Does auto insurance cover car seats?

Car insurance does cover car seats in many scenarios. If your car seat was damaged in an accident, you can file a claim under your collision coverage. If you don't have collision coverage and the accident was caused by another driver, you may be reimbursed through their insurance.

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Brett Surbey

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Brett Surbey is a corporate paralegal specializing in tax reorganizations and the creation of corporations so they can successfully navigate all aspects of their business and mitigate risks where necessary. He has assisted lawyers on a number of enigmatic transactions, including M&As, complex corporate succession plans, and amalgamations.   In addition to his legal career, he is a known e...

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Updated December 2024

When you have a baby, one of the most important purchases you make is their car seat. And if you’re ever in an accident with your child, a proper car seat will help to protect your most precious cargo. 

does auto insurance cover car seats

But can you protect the car seat through insurance? Can you use insurance for a car seat replacement? You will need to replace your car seat after it has been in an accident. That may make you wonder, does car insurance cover car seats? And if it doesn’t, is there any way to get coverage for these child safety seats?

Here’s what you need to know about car seat coverage and insurance policies that cover them. 

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Things to remember

  • If your car is in an accident, you may be able to get a new car seat from your insurance company
  • Comprehensive and collision car insurance policies typically cover car seats in the event of an accident 
  • It is important to always replace your car seat after an accident even if there is no visible damage

Car Seat Insurance Coverage and Claims

If you are in an car accident, car seat insurance might be on your mind. So, does insurance cover a new car seat after accident? Or does insurance cover car seat replacement after an accident? Car seats are typically covered by comprehensive or collision insurance policies, depending on the cause of the accident. But does insurance replace car seats?

If you only have liability insurance, you probably won’t be able to replace a car seat through your own policy. But you may still be able to have an insurance claim filed for compensation from the other driver’s insurer if that other driver was the one at fault in your accident. That can be useful if you need a car seat replacement after an accident.

Therefore, it’s always important to have the appropriate coverage to pay for damage to your car and replace your child’s seat. So consider purchasing full coverage if you want your car seats covered by insurance, and keep in mind the consequences of making a car seat insurance claim.

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When To Get a Car Seat Replacement

What happens if a car seat is in an accident? Are car seats good after an accident? Ensuring that your child’s car seat is safe and functional is critical after a car crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) strongly advises replacing car seats following most moderate crashes and all severe accidents.

A minor car crash is defined by the following:

  • You can drive the car away from the crash site.
  • The door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
  • None of the passengers were injured.
  • If the vehicle has air bags, they did not deploy.

In a minor crash, the NHTSA recommends that you inspect the car seat for any signs of damage and contact the manufacturer for guidance on whether you need to replace the seat.

However, where you live might impact what you have to do with a car seat after an accident. You may need to ask questions like can you use a car seat after an accident in Michigan? You can also compare the car seat accident replacement law in California as well as the replacement car seat law in Ohio or car seat laws in Idaho.

Remember, your child’s safety is always worth taking extra precautions.

How to Get a Car Seat Reimbursement After a Car Accident

Do insurance companies replace car seats? Well, the process for changing car seats varies, but the basic procedures for claiming car seats on insurance are fairly straightforward. If you have a car seat in an accident, insurance will want to verify the situation.

Find Your Receipt

Insurance companies reimburse you for the car seat you own, not for a new purchase. Before upgrading your car seat to the most expensive model, note that the reimbursement will be for the amount paid on the original receipt or your original car seat. So make sure that you find your original car seat receipt, and keep that in mind when you’re looking at an expensive car seat receipt.

Also, insurance companies are unlikely to reimburse you for an expired car seat, so check your expiration date. 

Take Photographs 

Your insurance company may want pictures of your car seat after the accident to document any damage. Be sure to include the car seat’s serial number and expiration date. These are typically found on the car seat underneath the lining. 

However, different companies might have slightly different processes. For example, the Geico car seat reimbursement process may include other steps than say the USAA car seat replacement policy.

So if you’re insured with State Farm, for instance, you might ask, does State Farm replace car seats after an accident? Verify the State Farm car seat replacement after an accident process, and then probably you would send the receipt and photos to your agent or adjuster and your State Farm car seat replacement claim should be processed with no issues.

But remember that other companies, such as the Progressive car seat replacement process or the Allstate car seat replacement process might be different. Always check with your insurance provider so you understand the steps.

State Laws Mandating the Use of Car Seats

Most states have laws mandating that children ride in car seats until they’re old enough to use an adult seat belt. Children under the age of 13 should also ride in the car’s back seat with properly fastened seat belts. You can easily look up specific states like Idaho car seat laws, Alaska child car seat laws, or car seat requirements in Kansas.

Even if you’re waiting for your auto insurance company to cover the cost of a replacement car seat, you should install a new one in the meantime. It’s unsafe, and illegal, to drive even a short distance without the appropriate car seat.

If you don’t have a child safety seat, you risk receiving an expensive and inconvenient ticket from a police officer. The fines for child car seat infractions continue to increase with each new instance.

