child car seats, replacing after collision

[redcrx]

Ive also posted this in Motoring

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?

[Buenchico]

You wrote: "I've asked where i can get the seats checked and no-one can advise".
Have you tried here?
http://www.childcarse...g.uk/advice/index.htm
Select your county and then either contact the relevant council road safety department or click on 'Local car seat checkpoints' (at the right of your screen).

Chris

PS: If you need to persuade your insurance company of the need to replace the car seats, you can download a letter from RoSPA here:
http://www.childcarse...hoosing/replacing.htm

[sherrardk]

We had our car hit when it was parked and had three car seats replaced (paid for by the insurance company without a quibble). If I remember correctly, it was the insurance company who said they had to be replaced even though the car was stationary.

[redcrx]

thanks Chris.
I have the letter, and have also now written to my local council, as per your link, for advice.
It did make me smile though, as the council Ive written to are the same council whose van smashed into my car :)
sherrardk, thanks for giving me your experience, im hoping that the insurers dont argue if i find i need to replace. I havnt used mine since the accident but will need to soon