However, the impact a car crash can have on a child restraint can easily be overlooked. Sometimes the damage will be obvious and it’s clear that the seat must be replaced.

On other occasions the child seat may look intact, but there could be unseen damage, which might reduce the performance of the restraint under the stress of another crash.

So, how do you know if your child restraint should be replaced?

What the manufacturers say

Child restraints must comply with Australian/New Zealand Standard 1754, and proof of this compliance must be shown on the restraint.

Child restraint manufacturers refer to the Standard when advising customers to destroy the entire restraint if it’s been in a severe crash, even if no damage to the seat is visible. This applies whether or not a child was in the restraint at the time of the crash.

A severe crash is when the frame of the vehicle (chassis) is damaged in any way.

Refer to the manufacturers’ websites for more information.

Insurance

Some comprehensive car insurance policies cover all or part of the cost to replace a child seat following a crash.

A restraint may not be covered if it was incorrectly fitted or it’s determined that the damage occurred before the crash.

If your insurer wants to inspect the restraint before it’s destroyed, it should not be used while you’re waiting for this process to be completed.

Check your insurance policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for the full details.

The bottom line

A child seat is a vital piece of child safety equipment. If there’s any doubt whether or not it’s been damaged in a crash, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace it.

For more information on child restraints, visit the RAA Child Safety Centre.