Yes, car seats should almost always be replaced after a moderate or severe accident. The primary reason is safety. Car seats are designed with energy-absorbing materials, like EPS foam, and a one-time-use plastic shell that can sustain microscopic cracks or stress fractures during a crash. These damages are often invisible but can compromise the seat's structural integrity, meaning it may not perform as intended in a subsequent collision. Following the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is crucial for your child's safety.
The need for replacement depends on the accident's severity. NHTSA provides specific criteria to help you determine if the crash was "minor" enough to possibly avoid replacement. All of the following conditions must be met for a crash to be considered minor:
- The vehicle could be driven away from the crash site.
- The door closest to the car seat was not damaged.
- None of the vehicle's occupants were injured.
- No airbags deployed.
- There is no visible damage to the car seat itself.
If any of these criteria are not met, the seat must be replaced. Even in a minor crash, always consult your car seat's owner's manual for the manufacturer's specific policy, as some require replacement after any crash, regardless of severity.
Dealing with insurance is a key part of the process. Auto insurance policies typically cover the cost of a new car seat after an accident. Be prepared to provide the make and model of the damaged seat. It's a good practice to take photos of the seat still installed in the vehicle after the crash before removing it. Some insurance companies or manufacturers may request you to destroy the old seat (e.g., by cutting the harness) to ensure it is not reused, and they may require proof of destruction for reimbursement. Never purchase a used car seat, as you cannot be certain of its history, including whether it has been in a previous accident.
