Car Seat After an Accident: Do You Need to Replace It?
NHTSA recommends replacing car seats after a moderate or severe crash. Car seats don't automatically need to be replaced after a minor crash. A crash only counts as minor when all five conditions below are true (NHTSA).
Always check your manufacturer's rules
NHTSA adds: "Always follow manufacturer's instructions." Some manufacturers ask you to replace a seat after any crash, even a minor one. Look in the manual (often in the "Safety information" or "After a crash" section) or call the manufacturer with your model number and date of manufacture.
Insurance
Many auto insurers cover a replacement seat after a crash, but policies differ. Ask your insurer before you throw the old seat away, because they may want a photo or receipt. This is not legal or insurance advice.
Disposing of a crashed seat
Make it unusable. Cut the harness, remove the cover and mark the shell "DO NOT USE – CRASHED" so nobody picks it up. Also check your new seat's expiration date when you buy it.
Related tools and guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new car seat after a minor accident?
Under NHTSA guidance, not automatically, provided all five minor-crash conditions are true. Your car seat manufacturer may still require replacement, so check the manual.
What if the car seat was empty during the crash?
NHTSA's criteria don't depend on whether a child was in the seat. Apply the same five conditions and follow the manufacturer's instructions.