Will Car Insurance Pay for a New Car Seat?

Being a parent, you have likely done all the research you need to find a car seat that is appropriate for your child. You will want to make sure that it is installed properly and that it is the right size. Having a car seat that meets the safety needs of your children is essential. It is recommended to place your child’s car seat behind the front seats and facing to the rear. 

Each state has different laws when it comes to auto insurance policies, and they have different laws when it comes to the use of car seats for children as well. Most states mandate the use of a car seat for children that are a certain age and/or weight. In addition, there are laws and guidance’s requiring the use of seatbelts. People who are involved in an accident while a car seat is in the car are recommended to replace their car seat before driving with their child again.

State Laws Mandating The Use Of Car Seats For Infants And Small Children

People who have children age 12 years or younger should have them ride in the backseat of their vehicle. Having an appropriately fastened seatbelt is not only the law, but it is a good way to stay protected. Children that are under the age of two are most often required to be in a car seat. Most states have laws requiring carseat use, and to get the full details of the laws in your state, you should contact your DMV.

After contacting the Department of Motor Vehicles to determine your state-specific laws, or using the tools here, there are other things you should be aware of. If your child has outgrown their car seat, they may be required to transition to a booster seat in your area of the country. The states of Florida and South Dakota do not have the same laws in regards to booster seats as most other states. Booster seats are generally required until a person has grown in a way that allows them to use an adult seatbelt properly. Different states have different requirements regarding the age and/or weight of the child in this case.

It is unsafe to operate a motor vehicle with an infant or small child in the car with you if they are not in an appropriate car seat. It does not matter if the distance is short or long; they should be protected. If you are waiting for your auto insurance provider to cover the cost of a replacement seat for your vehicle, it is essential to have a seat installed in your car as a replacement while you wait. There are obvious safety concerns to driving with an infant or small child that is not in a car seat, but you could also face harsh tickets and penalties from police officers by not having the required equipment in your vehicle.

How To Replace A Car Seat

If you file a claim with your auto insurance company, they may try to tell you that the car seat you are using is sufficient and that it was not damaged in the crash. Most car seat companies, however, state in their manual that the seat should be replaced if you are in an accident of any type. When it comes to the lives of children, you need to be safe.

Make sure to keep the instruction manual for your car seat so that you can use it as a reference, as well as the receipt. In some cases, you may need to get a reimbursement for a car seat that you purchase, as you should not drive your child around if they are not in a car seat and are not old enough or large enough to utilize a booster seat or adult seatbelt.

Keep in mind that some automobile insurance providers will only cover the costs of replacing a car seat if there was a child passenger in the seat at the time of the accident. Look into your auto insurance provider and ask them if this is the case when you are purchasing your policy.

How To Make A Car Seat Insurance Claim After An Accident

After you have been involved in an accident, make sure to file a police report. Once you have done that, and have taken care of other more pressing matters, you can contact your auto insurance company with your claim. It is likely that you will need to purchase a car seat while you are waiting for a response, as it is not legal to drive your infant or small child around in your car without one.

What Happens If The Insurance Company Denies Your Car Seat Replacement Claim?

Some professionals recommend finding another car insurance company if yours denies a replacement car seat claim. That said, some companies will only accept these claims if there was a child in the car seat when the accident occurred. Either way, you will need to get a new car seat for your child. Make sure it is installed properly and is a car seat that fits your infant or small child.

If you find yourself looking for another car insurance company, use the tools at State Auto Insurance to find the best rates available. The tools here are fantastic for finding the best auto insurance plan to suit your needs.