replacing child care seats after an accident

[redcrx]

OK im hoping someone may be able to point me in the right direction for info.

My car was hit whilst it was parked. I have no idea how hard the collision was, whether it was a quick knock or a slow push (if you know what i mean) but the damage is a hefty dent behind rear door and a light cover was smashed with impact.

Now i have 2 child seats in the car, a maxi cosi priori and a recaro sport

I know that some insurance companies and also ROSPA state that seats should be replaced after a collision regardless of whether they look damaged, but i also know that my insurnce company have told me im obligated to minimise my claim

Ive asked where i can get the seats checked and no-one can advise.

i dont know at what point a collision is deamed safe and when it can have compromised the safety of the seats.

There is no way i want my children put at risk but also dont want to claim for things that shouldnt be claimed for.

any ideas?

[ChuckFickens]

My personal view on this would be that if the seats were empty at the time of the collision they would not have undergone any large load on the mounting points and wouldn't need to be replaced.

But, as I said, that is just my personal opinion, at the end of the day if replacing the seats makes you feel more comfortable then that is the correct thing to do, your child's safety and your peace of mind are the most important things.

[ChuckFickens]

if you do replace them and your insurance company questions it at all send them this.

http://www.childcarse...surance%20Letter2.pdf

[redcrx]

thanks chuck.
i have the letter and completely understand where youre coming from with your opinion, i have thought the same.
But i dont want to be claiming unecessarily, ive never claimed on insurance before and sadly know too many who go for everything that they can get with a claim.
But on the other hand i want to know that Im not risking anything.

catch 22 i suppose and one that may just see me out of £300 due to no fault of my own if i buy new seats and claim is rejected.

[sigma]

ChuckFickens is correct, it only applies to situations where the seat and its mountings are put under load,ie. a child is in the seat at the time of the accident. After the accident you described, the seats wouldn't need replacing.

[chris1970]

http://www.childcarse...g.uk/advice/index.htm
Try this link hope it helps

[redcrx]

pmsl.
the nearest advice centre to me is the council whose van hit my car :)
i have emailed for advice though, thank you