Yes, your car insurance may likely cover your car seat replacement after an accident. However, to cover car seat replacement in your insurance depends on the state’s laws, policy details, and the specific situation. Every company operates differently, and the law works differently from one state to another. Moreover, many factors will determine whether or not your claim for a damaged car seat gets paid.
From the desk of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it was stated that car crashes are the prime cause of death for children below 13. For this reason, car seat replacement after an accident is mandatory and should be in good working condition. Car insurance companies vary in their policy offerings, with some offering car seat replacement after an accident, while others may have to cover for them if required by law.
Most car insurance companies often offer a car seat replacement if there was a child in it at the time of the accident. However, other companies may require the car seat replacement and send proof that the old one has been replaced. If an accident involves your child’s car seat, consult your insurance company to determine if your policy covers it.
Can I get a free car seat replacement after an accident?
Yes, you can. Your insurance pays for a new car seat, but if they don’t, you might likely get a new car seat for free. Here are a few ways you can get a free car seat replacement after an accident, which are:
- File a car insurance claim: When you are filing for a general claim, you could include the car seat as part of the claim, and there are times it might likely not get covered under your insurance policy.
- Government programs: For drivers who have completed a car safety course, Medicaid may offer them a free car seat. Local police and fire departments often organize programs to provide car seats to parents and caretakers in need.
- Charitable organizations: Like Buckle Up for Life, churches and charities give out free car seats to those in need of it.
How to file a car seat claim
When filing a claim for a car accident, then you could include the damage done to your car seat. Your insurance company might likely ask about it specifically. Also, if another driver caused damage to your car seat, you can include it in your property damage liability claim.
Here are things you should include as well.
- After an accident, ensure to take sufficient photos of the car seat. This is because your insurance company may require pictures with the straps removed if your claim is approved.
- A manual instruction copy of the manufacturer may be required by your insurance company.
- A receipt of the newly purchased car seat may be required by your insurance company.
If you were at fault in an accident or were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you must file a collision claim with your own insurance company. If you are not covered by collision coverage, you will be responsible for the claim costs out of pocket. The denial of a car seat claim may be influenced by the specific laws and regulations set by each state.
If you find yourself in this situation, check in with your insurance company to help fight the denial of claim. However, most states don’t allow insurance companies to foot the bills for damaged seats, so you’d likely have to pay for a new one out of pocket, or you might have to find another alternative to have your car seat replaced.
Why do I have to cut the straps on a car seat for insurance?
Your insurance companies may require you to prove that the straps on the car seat have been cut out so no one can reuse or resell it. When your insurance companies cover your car seat replacement after an accident, it is because it’s damaged and no longer safe to make use of.
How to dispose of a car seat after an accident
After an accident, you might be wondering where and how I should dispose of the car seat. There are several ways to properly dispose of a car seat after an accident, including:
- You could trade it in at a store that offers a trade-in program for damaged or expired car seats by exchanging it with a gift card or store credit toward the purchase of other items you might need for your baby.
- You could also consider recycling it at junkyards or other recycling facilities programs that are specifically designed for damaged or expired car seats.
- To ensure the item is not used, consider cutting off the straps before trashing it to render it useless.
Properly disposing of damaged or expired car seats ensures state safety by preventing reuse or resale by others. This also helps your claim for a car seat replacement the fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Does my car seat need to be replaced?
Yes. Due to the frequency of your child’s height and weight, you’d need to have her car seat replaced at intervals. A seat that’s too small won’t shield her adequately in the event of an accident. To get the right seat’s height and weight limit, check the seat’s tag or the manufacturer’s manual instructions.
When should I replace my car seat insert?
A car seat insert should be replaced between 5-6 months.
What is the lifespan of a car seat?
A car seat can safely last for 7 to 10 years due to its extensive use.