Car seat in accident

[MummyDuck]

I've tried googling this topic....... Basically we were in a minor accident, a car ran up our rear at a slow speed. The only damage to our car is the bumper.

Now we have been offered $500 to replace the car seat..... Which I will be taking seeing as this is the second accident in 5 months it's been in and it's not our insurance paying for it.

However I'm a little confused if it's really necessary considering it was such a minor accident? Is it a legal requirement?

[Calluna]

I would take the new seat, it's better to be safe than sorry and a great excuse to get a new one

[Tinks]

My understanding is that any hit even a minor one can weaken the car seat. You're better off replacing it just in case.

[Little Chicken]

If they are offering one, I would take it just in case. A way to be sure is to look at the plastic in the seat, If it has lightened in an area, it means the seat has been under stress and us no longer safe. Safe n Sound reccomend any accident that damages the frame of the car means your seat definately needs replacing even if it looks ok.

[*LittleMissSummer*]

Yep no matter how serious the accident by law you need to get a new carseat. And if they are offering one i would take it and with $500 you can get a pretty decent one

[black_rose]

I checked the Vic laws when I was in one in Dec. It only needs replacing if the airbags went off/ and / or someone is injured. Fwiw this wasn't the case but the insurance co did replace it anyway.

[Mother Goose]

Some manufacturing companies and insurance companies offer to replace them free of charge so they can use the old one for research - to see what damage is done at certain speeds and impacts etc.

[Rivlas]

When someone ran into the back of our car the insurance company replaced it no questions asked. We were not even given an option. The car went to the insurer and it was part of their assessment.
If you are offered a replacement take it.

[Ahurani]

If it was me Id say yes please

[*Sparklez*]

i agree with PP's dont risk it, one little crack even not visible will cause more problems later on...