Can You Use a Car Seat After An Accident?

Bill Allen | July 30, 2025 | Car Accidents

Can You Use a Car Seat After An Accident?

After a crash, you’ll check your car’s exterior for dents and other damage. If you have a car seat in the back, it deserves just as much attention after a wreck. Even if it looks fine, a car seat that’s been through a crash may not be safe to reuse. One of the most common car seat mistakes parents make is assuming that no visible damage means everything’s okay.

What the NHTSA Says About Reusing Car Seats

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends replacing a car seat after a moderate or severe crash. Why? Because the materials inside the seat, like foam, plastic, and straps, are designed to absorb the strong forces of a crash. Once they’ve done that job, they might not work the same way again.

The NHTSA does make an exception for minor crashes—a crash is only considered minor if:

  • You can drive the vehicle away from the scene.
  • The door closest to the car seat wasn’t damaged.
  • No one in the car was injured.
  • The airbags didn’t deploy.
  • The car seat has no visible damage.

If even one of those boxes isn’t checked, you should replace the car seat.

What Car Seat Manufacturers Say

Not all manufacturers follow the same rules. Some say to replace the seat after any crash, no matter how small. Others follow the NHTSA minor crash guidelines.

Here’s what to expect from some major brands:

  • Graco, Chicco, Clek, Maxi-Cosi, Evenflo, and Doona: Replace after any crash
  • Britax: Reuse may be okay after minor crashes, but consult with the NHTSA guidelines

If you’re unsure, check the user manual or call the manufacturer. Based on your crash details, they’ll give you brand-specific advice.

Why It’s Safer to Replace It

Even if there’s no visible damage, the internal structure of the car seat could be compromised. Plastic may be stressed or cracked. Webbing or buckles could be weakened. And you may not see any of it.

Reusing a damaged car seat puts your child at serious risk in another crash. These seats are designed to be single-impact devices, like helmets. It’s better to be overly cautious than to assume the seat is fine and find out too late that it’s not.

Will Insurance Cover a Replacement Car Seat?

In most cases, yes. If you have comprehensive or collision coverage, your auto insurance policy will likely cover a new car seat. Some policies even require replacement, regardless of visible damage.

To improve your chances of reimbursement:

  • Save the crash report.
  • Take photos of the seat and vehicle damage.
  • Keep the receipt for the new seat.

After a crash, ask your insurance agent how your policy treats child restraint replacement.

How to Dispose of a Damaged Car Seat

If you need to get rid of an old car seat, don’t just set it by the curb. Someone could pick it up and reuse it without knowing it was in a crash.

Here’s how to safely discard a car seat:

  • Cut the straps.
  • Write “DO NOT USE” on the seat in permanent marker.
  • Remove padding and covers.
  • Place it in a black trash bag.

Some stores, like Target, host trade-in events where you can recycle the old seat and get a discount on a new one.

Choosing a New Car Seat

When shopping for a new car seat, check that it’s right for:

  • Your child’s age, height, and weight
  • Your vehicle’s back seat
  • Your ability to install it correctly every time

The NHTSA car seat finder is a great tool to help you narrow down your options. You should also check Florida child seat laws, which tell you when your child is ready to move from a car seat to a booster seat.

Call Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help After a Wreck

An accident can be a big financial setback in many ways, and you are probably looking to minimize costs. But when it comes to child safety, it’s not worth the gamble. Car seats are only reliable when they’re intact and undamaged. If there’s any doubt, replace it.

If you get into a wreck with your child’s car seat in the car, contact the Gainesville car accident lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today, we’re open 24 hours daily.

We have three convenient locations in Marion County and Alachua County, North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville Office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258