expired car seats and insurance

[erikab922]

Has anyone ever been in an accident in the US and had the claim denied because the car seat was over the six year time limit? I have a US car seat that I was going to use on the flight to the States and in the car but I've just noticed that it's over the six-year limit. Structurally it looks perfect and was only actually used for about four weeks in a car and on four flights so it's not like it's been bouncing around for years - anyway, I'm not in this to debate about the safety issues, what I'm wondering is, can insurance companies use this as a reason to deny a claim if you were in an accident? Not anecdotally speaking but has this actually happened to anyone? Thanks!

 

[rory83coyotes]

Yes they can. Besides the safety aspect of it. I can't find the link but I know there is crash test video of an expired Britax in a test to see how it performed. The straps break and the dummy goes flying through the front of the car. If had been an actual child would have killed them. It didn't look like anything was wrong with the seat either. Btw not all seats expire in six years. Check the expiration on the side.

Can you not just bring your seat with you from your home country. It's illegal to Import from a different country but not to bring with you and use on vacation.

 

[CatherineK]

I wouldn't risk it, not for any insurance reason, but for safety. No matter how nice it looks, the plastic, foam, and straps are old.

 

[rory83coyotes]

If it's a seat for the baby in your ticker I would get a guide 65 from walmart. It's only $80 and rf to 40lbs and harnesses ff to 65lbs. It's also faa approved so you could use it for any future trips. It also fits really well in small cars with an adjustable headrest so it should be compatible with any rental you get.