Does Insurance Cover a Child Car Seat Replacement After an Accident?

A child car seat is an important piece of safety gear that protects your little ones. Will car insurance cover a child car seat replacement after an accident? Here’s what you need to know.

Does my auto insurance cover car seat replacement?

Your car insurance may cover a car seat replacement if you carry Collision or Comprehensive coverage. These are optional insurance coverages that help pay for damage to your vehicle, and may help pay for accessories like a child car seat. Collision coverage pays for damage to your car if it hits another vehicle or stationary object or is hit by another vehicle. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages not related to a collision, like fire damage, theft or damage caused by natural disasters.

How do I know if my insurance covers a car seat replacement?

The best way to see if your insurance covers a child car seat replacement is to check your policy documents or give your agent a call. The terms of every insurance policy vary, so double check with your company to see if your insurance can cover a child seat replacement.

When should you replace a car seat after a crash?

You should replace a child car seat after a moderate or serious crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it may not be necessary to replace a child car seat for a minor crash. A minor crash, as defined by NHTSA, is one where all of the following apply:

If any of these statements are untrue, then the child car seat may not be safe to use. Follow the seat manufacturer’s instructions for what to do with your car seat after a crash.

When there is any doubt, replace the car seat anyway. There may be invisible damage to the plastic you can’t see that may compromise the safety of the seat.

Car seats and insurance

When you file a Collision or Comprehensive claim, you’ll first need to pay your deductible before your insurance will start paying for damage like a replacement car seat.

A deductible is your share of the cost for a claim. A deductible is not the same as your premium, which is what you pay to purchase your policy.

For example, say you got into an accident and the cost to repair your car and replace your child car seat is $2,000 and your deductible is $500. In this case, you will pay $500 and your insurance will cover up to the remaining $1,500.

If the damage is minor or you carry a higher deductible, your insurance may not pay for damage or a child car seat replacement if the cost is below your deductible. Say it costs $200 to repair your car and you have a $500 deductible. In this case, insurance will not pay for anything because you did not meet your deductible.

Steps to take after an accident

If you’ve been involved in an accident, don’t wait to file a claim.

We know that filing any kind of car insurance claim can be stressful. Our unique claims services will simplify the process, getting you back on the road in no time.

1. Call the police
   If the damage to your car is a result of an accident, an act of vandalism or a hit-and-run, call the police and have them file a report.
2. Take pictures
   Take detailed pictures of the damage to your car and its surroundings at the accident scene. These are helpful for the adjuster when they investigate your claim.
3. File your claim
   Please have your policy number ready. You can file a claim online or by contacting us or your agent directly.
4. Assignment and tracking of the claim
   After you report your claim, you’ll receive a claim number to help track its progress. We’ll also assign you a friendly representative to answer any questions you may have.
5. Damage evaluation
   If your vehicle has damage and the applicable coverage applies, we offer these convenient options to get you back on the road as soon as possible:
   • CarPics^® Photo Appraisals: Eliminate the need to schedule a claims inspection and receive your estimate within hours. You may even get paid that same day.*
   • Crashbusters^® Mobile Claim Service: Have a representative meet you to appraise the damage at a time and place that’s convenient for you, often issuing you a check on the spot.
   • Door to Door Valet Claim Service^®: Let us pick up your car and handle the repair process from start to finish. If you have rental coverage, we’ll even coordinate a rental car.
6. Receive your claim settlement
   At your option, Plymouth Rock may pay your claim to your chosen repair shop or we may reimburse you directly. Your claim payment will be based on the terms and coverage in your car insurance policy.

Conclusion: Does insurance cover a child car seat replacement after an accident?

Your car insurance may cover a child car seat replacement if you carry Collision or Comprehensive insurance. Except in the case of a minor accident, you should replace a car seat after a crash. Even if the seat wasn’t occupied at the time of the crash, impacts can cause invisible damage to the car seat that may compromise its safety.

^*Certain restrictions apply.