State Farm Car Seat Replacement Policy (Child Car Seat)

Do you know what State Farm’s car seat replacement policy is? this is one of the questions our readers ask a lot. Well, we´ve got you covered.

Despite its critics (and there are many of them) State Farm has slowly but surely grown into one of the world’s largest insurance providers in home, auto, and casualty insurance.

When it comes to things like child car seats, it’s easy to think that such a thing would simply fly under State Farm’s radar.

So, what is State Farm’s car seat replacement policy? State Farm will certainly bear the replacement cost of a damaged car seat, however, much of the leg work is on you to get the correct amount for your replacement. You also have to have comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to ensure that you can replace something like a car seat.

Car seats are one of the most important purchases you can make when you have a child. Its functionality and capabilities are paramount and it obviously can’t do that if it is damaged.

Replacing it, along with the damage to your car, should be a part of every full coverage auto insurance plan as these car seats carry our most precious cargo.

Table of Contents

What Does it Cost to Replace a Car Seat with State Farm?

An auto insurance company, (specifically State Farm, in this case), will generally pay the cost of a replacement car seat if the cost is equivalent to the original cost of the car seat.

So, if you spent $150 on a car seat, that’s what you will get back.

Car seat replacement is generally determined by the value of the existing car seat and nothing more. However, you need to be ready with receipts and pictures if you want to get back the full value of the car seat.

If you have liability-only insurance, it is highly unlikely that State Farm, or any insurance company for that matter, will pay the cost of replacing your damaged car seat, even if you were not at fault in the accident.

Filing a Claim with State Farm

If you are filing a claim with State Farm, it’s highly unlikely that the claim is just for the car seat.

If you have been in an accident and carry comprehensive collision coverage, you have to file the claim like you normally would, along with forking over your deductible.

If you want to have your child’s car seat replaced, that has to be an addition to the claim, including the original receipt for the car seat or, at the very least, proof of the market price for your current car seat.

You also need to take a picture of the car seat from every angle possible. State Farm isn’t going to be replacing or paying for the cost of a car seat that is clearly undamaged or a car seat for which you have provided no clear evidence that it needs to be replaced.

In other words, you need to have all of your ducks in a row before you file your claim. Most states have laws that require children of a certain age or size to be properly buckled into a car seat.

If there is even the slightest amount of damage to that car seat, even if it looks external, it may be compromised and should be replaced.

If you currently have a damaged car seat and are waiting for State Farm to approve your claim, you shouldn’t continue using that seat while you wait.

For one, you could be breaking the law by not providing your child with a functional, safe car seat.

For two, even an externally damaged car seat is no longer suitable as a child restraint system and should be replaced by the best option that you can come up with as you wait for State Farm to process and approve your claim.

When You Should File a Claim with State Farm

There are a few instances, even if minor in nature, in which you should file a claim with State Farm for a car seat replacement.

The door nearest the car seat is damaged, even if it is minor damage
Anyone in the vehicle was injured, even if it is a minor injury
If the airbags in the vehicle deployed
Your vehicle is no longer roadworthy or street legal

Another thing that most people don’t realize or consider before filing a claim that includes replacing a car seat, is that you can also contact the manufacturer and get the information that you need and advice on whether or not replacing a car seat is a viable option.

In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that you do just that. Contact the manufacturer of the car seat.

Almost all manufacturers have a customer service line and it’s likely that you will be escalated to a manager who can provide you with more information regarding the impact effects on your car seat.

Whoever you talk to, you should also take down their name or ID number, along with a number through which they can be reached.

You can use that information when you file your claim with State Farm, along with that person’s advice or instructions concerning the replacement of the car seat.

Collision, Comprehensive, and Liability

When you purchase your insurance policy and you have a child that will be using a car seat, it’s important that you sit down and read the fine print.

Determine whether or not the car seat will be covered under comprehensive add-on packages or if collision coverage includes car seat replacement.

The more informed you are on the right policy for protecting and replacing your child’s car seat, the easier it will be to file a claim down the road.

If you are currently unsure about your coverage, you should contact State Farm as soon as possible and ensure that your car seat can be covered under your current plan or if you need to add something.

All Things Considered

State Farm is pretty good about including car seats in a claim, however, you should always provide them with the most information possible, which includes pictures, receipts, and information gathered from the manufacturer.

When it comes to the safety of your kids, every bit of information matters.

References

https://www.autoinsurance.org/does-car-insurance-cover-car-seats/