Does car insurance cover child car seat replacements?

Key takeaways

• Standard car insurance policies often don't include child car seat cover unless you add it

• It's recommended you replace your child’s car seat if you’re involved in an accident - even if there’s no obvious damage to it

• Children must use a car seat until they are 12 years old or 135 cm tall

Does insurance cover car seat replacement?

Child car seat insurance is not typically included in standard car insurance policies. It is often an optional extra.

Given the high cost of car seats, it's worth checking which policies covers them when comparing car insurance policies. Some car insurers will also cover items like pushchairs and prams.

What should I consider for child car seat insurance?

• Will the insurer provide a replacement seat or a cash sum to cover the cost of replacing your car seat?

• What is the value of the cash sum provided?

• Is there a requirement for visible damage to claim?

• Are there limits on the value of replacement seats?

• Can you claim for more than one car seat?

• If your car seat is stolen when your car is locked, are you covered?

• Are there any exclusions? Is the car seat not covered if you use it in a different car?

These considerations will help you understand the extent of your cover and what to expect in the event of an accident.

Should I replace my child’s car seat after a car accident?

Yes, it’s a good idea to replace your child’s car seat if you’re involved in an accident - even if there’s no obvious damage to it. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) says that the car seat may have been weakened to such an extent that it will not provide the same level of protection in another accident.

However, it also advises that it may not be necessary to replace the child seat if:

• The crash happened at a very low speed

• There was very little or no damage to the car

• Your child was not in the child seat at the time

The car seat manufacturer may be able to give you further advice but if in doubt it’s best to get a new car seat.

What are the UK rules for child car seats?

In the UK, children must use a car seat until they reach 12 years old or 135cm in height. At that point, they must transition to using the vehicle's seat belt. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. For instance, children over three years old are permitted to sit in the back seat without a car seat or seatbelt if the vehicle isn't equipped with one.

For children under three, the rules are more stringent. They must always be in a child car seat, with a few exceptions:

• In a taxi or minicab

• During emergencies

• When travelling in minibuses or coaches where fitting a car seat is not possible

What are the penalties for non-compliance with child car seats?

Failing to properly restrain a child in a car can result in a £100 fine, which can increase to £500 if the case goes to court. Moreover, if a child is injured or killed while not properly restrained, insurance claims may be affected, and the driver could face legal action.

When are children exempt from using a car seat?

What are the child car seat rules for driving abroad?

In some countries, such as Germany, the requirement is that all children must use a car seat if they are under 150cm tall or are under the age of 12. If you are planning to drive internationally, you should check the local rules before you depart.

How do I choose the right child car seat?

When purchasing a child car seat, it's important to ensure it meets UK safety standards. Always buy from a reputable retailer and steer clear of a second-hand car seat as you don’t know whether it’s been in a car accident - even if there’s no visible damage.

Types of car seats

There are two main types of car seats to choose from:

• Height-based known as i-Size seats. i-Size seats must be rear-facing until the child is over 15 months old, and only those with an EU-approved 'R129' label are legal in the UK

• Weight-based. These are categorised by the child's weight into groups 0 to 3, each specifying the type of seat and restraint required. They must have an EU-approved 'ECE R44' label to be used in the UK

How do I fit a child car seat?

Proper installation of a child car seat is essential. To help, you could:

• Watch a video from the the car seat manufacturer

• Visit a retailer which has trained staff who can show you how to fit the car seat safely

• See if your local council has a free safety check service

You also need to make sure:

• The car seat is compatible with your car

• Your seat belt has a diagonal strap unless the car seat is specifically designed for lap belts or ISOFIX anchor points

• You deactivate front airbags when using a rear-facing car seat in the front seat of a vehicle

📣 Did you know? Only 22% of UK children aged two to four-years-old remain in rear-facing car seats, despite evidence from crash tests proving rear-facing seats are up to five times safer, according to the Child Safety In Cars 2025 report.

How can I find the right child car seat insurance?

With MoneySuperMarket, finding insurance that caters to your needs, including car seat cover, is straightforward. When you compare quotes, you can easily identify what's included in a policy, what's not, and what additional options are available to you.

Simply tell us a little about yourself and the car you want to insure, and we’ll put together a list of car insurance quotes tailored to your needs.