Child car seats after a crash

What NHTSA recommends

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash, to keep a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers. NHTSA says car seats do not automatically need to be replaced after a minor crash, and it tells parents never to use a car seat that has been in a moderate to severe crash.

NHTSA’s definition of a minor crash

NHTSA says a minor crash is one in which all of the following apply:

1. The vehicle could be driven away from the crash site.
2. The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
3. None of the passengers in the vehicle had any injuries in the crash.
4. If the vehicle has air bags, the air bags did not deploy.
5. There is no visible damage to the car seat.

If even one of the five does not apply, the crash does not meet NHTSA’s minor-crash definition. A car that had to be towed, a crumpled rear door next to the seat, or an air bag that went off each takes the crash out of the minor category.

A quick decision path

• Was the child, or anyone else in the car, hurt? If yes, NHTSA’s test says replace.
• Did any air bag deploy? If yes, replace.
• Was the door nearest the seat damaged? If yes, replace.
• Could the car be driven away? If no, replace.
• Any visible crack, stress mark, bent part, or frayed harness? If yes, replace.
• Does the manufacturer say to replace after any crash? If yes, follow that.

Seats that were installed in the car but empty at the time of the crash are still part of the question; NHTSA’s test is about the crash and the seat, not whether a child was sitting in it. If you are unsure, the cautious choice is to replace the seat.

Documenting the seat for a claim

Car seats are often part of a vehicle damage claim. Before removing a seat:

• Photograph it installed, from several angles, including the label with the model number and date of manufacture.
• Photograph the nearest door and any interior damage.
• Keep the receipt or an order confirmation if you have one, or a listing showing the same model.
• Tell the adjuster in writing that a car seat needs replacing and why, citing which NHTSA condition was not met.
• Ask the adjuster whether they want the old seat kept for inspection before you dispose of it.

Whether your insurer or the other driver’s insurer pays for a replacement depends on fault and coverage. TDI’s auto guide explains that the other driver’s liability coverage pays for property damage they cause, and that you can claim under your own collision coverage, usually with a deductible, if the other company refuses. See claim disagreements if you are told no.

After replacing a seat

Make an old seat unusable before throwing it away so nobody picks it up and uses it; many families cut the harness straps and mark the shell. Check whether your area has a car seat recycling program. Install the new seat following its manual and your vehicle’s manual, and register the seat with the manufacturer so you hear about recalls.

Riding home after the crash

If the car seat should be replaced and you have no other seat, do not guess. Ask a family member to bring a spare, or ask the responding agency or tow operator whether they can wait while you arrange one. Your rental or ride options may also matter; see rental car.