Do the car seats have to be replaced after an accident?

Kingston54 · May 2013

We were in a minor accident. I was rear ended with my 3 year old and 4 month old in the car. Minimal damage to my car. I have to check our manuals but wondering if anyone knows if we should replace the seats with new ones? I want to, but I don't want to overreact. Their safety is 1. Thank you!

1026pumpkin · May 2013

Almost certainly. You could double check with the manufacturers, but most insurance policies cover new seats for free. The next time you speak with the insurance co of the person that hit you, let them know you have 2 car seats that need replacing.

gimmietimmies · May 2013

More than likely yes. Britax has guidelines for replacing after an accident, but the rest of the brands the manuals will say replace after any accident. If the other person rear ended you and are at fault, it should be off their insurance. Get on them pdq to replace with appropriate seats since more than likely yours fall under the replace category. You won't be able to drive with them and having no car seats is a huge inconvenience.

If their insurance gives you a hard time, dont back down. Most manufacturers will provide a letter to back you up I'd you ask, and you can always ask the other insurance if they will sign a waiver guaranteeing your child's safety in the event that the seat is in another crash. Most I'll give you the funds to replace quickly.

brettsmama · May 2013

Almost all car seats recommend replacement after an accident. I would include it as part of the damage for the insurance to cover.

stever · May 2013

I've heard that any accident, no matter how minor, requires car seat replacement.

dragon_chica · May 2013

1026pumpkin:
Almost certainly. You could double check with the manufacturers, but most insurance policies cover new seats for free. The next time you speak with the insurance co of the person that hit you, let them know you have 2 car seats that need replacing.

This. Most likely the other person's insurance will cover the costs. That's what happened when we got rear-ended years ago.

brettsmama · May 2013

Found this article:

Whether to replace your seat after a crash depends on what car seat you have. It does NOT depend on whether the seat was occupied or not, and infant seat bases follow the same guidelines as any other restraint if they are installed at the time of the crash.NHTSA has set the following guidelines for reuse after a crashthese have been crash tested:NHTSA recommends that child safety seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.NHTSA recommends that child safety seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.Minor crashes are those that meet ALL of the following criteria:The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;The vehicle door nearest the safety seat was not damaged;There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;The air bags if present did not deploy; ANDThere is no visible damage to the safety seat.In the end, the child restraint manufacturer's directions trump NHTSA's guidelines. Only a few manufacturers follow NHTSA's guidelines. Also, a seat can be reused after being in a minor crash once if the manufacturer follows NHTSA's guidelines, but it should be replaced after a second minor crash.The following are manufacturer's directions with regards to replacement after a crash. If in doubt, call the manufacturer to clarify. Some manufacturers might tell you to follow NHTSA's guidelines even if that's not what their general stance is.

mommytoconnor · May 2013

Yes, you should most definately replace them. I believe all manufacturers recommend this as does the american academy of pediatrics.

wedsept · May 2013

I just went through this. You have to call the manufacturer. However, you can basically force the car insurance to replace it for free. If they don't do it, talk to the manager at the insurance company. Tell them that if you don't replace it, I want you to put in your notes that I am "detrimentally relying on your representations that the car seat is safe. if something happens after the fact, I will sue the insurance company." (Legal language to get them to do what you want them to.)

Emilia0101 · May 2013

The person's insurance will cover the carseats. I had to submit a picture of the seat and I had the original purchase order from online and they sent me a check for the full amount. The carseat was in the car during a parking lot accident and no one was even in our car.

Kie310 · May 2013

Yes. And it's something the insurance company will cover.

Want a personalized experience?

Do the car seats have to be replaced after an accident?

Re: Do the car seats have to be replaced after an accident?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards