Car Seats After a Car Accident

Car Seats After a Car Accident in Texas: Does Collision Coverage Pay for a Replacement?

Car accidents are stressful enough. When you add kids into the mix, the questions pile up fast.

A very common question from Texas parents is:
“Do I really need to replace the car seat? Will my insurance cover it?”

The answer?
👉 Yes, you should replace it, and yes, your collision coverage usually pays for it.

If you were involved in a moderate-to-severe crash and your car seat was in the vehicle, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends replacing it (source).

Here’s how it works in Texas and what parents need to know.

Do You Really Have to Replace a Car Seat After an Accident?

In most cases, yes. Car seats are designed to absorb crash forces. Once they do their job, they may not protect your child the same way in another accident, even if they look perfectly fine. Most car seat manufacturers require replacement after any crash. Safety agencies closely follow those manufacturer rules, which means insurers do too. If a manufacturer says the seat must be replaced, your insurance company typically agrees.

What Texas Law Says About Child Safety Seats

Texas law requires children under 8 years old (unless taller than 4’9”) to ride in a properly functioning child safety seat. While the law doesn’t spell out “replace the seat after a crash,” it does require parents to use safe, undamaged equipment. A car seat involved in an accident may no longer meet that standard. That’s why Texas safety experts and insurance companies recommend replacing car seats after most collisions.

How Collision Coverage Covers Car Seats in Texas

If you carry collision coverage, it usually pays to replace your child’s car seat after an accident, regardless of who caused it.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • The car seat is included as part of your collision claim

  • Insurance reimburses you for the cost of a new replacement seat

  • Most carriers do not depreciate car seats because they’re safety equipment

Many Texas insurers simply ask for a receipt and issue reimbursement quickly.

What If Another Driver Caused the Accident?

Texas is an at-fault state. If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance should pay for your car seat replacement.

Do Booster Seats Count Too?

Yes — absolutely.

Insurance companies in Texas replace:

  • Infant and convertible car seats

  • High-back boosters

  • Backless boosters

If the seat was in the vehicle during the accident, it qualifies.

What You’ll Want to Keep for the Claim

To keep things simple, hold onto:

  • A photo of the car seat label (make and model)

  • A receipt for the new seat

  • The accident report number, if available

Most claims move quickly once you submit those items.

One More Texas-Specific Thing to Know

Texas heat is a factor. High temperatures already put stress on plastic and foam materials. When you combine that with crash forces, even small accidents can compromise a car seat’s ability to protect your child in the future. That’s another reason Texas safety programs strongly encourage replacement.

The Bottom Line for Texas Parents

If your car seat was in a vehicle during an accident, replacing it isn’t overreacting; it’s protecting your child. The good news is that collision coverage is designed to handle this, and Texas insurers make the process fairly straightforward.

If you ever have questions about a claim or want help walking through the next steps, we’re here to help.

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