Insurance Coverage For Car Seat Replacement After an Accident – After an accident, your car seat replacement may likely be covered by your car insurance. But whether your car insurance covers your car seat replacement or not is dependent on the laws in your state, the details of your insurance policy, and the situation. Every company operates differently, and the law works differently from one state to another. In addition, many factors will determine whether or not your claim for a damaged car seat gets paid.
Car insurance companies operate differently; while some will replace a car seat after an accident if you ask them to. Others may have to pay for a new car seat if it’s required by law. Check with your insurance company to find out if your car seat is covered by your policy if you were in an accident while your child’s car seat was in the car.
Insurance Coverage For Car Seat Replacement After an Accident
Your insurance pays for a new car seat. But if they don’t, you might likely get a new car seat for free. Here are a few ways you can get free car seat replacement after an accident, which are:
File a car insurance claim:
When you file a general claim, you could include the car seat as part of the claim, and there are times it might not get covered under your insurance policy.
Government programs:
For drivers who have completed a car safety course, Medicaid may offer them a free car seat. Most of the time, the local police and fire departments have programs designed to give away car seats to parents and caregivers in need of one.
Charitable organizations:
Like Bucket Up for Life, churches and charities give out free car seats to those in need of them.
How to File a Car Seat Claim
When filing a claim for a car accident, you could include the damage done to your car seat. Your insurance company might likely ask about it specifically.
If it is a no-fault case where another driver hits your car. Then you can include the damage to the car seat while filing for your property damage liability claim. Here are some things you should include as well.
- After the accident, be sure to take enough pictures of the car seat. Your insurance company may require that you submit pictures with the straps cut off of the chair if your claim has been approved.
- A copy of the manufacturer’s instructions may be required by your insurance company.
- A receipt for the newly purchased car seat may be required by your insurance company.
If you have been found at fault for an accident or were hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, you’ll have to file a collision claim with your own car insurance company. You’ll be expected to pay for the costs of the claim out-of-pocket if you are not covered by collision coverage.
Each state has its laws and regulations. So your car seat claim may be denied depending on the laws and regulations set by each state. If you find yourself in this situation. It’s advised you check in with your insurance company to help fight the denial of claim. But most states don’t allow insurance companies to foot the bills for damaged seats, so you’d likely have to pay for a new one out-of-pocket, or you might have to find other alternatives to having your car seat replaced.
Why do I have to cut the straps on a car seat for insurance?
Your insurance companies may require you to prove that the straps on the car seat have been cut out, so no one can reuse or resell them. When your insurance companies pay for the replacement of your car seat, it’s because it’s damaged and no longer safe to make use of.
How to Dispose of a Car Seat After an Accident
After an accident, you might be wondering where and how to dispose of the car seat. There are several ways to properly dispose of a car seat after an accident, including:
- You could trade it in a store that offers a trade-in program for damage. Or expired car seats by exchanging them with a gift card or store credit toward the purchase of other items you might need for your baby.
- You could also consider recycling it at junkyards. Or other recycling facilities that are specifically designed for damaged or expired car seats.
- Render it useless by cutting off the straps before trashing it. This is another best option to consider, as it is the easiest way to make sure that it’s not being used by anyone.
By properly disposing of the damaged or expired car seat. You’re also contributing to the safety of the state by making sure it is not reused or resold by anyone else. This also helps your claim for a car seat replacement the fastest.
Frequently asked questions
Does my car seat need to be replaced?
Yes. Due to the frequency of your child’s height and weight, you’d need to have her car seat replaced at intervals. A seat that’s too small won’t shield her adequately in the event of an accident. To determine the seat’s height and weight limit, check the seat’s tag or the manufacturer’s manual instructions.
When should I replace my car seat insert?
A car seat insert should be replaced between 5 and 6 months.
What is the lifespan of a car seat?
A car seat goes through a lot during its use, so a car seat can safely be used for a period of 7 to 10 years, typically!