Do You Need To Replace Your Car Seat After A Collision?
A car crash is scary enough. The adrenaline, the paperwork, the car repairs—it’s a lot. And once the dust settles and you're ready to get back on the road, there’s one more thing you don’t want to overlook: your child’s car seat.
If you're new here—welcome! I’m Kelly, The Car Mom. I’m a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) and a mom of four. I help families feel confident navigating car seats, cars, and all the moments in between. And today, we’re talking about what to do with your car seat after a collision, so you can make the safest choice for your family without all the guesswork.
Were you recently in a collision with kids in car seats? First off, I hope everyone is okay. And I’m genuinely proud of you for showing up and making sure your family stays safe. Let’s talk through what to do next with your car seat, so you can make the best (and safest!) decision with confidence and zero guesswork.
Should I Replace My Car Seat After A Collision?
Most likely, yes—but your first step should always be to check with your car seat’s manufacturer. They’ll tell you whether your specific seat needs to be replaced based on the details of the crash.
Here’s Why This Matters: Car seats are built to take the hit. The plastic flexes, the foam compresses, and the whole seat works together to absorb crash forces and protect your child. But once it’s done that job, it might not be able to do it again.
It may seem unnecessary for a minor fender bender, but the truth is, you can’t always see the damage. Even if the harness and shell look totally fine, there could be small cracks or weakened materials inside that make the seat less effective in another crash.
Car seat manufacturers test for one crash. Not two. So even if the collision seemed minor, it’s better to play it safe and replace the seat if needed. It may even be covered by your insurance!
Use This as an Opportunity to Upgrade!
If your insurance will cover the cost of a replacement, this could be a great chance to choose a seat that better fits your current needs. Maybe you’ve been eyeing a rotating car seat to make loading and unloading easier—or maybe your child is ready to size up into a convertible seat.
If it’s covered, why not make a change that works better for your family? Of course, if you loved the seat you had, you can always replace it with the same one, too!
Here are some of my recommendations for car seats:
What To Do With Your Car Seat After A Collision
If you’re not sure if it needs to be replaced, call the manufacturer of your car seat.
Next, call your car insurance provider to see if they will reimburse you for a replacement.
If the car seat is deemed unusable, dispose of it properly.
When You Call Your Car Seat Manufacturer…
Every brand has its own crash replacement policy. Some require you to replace the seat after any collision, no matter how minor, while others follow the NHTSA’s “minor crash” guidelines.
To make the call go smoothly, have these details ready:
The car seat’s model number and date of manufacture (usually found on a sticker on the side or bottom of the seat)
A clear description of the collision:
Did the airbags deploy?
Was there visible damage to the vehicle, and where?
Was the car still drivable afterward?
Was the seat occupied at the time of the collision?
Their customer service team will walk you through whether your seat needs to be replaced based on your specific situation.
When you call your insurance…
Most insurance policies will cover the cost of a new car seat after a collision, and some states even require it!
Before buying a replacement, call your agent and discuss your options. Let them know you need to replace the seat and ask what documents they’ll need, which is usually the crash report and a copy of your receipt.
They might ask you to send a photo of the seat, or even a picture of you cutting the straps to prove it won’t be used again. In most cases, you’ll buy the replacement seat first, then send in the receipt for reimbursement. But every insurance company is a little different, so be sure to ask what their process looks like.
How To Dispose Of Your Car Seat
Once a seat’s been in a crash, it’s done its job. It’s time to retire it (even if it doesn’t have a scratch on it).
Cut the harness straps
Remove all padding and soft goods
Write “DO NOT USE” in big letters with a permanent marker
Place it in a trash bag before throwing it out
FAQs About Car Seats After a Collision
What counts as a “minor” crash?
According to the NHTSA, a crash is considered minor if:
The car was drivable afterward
The door nearest the car seat wasn’t damaged
No one was injured
No airbags deployed
There’s no visible damage to the car seat
If all five of these things are true, your seat might still be safe, but always check with the manufacturer before continuing to use it.
My child wasn’t in the car during the collision. Do I still need to replace it?
It depends! Some manufacturers require replacement even if the seat was unoccupied, while others don’t. Your best bet is to call the brand’s customer service line and walk them through what happened.
Will my car insurance cover a new car seat?
In many cases, yes! Most insurance policies will reimburse you for a replacement seat after a collision. Just give your provider a call, let them know what happened, and ask what documentation they need.
Can I donate or sell my car seat if it was in a crash?
Nope. Even if it looks okay, a crashed seat should never be reused or passed along. If it’s been in a collision and the manufacturer recommends replacement, it’s no longer safe to use.
When In Doubt, Reach Out
If you’re unsure what to do, call the manufacturer. Their customer service teams are trained to help walk you through the process, and they’ll tell you exactly what steps to take. And if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, send me an email or check out my car seat reviews!
Safety always comes first. And while replacing a seat after a collision may feel like one more thing on your already full plate, it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your kids on the road.
Have questions about replacing car seats? Drop them below—I’m happy to help! And to keep up with the latest safety tips, check out my recent posts:
