Child Car Seat After a Collision: Check It Before Reuse
Set the seat aside, apply manufacturer criteria and document replacement for the insurer.
Do not assume it is safe because the child was absent or the collision seemed minor.
Stop using it during assessment
Use another compliant seat for the child. Do not sell, donate or discard the crash-involved seat before documenting the claim.
Read the manufacturer manual
The SAAQ recommends checking the manual to determine whether collision severity requires replacement and, when in doubt, replacing it even if it looks intact.
Document for insurance
Keep photos of the seat in the vehicle, labels, model, manufacture date, receipt, collision report and claim number. Ask in writing whether the policy covers replacement.
Disable it at disposal
After authorization and confirmed replacement, follow municipal or manufacturer instructions. Cut straps or mark the seat only when disposing of it, not before inspection.
Used child seats — SAAQ (French)