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Auto Insurance Coverage for Car Seats

It is illegal to transport a child without the proper car seat in most states. If your car is involved in an accident, you may need to replace your child’s seat, even if no there’s no obvious damage. But most drivers may need to know, does insurance cover car seat replacement? Or can you buy a brand new car seat with insurance.

Comprehensive and collision coverage typically cover car seats. If another driver is responsible for the accident, their liability insurance may cover the cost of replacing your car seat, and that may act as a kind of car seat replacement insurance if you need a car seat reimbursement after a car accident.

Make sure to follow all instructions carefully when installing a new car seat so you can ensure your child is safe on the road. And if you are still wondering whether insurance covers car seats or are insurance companies required to replace car seats, you can contact your insurance provider to find out specifics.

Don’t worry about if there’s protection for your car seats through insurance. Be sure to enter your zip code below now to find car insurance rates that work with your budget!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does auto insurance typically cover car seats?

You want to know, are car seats covered by auto insurance? No, standard auto insurance policies do not typically cover car seats. Auto insurance primarily provides coverage for damage to the vehicle itself, liability for bodily injury or property damage caused to others, and medical expenses for the driver and passengers.

Car seats are considered personal property and are not typically included in the coverage provided by auto insurance policies. But if you want to know if your car seat is covered by insurance, you can talk to your agent.

Are there any situations where auto insurance might cover car seats?

There are instances when you need to know, are car seats covered by insurance? While it is rare, some auto insurance policies may offer limited coverage for car seats under certain circumstances. These circumstances may include cases where the car seats are damaged in a covered accident, stolen from the vehicle, or destroyed due to a fire or vandalism.

So, does insurance replace car seats after an accident? The coverage limits and requirements can vary significantly among insurance companies, so it is essential to review your policy or contact your insurance provider for specific details.

If auto insurance does not cover car seats, how can I protect them?

So, the answer to the question, is insurance required to pay for a car seat? is no. But then, if you can’t get insurance to pay for a car seat, what do you do? If you want to protect your car seats from damage, theft, or other perils not covered by auto insurance, you may consider purchasing additional insurance coverage specifically designed for car seats.

Some companies offer standalone policies or endorsements that provide coverage for car seats, including reimbursement for the cost of replacing them.

Alternatively, you can also explore homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policies, as they may offer coverage for personal property, which could include car seats.

Is there any other way to recover the cost of car seats?

Does insurance cover car seats after accidents in any situations? In certain cases, if your car seats are damaged or stolen due to the negligence of another driver, you may be able to file a claim against their auto insurance policy. This would typically require establishing that the other driver was at fault for the incident.

If successful, their liability coverage may include reimbursement for the cost of the car seats, which is not exactly car seat reimbursement insurance. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with your insurance provider or seek legal advice to understand the specific steps and requirements for pursuing such a claim.

Should I keep records of my car seat purchase and receipts?

Yes, it is recommended to keep records of your car seat purchase and retain the receipts. If you ever need to make a claim for a damaged or stolen car seat, having the original purchase records and receipts can help in establishing the value of the seat and facilitate the reimbursement process.

Additionally, it is advisable to document any unique features or modifications made to the car seat, as this information may also be relevant for insurance purposes. If you’re planning on replacing car seats after an accident with insurance, keeping a paper trail will allow for an easier car seat replacement after accident through insurance.

Can I add coverage for car seats to my auto insurance policy?

Some insurance companies may offer optional coverage endorsements that allow you to add insurance for car seats to your auto insurance policy. These endorsements typically provide coverage for the replacement cost of the car seats if they are damaged or stolen.

Contact your insurance provider to inquire about any available options for adding this coverage to your policy to get an insurance covered car seat.

Are there any requirements to qualify for car seat coverage under auto insurance?

If your auto insurance policy does offer coverage for car seats, there may be certain requirements to qualify for the coverage. For example, the car seats may need to be factory-installed or meet specific safety standards or state laws such as Wisconsin child car seat laws. It is crucial to review your policy documentation or contact your insurance provider to understand any eligibility criteria or conditions associated with car seat coverage.

Are rental car seats covered by auto insurance?

Auto insurance policies generally do not cover rental car seats. But do rental car companies have car seats? When renting a vehicle, car seat rental is typically a separate service provided by the rental company. You may be able to add car seat rental to your reservation for an additional fee. It is recommended to check with the rental company about their specific policies and costs related to car seat rentals.

If your car seats are damaged in a non-accident-related incident, such as a fire or vandalism, your auto insurance policy is unlikely to provide coverage. In such cases, you may want to explore other insurance options, such as homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance, which may extend coverage to personal property, including car seats.

Review your policy or contact your insurance provider to determine if child car seat insurance is included or if it can be added as an endorsement.

Can I claim car seat coverage under comprehensive insurance?

Comprehensive insurance, also known as “other than collision” coverage, typically covers damage to your vehicle caused by events like theft, fire, vandalism, or natural disasters. However, car seats are often considered personal property and may not be automatically covered under comprehensive insurance. It is best to check with your insurance provider to understand if car seats are included or if separate coverage is available.

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