Car seats - can you get them checked out after they've been in an accident?

[ja9]

My pal had a car accident. Her car has been written off. She had a car seat in the boot of the car (not strapped onto a seat). Do you think it would be ok? I would have thought so, but wondered if others had experience....

No, it has to be replaced before she takes her child on any more road journeys. You can't take risks with car seats. I know it wasn't strapped in, but you won't get anyone to assess it as safe AFAIK. Apart from anything else they wouldn't want the legal liability if, God forbid, there were any problems. (NB I used to work for an organisation that tests car seats - wasn't involved in the tests myself but convinced me this is one thing you do NOT mess around with).

She could try calling the manufacturers and putting it to them that it was in the boot rather than strapped in. Don't think there's much chance they'll say, oh fine, but worth a try if she's strapped for cash.

Other thing is to ask her insurers. Re-using a car seat that has been in an accident may be an issue for them - not sure but is possible.

depends what kind of accident it was, where it was damaged etc etc

it wouldn't be cost effective to have it tested

I would have thought the seat would be more likely to be damaged if it was rattling around in the boot. I wouldn't risk it. If she is claiming from insurance (hers or other party's) for the accident, the cost of the seat can be included in the claim.

she can claim for new seats on her car insurence. we did this when a lorry smashed into us.

It is recommended that if you accept a car seat from somebody that it hasn't been in an accident or been dropped. If it is used and then an accident occurs, there is no telling what would happen to the seat and it's occupant. Not worth the risk. Also, if buying a second hand one from a stranger/car boot sale, there is no way somebody selling one would tell you if it had been in an accident or they wouldn't make the sale.

Thanks.

It was my car seat - i had leant it to her. She said that she would claim it off her car insurance, but i thought it would be fine...

As you say, it's not worth the risk.