The end of the summer holidays is in sight. New school starters are excitedly looking forward to their first day at school, while parents are already planning the safest way to school. Especially in the early days, young pupils are often driven to school by car. Regardless of whether it is a car service or a private car, the use of a child seat is strongly recommended for children up to the age of 12. But what happens to a child seat after an accident?
Continue to use or replace child seat after accident?
The principle applies that no used child seats that have been involved in accidents should be used. The child seat is a safety item in which even the smallest deformation or crack will reduce the full protective function. It is therefore always advisable to buy a new child seat after an accident. Now the question arises, who bears the costs?
Here the ADAC has compiled what we consider to be helpful material on the subject of child seats.
Entitlement to a new child seat
The injured party in a road traffic accident not only has the right to reimbursement of the repair costs of the car, but is also entitled to a new child seat. On 12 December 2011, the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz ruled that the other party's insurance company must also pay for a new child seat (case no. 12 U 1059/10). Due to the fact that the useful life of a child seat is absolutely limited by the child's age and weight, the injured party does not gain any significant economic advantage by purchasing a new seat. At most, the injured party is required to pay a small excess when purchasing a new child seat.
Not only the child seat but also other items such as glasses or a smartphone have been broken in the accident? In the article "Glasses or smartphone broken after an accident. What to do?" you will find helpful tips.
As the injured party, you are not only entitled to reimbursement of the repair costs and the replacement costs of a child seat after an accident. The possible claim for compensation after a road traffic accident is extensive and intransparent at the same time.
That's why we've been helping accident victims through the claims jungle since 2017. How do we do it? It's simple: you report your accident to us and our certified and licensed experts from the faire regulation network will examine all your claims arising from your road accident.
Users of the faire-Regulierung portal describe the efficient communication with all institutions involved in claims management, such as insurance companies, surveyors, police, etc., as one of the best advantages.
For you, this means minimum effort with maximum transparency and the peace of mind that everything has been thought of.
What do you need to consider to ensure your refund?
It is important that you document that the child seat was installed in the car during the accident. If the police are called to the scene of the accident, have the child seat recorded in the accident report. As it is not always absolutely necessary to contact the police, it makes sense to take sufficient photos of the child seat. It should be possible to see that the seat was installed in the car and which model it is.
General information in the event of an accident can be found here.
The best way to refund the child seat is as follows
If you or someone you know is affected, we can help you secure a refund. You notify us here Your accident in just a few simple steps. Immediately after receiving your non-binding enquiry, an expert will contact you by telephone to discuss the best course of action for you.
Do you have a poor internet connection? Then simply call us directly. The free service number 0800 - 30 111 60 will give you access to competent help.
