wrecked my car, do I need a new carseat?

[raimom]

Last night I was in a wreck. A guy pulled in front of me and I had no time to stop. Thankfully, neither one of us had passengers. My question is, is the carseat still safe? Isaac was not in it but I have heard you should not use carseats after accidents. Is that still true if the child is not in it? Also, how would I go about getting his ins. to get it for me. I honestly do not have the cash to buy a new one. (He had a Britax Marathon and those cost ALOT). When I did the claim I asked the lady about it and she didn't know if I needed a new one but said if I decided to get a new one to save the receipt for the adjuster to be reimbursed. But I need them to just pay for it cause as I said right now I don't have the cash. Any advise would be great!

[fallnangel93]

When I worked for an insurance company, if someone was in an accident, their car seat was automatically unusable. The insurance company would pay for a new one...it just goes in with the claim. I don't know if every state is that way, or if it was just my state.

[Aislinn]

 The best way to figure this out is go to Britax website or call customer service.  Going to the manaufacture is always the best policy.

[deltacogirl]

Yes, you absolutely need a new one.  Unfortunately, I think most insurance companies will have to reimburse you, especially since you'll most likely need one before you get paid on the claim.

[BrTupac]

Yes from what I've heard you can not use the seat even if the child wasn't in it at the time.  I wish you luck with the insurance and hope they get you a new one soon.

[Bekah062205]

file it with the report. I hear a lot of things like, if the baby wasnt in the carseat then the seat is fine, then i hear no matter what it should be replaced....so i would be replacing it just to be on the safe side.  Call your ins. back and ask to speak to a supervisor...and ask about the carseat. Good Luck

[willswifey]

I thought it was only if the airbags deployed? don't take my word for it... I would probably replace it to be on the safe side anyways

[raimom]

Thanks for all the replies ladies. I really appreciate the advice and it was very helpful!

[Kris_PBG]

Britax is the only company that does put some stipulations on their carseats in wrecks.

Every other company it is mandatory to replace them.

Could you drive the car away from the scene?  If no, you need a new seat....

That being said, did air bags deploy?  Was the seat on the side of damage?     IF yes, you need a new seat....

Your seat should be part of your insurance claim.

Well - here is the "official" list for Britax...

Minor crashes are those that meet ALL of the following criteria:

• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site;

• The vehicle door nearest the safety seat was undamaged;

• There were no injuries to any of the vehicle occupants;

• The air bags (if present) did not deploy; AND

• There is no visible damage to the safety seat

  
  

  If you meet ALL the criteria, you could be OK, but honestly, i would want a new seat personally.... 

[raimom]

Yeah, I don't really know either. I tried looking it up online and couldn't find anything. I definitely want him in a safe carseat though so will replace it just to be safe. We do have a backup seat in my hubby's truck so we're ok for now. I was just wondering about when I get my car back if it will need a new seat.

Quoting willswifey:

I thought it was only if the airbags deployed? don't take my word for it... I would probably replace it to be on the safe side anyways

[single_and_preg]

I was rear ended, it didnt effect the carseat any..just my bumper and trunk . I was sitting in bumper to bumper traffic on the way to my 6 week postpartum check up with my 6 week old in his carseat. The police or insurance company never said a word about needing a new careseat.