Do Child Car Seats Need Replacing After an Accident?
Almost always yes, even if the seat looks perfect. And it is claimable.
Yes, in almost every case - even where the seat looks completely undamaged. The materials are designed to absorb one impact and may not perform in a second.
It is a recoverable cost on a non-fault claim, and it is one of the most commonly forgotten items.
Why a seat that looks fine may not be
Car seats protect by deforming. Energy-absorbing foam compresses, the shell flexes, and the harness stretches. Much of that damage is internal and invisible from outside.
Most manufacturers state clearly that a seat involved in a collision should be replaced, and many will not stand behind a seat that has been in one. If you still have the instruction booklet, it will almost certainly say so.
What to claim
Every seat that was fitted
Not just the one a child was sitting in. All of them were in the vehicle.
The ISOFIX base
Bases absorb impact too and should be replaced with the seat.
Like-for-like replacement
The same model or equivalent, not the cheapest available.
Boosters and harnesses
Any child restraint that was in the vehicle at the time.
Had children in the car?
Tell us how many seats and we will include them properly in the claim.
Do not sell or pass on a seat that has been in a collision, and do not buy a used one without knowing its history. You cannot tell from looking whether it has already taken an impact.
Common questions
Check the manufacturer’s guidance, which varies. Many advise replacement after any collision; some allow an exception for very minor impacts with no injury and no visible damage.
Yes, on a non-fault claim they are recoverable. Keep receipts for the replacements and photograph the originals in the vehicle if you can.
The seat was still fitted and still absorbed the impact. It should still be replaced.
Keep it until the claim is settled in case evidence is needed. After that, destroy it rather than passing it on.
Replace it with the seat. Bases take impact loads too.
Terms and conditions apply to all services described on this page. Free recovery, storage and replacement vehicles are provided on the basis that the charges are recovered from the at-fault party’s insurer. We will explain the terms in plain English before anything is arranged.
Before we act for you we are required to verify your identity and to carry out fraud and anti-money laundering checks. This may include checks with credit reference and fraud prevention agencies, which will leave a record on your file.
Where fraud is suspected, information may be shared with fraud prevention agencies, insurers and law enforcement. Providing false or misleading information in support of a claim may mean your claim is refused, and can be a criminal offence.