You’ve just been in a car accident, and a million questions are racing through your mind. Are you okay? Is your car drivable? And then you look at the back seat and see your child’s car seat. Even if it looks perfectly fine, a chilling question pops into your head: Do I need to replace my car seat after an accident?
Let’s dive into the crucial factors that determine whether that car seat is still safe to use or if it’s time for a new one.
Do I Need to Replace a Car Seat After an Accident?
One of the most important questions you’ll have as a parent after an accident is whether you need to replace your child’s car seat after an accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises replacing a car seat after any moderate or severe crash. You should plan to replace the seat if the accident involved any of the following:
- The vehicle was not drivable afterward.
- The door closest to the car seat was damaged.
- Any occupant sustained injuries.
- The vehicle’s airbags were deployed.
- The car seat itself shows any visible signs of damage.
If your accident didn’t meet any of these criteria, the NHTSA classifies it as a minor crash and doesn’t automatically recommend replacement. That said, it’s crucial to consult the car seat’s manufacturer’s guidelines. Many manufacturers recommend replacing their seats after any crash, even a seemingly minor one, to ensure the seat’s structural integrity hasn’t been compromised.
Will My Insurance Cover a Car Seat Replacement?
In most cases, your car insurance provider will cover the cost to replace a car seat after an accident. However, this coverage depends on your state of residence, the specifics of your policy, and the crash itself.
Insurance companies may be required to pay to replace the seat using different guidelines than the NHTSA recommendations. For example, California requires coverage if the seat was occupied during an accident, or if the seat was damaged (occupied or unoccupied) during a collision. Damage includes the possibility of broken glass embedded in the seat.
If another driver is at fault for the accident, you can include the cost of the damaged car seat in the property damage liability claim filed with their insurer. To get a proper reimbursement, you’ll likely need to include photos of the car seat after the damage, a copy of the manufacturer’s manual, and any receipts if you’ve already purchased a new one.
If you are at fault for the crash or were hit by an uninsured driver, you must file a claim with your own insurance company using your collision coverage. Keep in mind that your policy’s deductible will apply to this claim. If your policy doesn’t include collision coverage, you will need to pay for the car seat replacement yourself.
When filing a claim with your insurance company, be sure to mention the car seat. You should also include photos, a description of the seat, and its original cost. Your insurer will then reimburse you for a replacement that matches the quality and type of the damaged seat.
How to File a Claim for a Damaged Car Seat After an Accident
To ensure a smooth claims process after an accident, follow these steps:
- Notify Your Insurance Company: When you file your claim, be sure to inform your insurance company that a car seat was in the vehicle at the time of the accident.
- Gather Documentation: To help with your claim, include a police report (if applicable), photos of the damage to both the car and the car seat, and the original receipt for the car seat.
- Provide Proof of Destruction: Some insurers may ask you to provide proof that you have disposed of the old car seat—for example, by cutting the straps—to ensure it cannot be accidentally reused.
How Should I Dispose of a Car Seat After a Car Accident?
Once a car seat has been involved in an accident, there are a few ways to properly dispose of it:
- Trade it in: Some large department stores often offer a trade-in program for damaged or expired car seats, giving you the chance to exchange them for store credit toward the purchase of additional baby items.
- Recycle it: City recycling centers and junk yards typically have recycling programs specifically for damaged or expired car seats.
- Destroy it: If you are unable to recycle a car seat after an accident, the next best option is to render it unusable. To do this, cut the straps off before throwing it away to ensure nobody will be able to use it if found.
AIS Is Here to Help
Getting into an accident can be an extremely stressful experience. However, understanding your policy and knowing you have the right coverage can provide significant peace of mind. At AIS, we have over 55 years of experience helping our customers navigate the insurance market. Whether you’re looking for a new provider or need to increase your current coverage, our team of insurance specialists is here to help. To learn more about your insurance options with AIS, give us a call today at (888) 772-4247 or get a free quote online.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources and offered for educational purposes only. Furthermore, it should not replace the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
