Does Insurance Cover Car Seat Replacements After Accidents? The Law and Reasons for Claim Denials

Does Insurance Cover Car Seat Replacements After Accidents? The Law and Reasons for Claim Denials

Key Takeaways

  • Your comprehensive or collision auto insurance may cover the replacement cost of your car seat

  • Policies can vary by insurers and as well as by state law, so you’ll want to consult both

  • Any car seat involved in a moderate or severe car crash should be replaced

Being in a car accident can be a rattling experience. The post-accident process is also overwhelming as you negotiate repairs with your insurance provider. However, it’s not just your vehicle that you need to be concerned with. If you had a car seat in the car, it may need to be replaced—even if it wasn’t in use at the time.

Understanding Car Seat Safety Post-Accident

Car seats are designed to protect your child during a car crash. Because they do this by absorbing and distributing impact, they can be damaged even if your child is unscathed. There may be obvious signs of damage, like cracking, but it’s also possible that you might not be able to detect any at first glance. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for regulating car safety in the U.S. They recommend that parents replace any car seat involved in a “moderate or severe” crash.

You should also consider the expiration of your car seat, especially if it's older and has been involved in a collision. If it’s time to shop for a replacement, check out Orbit Baby’s full car seat collection.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Car Seat Replacement?

Because of the mandate from the NHTSA, car insurers cover car seat replacement as part of collision or comprehensive auto insurance coverage. The specifics of the coverage and how to file a claim vary by insurer and state, so you’ll want to check your personal policy as well as local guidance for more information.

  • Some states or insurers may require photos of the damage to the seat and/or car

  • The severity of the crash may also matter; minor crashes (car remains drivable, airbags don’t deploy, no damage on the side with the car seat, etc.) may not warrant replacement

  • If you file a claim for the replacement of your seat, you may also have to prove you’ve destroyed the damaged car seat (cutting the safety straps, for example) to prevent reuse

For more tips on avoiding common errors in car seat use, see this guide on car seat mistakes. And if you're looking for best practices from day one, check out our articles on newborn car seat safety and the importance of head support.

Factors Influencing Coverage 

There are several factors that may influence your insurance provider’s coverage, including what the law requires, whether the car seat was occupied, the extent of the damage, and proof you’ll no longer use the damaged seat.

Legal Requirements:

In some states, insurers are required by law to replace a car seat. For instance, states like California and Illinois mandate replacement after a moderate or severe crash.

Car Seat Occupancy:

Certain insurers will replace the car seat only if a child was in it during the accident.

Extent of Damage:

Visible damage to the car seat or recommendations from the manufacturer to replace it can strengthen your claim.

Proof of Destruction:

Some insurers require you to destroy the damaged seat (e.g., cutting the straps) and provide proof before approving replacements. 

Filing a Car Seat Replacement Claim: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Like any insurance claim, filing for a car seat replacement can be a tedious process, so you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss any steps.

Step 1: Notify Your Insurance Provider ASAP

Call your insurance company as soon as possible—preferably from the scene of the accident. When you provide details about the collision, be sure to mention that a car seat was involved. 

Step 2: Collect Documentation

Make sure you take pictures of any damage to the car seat itself. Check your seat manufacturer’s owner’s manual (you can find a copy online, if needed) to see when replacing the seat after the crash is recommended. Locate the receipt or credit card statement from the purchase of the car seat. If a police report is filed related to the accident, make sure you obtain a copy. 

Step 3: Submit Proof of Damage

If there’s no visible damage to the car seat itself, you can supply photos of the damaged vehicle. Some insurers may also require you to show proof that you destroyed the old car seat.

Step 4: File the Claim

Fill out the necessary claim forms provided by your insurance company, including any supporting documents, reports, and photos. 

Step 5: Follow Up with the Insurance Company As Needed

Contact your insurer to check the status of your claim and verify if they need any additional information from you.

For safe replacement options, view our infant car seat collection and toddler car seat collection. Also, read our guide on buying used car seats to understand what to avoid, as well as when your baby is too big for an infant car seat.

Common Reasons Car Seat Replacement Claims Are Denied

By understanding the most common reasons car seat replacement claims are denied, you can better prepare a claim that’s more likely to be approved.

Reason 1: The Car Seat Wasn’t In Use At The Time of the Accident

Some insurers may argue that an unused seat didn’t absorb any impact and refuse to replace it. Be sure to check with your seat’s manufacturer, though; they may require a seat replacement regardless of occupancy.

Reason 2: Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation

If your policy requires photos of the damaged car seat or a copy of the accident report, make sure you provide those when you file your claim. Leaving out required documentation can lead to a rejected claim.

Reason 3: The Accident Doesn’t Meet the Policy’s Severity Threshold

Some insurers will only replace a car seat if certain thresholds are reached—for example, a vehicle’s airbags deploy or there’s visible damage to the vehicle on the same side of the car as the car seat. 

Tips for Car Seat Disposal

Once your claim for a replacement car seat has been approved, you’ll want to ensure you dispose of the damaged car seat properly.

Tip 1: Cut the Harness Straps + Mark It Unusable

By cutting the harness straps and writing “damaged: do not use” in permanent marker on the seat itself, you’ll ensure another parent doesn’t inadvertently try to use your damaged seat

Tip 2: Look for Recycling Options

Check with your local recycling center to see if they take car seats. Some large box stores also run recycling programs periodically. 

Tip 3: Remember to Never Donate a Car Seat That’s Been in an Accident

If it isn’t safe enough for your child, it isn’t safe for anyone else’s, either. Never donate a damaged car seat.

Explore Car Seat Safety With Orbit Baby 

At Orbit Baby, nothing is a higher priority than your child’s safety. We recommend replacing your car seat after any moderate or severe car crash. We also established our After-Crash Car Seat Exchange Program to cover replacing your car seat if insurance doesn’t. Our commitment to safety helps ensure you’re back on the road with a brand you can trust, no matter what comes.

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