Can I still use my car seat after an accident?

If your restraint has been involved in a severe crash, you should destroy the restraint even if no damage is obvious. Some insurance companies offer vehicle insurance which covers or partially covers the replacement of your child restraint.  We recommend you contact your insurer for further details.

We consider a "severe crash" as being one where the main body structure of the vehicle is distorted.

There is no method of truly determining if the restraint has been damaged in an accident, as damage maybe caused to the internal structure of the restraint and would not be visible in an inspection. We agree with the above from the Australian/New Zealand Standards Committee in recommending the destruction of the restraint.

Your insurance company may require that you keep the child restraint for assessment, but do not use the restraint after a severe crash. To assist you in making an accident insurance claim, download the statement below and include it with your claim.

Provide this accident statement to your insurance provider if required.