Car Seat Safety?

Question

My Sister was in a Minnor wreak the other day the ladies Insurance is covering her car seat how ever i would like to know a few things about it.. We are in TX and the insurance company wants her to buy a new seat and give them the receipt and to take her old seat. I have never heard of this..! do they have to take the seat and what if she doesn't have the money up front to buy the seat right away. They also stated it had to be the same seat Her seat is A Britax Marathon and is from 2004 will they cover a 2008 Britax Seat..? some advice here please.

Answer 1

It is against the law to sell a used car seat unless it has been inspected by the fire department in your area and most people don't do that, so this is the reason that they are doing this.

Answer 2

The manufacture states that if a car seat is ever in an accident it should be replaced, because they can not guarantee that nothing is wrong with it and will not stand behind it and say it will do what it is supposed to in the event of another accident.  They do this for the child's safety. Obviously she will not be able to get a 2004, it will have to be replaced with a 2008.  If it was my child I would replace the seat.

Answer 3

The insurance company is correct.   In taking the seat,  they are complying with the manufacture's recommendations,  and protecting themselves  from liability,  and any children that may end up in the damaged seat.    

If she doesn't have the money to buy upfront,  she should just tell them this.  Other arrangements can be made,  such as the company purchase the new seat and swap at their agents or adjusters office.

Answer 4

That's how I've heard insurance companies replace car seats.  You purchase, then they reimburse.  The reason they take the seat is so that people won't reuse it and put children at risk.

Tell her to keep the cover though!  That can be reused.  Send them the receipt (keep a copy) and the shell of the seat with the harness and they'll reimburse.  

If money is an issue, see if there is a way to get the money back quickly.