No, you should not reuse a car seat after a moderate or severe accident. The general rule from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is that car seats must be replaced following a moderate or severe crash to ensure continued protection. The seat's structural integrity, including its plastic shell and energy-absorbing foam, may have sustained microscopic cracks or stress points that are not visible to the naked eye but could cause the seat to fail in a subsequent collision.
However, the NHTSA does state that reuse may be permissible after a minor crash, but only if it meets all of the following five strict criteria:
- The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
- The door closest to the car seat was not damaged.
- No occupants in the vehicle sustained any injuries.
- The airbags did not deploy.
- There is no visible damage to the car seat itself.
Even if a crash seems minor, the immense forces involved can compromise the materials designed to manage crash energy. This is a critical safety issue, not just a suggestion. Many car seat manufacturers, like Graco and Britax, have policies that are even more stringent, often requiring replacement after any crash, regardless of severity. The safest course of action is always to err on the side of caution and replace the seat.
| Car Seat Manufacturer | Replacement Policy After an Accident | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Graco | Replace after any crash, regardless of severity. | Follows a strict "replace after any crash" policy for maximum safety assurance. |
| Britax | Replace after any crash, except those meeting very specific "minor crash" criteria. | Their minor crash criteria are extremely narrow and similar to, but sometimes stricter than, NHTSA's. |
| Chicco | Replace after any moderate or severe crash. Consult manual for minor crashes. | Advises checking the specific owner's manual, but generally recommends replacement. |
| Evenflo | Replace the seat after any crash. | Policy states that the seat has absorbed crash forces and should be retired. |
| Clek | Replace after any crash. | Emphasizes that hidden damage can occur, making the seat unsafe for future use. |
| NHTSA (Federal Guideline) | Replace after moderate/severe crashes. May reuse after minor crash if 5 criteria are met. | This is the federal baseline; manufacturer policies often override it with stricter rules. |
The best resource is always your car seat's specific owner's manual and a direct call to the manufacturer. Furthermore, check with your auto insurance provider, as the cost of a new car seat is often covered under the property damage portion of your policy.
