[beaglebaby]

On the weekend we were in an accident. The traffic stopped on the freeway, we stopped, the car behind didn't and hit us quite hard and pushed us into a trailer in front. There is barely any damage to the front of the car, the rear bumper is trashed, the back door (Liberty Wagon) is bent but still closes. Apart from some aches and pains from whiplash we are all fine. DS (4) and DD(7) were in Hiliners, DS (9) just uses the regular seatbelt.

I've always thought you should replace all seats after an accident, after reading the kidsafe website though I'm not sure

The kidsafe recommendation is

If a child car restraint has been involved in a severe crash where the main body structure of the car is damaged. The child restraint should be destroyed even if there is no obvious damage and the child wasn’t using the restraint at the time.

I wouldn't call our accident a severe crash so I'm not sure if we should be replacing the seats, I've been trying to get onto Kidsafe to ask this morning. So, what do you think?

[Flaxen]

From the accident you described, I would check them for damage under the upholstery and padding, but i think they would be fine.
But if i was that concerned, I would buy a new one.

[Blossom11]

I would err on the side of caution and replace them. I was told that it causes more stress on the chairs if there are children sitting in them at time of impact - I can't remember exactly why now.

I fought my insurance company to replace a chair when my child wasn't sitting in it but it was a bad rear end in a hatch where the anchor point was at the back of the hatch so really stretched the straps. Also had glass on the chair. The assessor said no but the baby seat section (same company) said for sure and within 10 minutes I had a manager ring me to confirm replacement.

K

[Kenzi_Bubble]

I was rear ended not even that hard (not into a car in front, and only a numberplate imprint on the back bumper) and the insurance company stole my seat (and didnt bopther to tell me, lucky I had a spare! whole new vent), as they couldnt tell if it was damaged or not.

The insurance company will reimburse you to replace them, apparently its now part of the underwriting, and you will feel better knowing the new ones have not been in an accident

[lsolaBella]

With back door being bent yes I would replace.

Insurance should cover replacement.

[Chocolate Addict]

Yes, most definitely.

We had a much lesser crash than you (mini van merged in to my front side) and had the car seat replaced. It was covered by insurance.

You cannot always see if the seat has been compromised. I would do it purely for peace of mind, it not anything else.

*with my insurance I had to take a photo of the damaged seat with the straps cut so it cannot be re used and a copy of the receipt for the new seat. They sent me a cheque within days of getting those things.

This post has been edited by Chocolate Addict: 19/11/2012, 03:09 PM

[JustSmileAndNod]

We did in a similar accident- nrma disposed of the old ones and we got a budget of up to $500 to replace them

[Mousky]

Definitely. Even if you can't see any damage, there might be micro fractures of the body of the seat. If you have another accident, the seat can break in half and throw your baby out. I'd be pushing for it, if the insurance company says no, contact the manufacturer and ask them. They will most likely say yes, then use this with the insurer. If it is a safe and sound car seat, they will replace it free of charge.

This is why you never buy a second hand car seat without intimately knowing its history.

[Freddie'sMum]

Yes, replace without question.

[CG123]

Our insurance company covered the cost of DS's car seat after DH was in an accident. It didn't look damaged in the slightest. We were told to email a photo of the anchor strap after it had been cut through (as requested), or surrender it at one of their offices. And also a copy of the receipt of the new car seat.

The car was a write off though.

Personally, I wouldn't risk it. My children are worth way more than the cost of a car seat.

DS now has a special seat to sit in when at Nanny's house. He loves it!!!

Edited for extra info

This post has been edited by CG123: 19/11/2012, 03:22 PM