to upgrade to a higher-tier helmet. Ask both parties before assuming.