Will insurance help you replace a car seat after an accident in Canada?

When a crash happens, even at low speed, your child’s car seat may be compromised in ways you can't see. That's why Transport Canada and car seat safety experts alike strongly recommend replacing any seat that has been in a collision, even if the child was not in it at the time, and regardless of visible damage. The fact is that any impact can weaken the seat’s shell, webbing, or internal metal components, which can reduce its ability to protect your child in a future crash, and that’s a risk no parent wants to take.

Several car seat manufacturers, including Graco and Evenflo, also recommend that you replace the car seat even if it's been in a minor accident. These rules are in place to protect your child, as compromised car seats may not perform correctly when it matters most.

But we understand that not everyone feels like they can afford to replace their car seat after a minor crash. So that's where the big question comes in: “Will my insurance cover it?” The short answer is yes, but it depends on what type of coverage you have.

What do popular car seat brands say about post-accident use?

Most car seat manufacturers seem to agree that child car seats and booster seats should be replaced after a serious collision. Here’s a quick overview of what major car seat brands say about post-crash use in Canada:

Check your car seat manual to find out what your car seat manufacturer recommends. Remember, Transport Canada does not differentiate between minor and major crashes. Their clear recommendation is to replace any car seat involved in any collision, even if it looks fine.

How does car insurance coverage work for car seats in Canada?

Throughout Canada, auto insurance companies will typically cover replacing a car seat damaged in a crash under your collision or comprehensive coverage. However, both collision and comprehensive coverage are optional in Canada, so you’ll need to have them on your policy to file a claim. Here's a quick breakdown of how different types of coverage typically apply to car seat replacement:

But even if you have collision and/or comprehension, you need to keep in mind that the terms can vary. For instance, some insurance companies may require you to provide evidence of visible damage or other qualifying factors before approving a claim, even though our national guidelines say otherwise.

For example, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) states it will reimburse customers for a comparable replacement seat as long as the child was in the seat at the time of the crash and the claim involved moderate to severe damage. It can also not be expired.

Car seats are an exception when it comes to personal belongings, as they’re often covered even though most insurance providers exclude other removable items from car insurance policies. Still, every provider is different, so you'll want to check with them about their accident replacement policy.

Don't forget about your deductible

One thing parents sometimes overlook is how their insurance deductible applies to car seat replacement. Your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your insurance kicks in. Both collision and comprehensive coverage have their own deductibles.

So, for example, if your comprehensive coverage has a $500 deductible and the car seat you need to replace costs $300, your insurance company likely won’t reimburse you, because the claim amount is less than the deductible. But if you're submitting your car seat as part of a larger claim involving vehicle damage, your insurance company will cover the replacement cost.

How to submit a car insurance claim for a car seat

If you get into a car accident, you will need to call your insurance company, even if it's a minor accident. While you may not want to file a claim after a minor collision, it's essential to let your provider or broker know about it to protect yourself should any issues come up later. Nevertheless, if you do want to file an insurance claim for your car seat or booster seat, here's what to do:

1. Report the car accident to the police (if necessary)

Depending on where you live, reporting the accident may be legally required. For example, in Ontario, you must contact the police if a collision causes over $5,000 in combined vehicle or property damage or if someone is injured, among others. If you don't need to call the police, you can either drive over or tow your vehicle to the nearest collision reporting centre to file a report. Speak with a BrokerLink advisor to learn more about what steps to take if you get into an accident.

2. Notify your insurance provider about the accident

As soon as you can, you will need to notify your insurance provider about the collision. While you used to have to call your provider or broker, many companies now offer online or app-based claims that allow you to upload your photos, police reports, and receipts directly from your phone.

While filing your claim, make sure you mention that you had a child’s car seat or booster seat in the vehicle. You'll need to include the brand, model, and manufacturing date for the seat that was in the car. If you have evidence of the car seat, like photos or the original purchase (or gift) receipt, include this, too.

3. Buy a new car seat

If your car is still drivable, you’ll likely need to replace the car seat right away so your child can continue driving with you, which means you won’t be able to wait to buy a new car seat until the claim is approved.

When you buy your brand-new car seat, make sure that it is similar in value and quality to the original car seat. From there, you will submit your receipt to the insurance company as part of your claim.

4. Wait for your payout

Once your documents are submitted, your insurance company will begin processing your claim. While timelines can vary, most insurance companies aim to handle simple claims within a few days to a couple of weeks.

What to expect with claim timelines and the reimbursement process in Canada

Once you’ve reported your accident and submitted your car seat claim, you’re probably wondering how long it will take. In Canada, most insurance companies aim to process straightforward claims, like replacing a damaged car seat, within a few days to a few weeks.

For example, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) states on its website that you should receive your reimbursement for your car seat or booster seat within 30 calendar days after submitting your form, provided that no additional information is needed.

That said, more complex situations, like accidents involving injuries, disputes over fault, or extensive vehicle damage, can stretch your claim process timeline from a few weeks to several months, or even a year or more in rare cases.

What can slow down the claims process?

Reasons the claims process can take longer:

• Incomplete documentation (missing receipts, photos, or proof of purchase)

• Investigations into fault or injury claims

• High volume of claims after big weather events or major collisions

• Disputes over what qualifies as “damaged”

To help speed things up, you'll want to file your claim as soon as possible. Most insurance companies have a 24/7 claims line, so you can contact them at any time. And make sure you stay in regular touch with your claims adjuster throughout the process.

Get in touch with BrokerLink to learn more about auto insurance

If you want to find out more about how car insurance will cover you in the event that your child’s car seat is damaged, reach out to BrokerLink today. We are auto insurance experts, meaning we know the ins and outs of how coverage works. We can explain, in detail, which types of coverage will come into play if the car seat in your car is damaged following an accident. Reach out to BrokerLink today to learn more about how auto insurance works in Canada or to request a free insurance quote.

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