Does info exist on the safety of repaired cars?

[LaurieB]

I'm wondering, after an accident, if the repaired car is as safe as it was before the accident. I don't think any car company crashes, repairs, and crashes again but maybe someone has info. I can't imagine that metal that has been bent and straigtened is as strong as metal never bent, ie the frame but is there evidence to support this? My car was really messed up last week and I'm afraid the gal who hit me's insurance co. is going to try and repair, not total my car. I know it would never be right again but would it be safe? I'm thinking no - why do we have accident disclosure laws?

Also, do seatbelts need to be replaced (mine and passenger) and latch connectors? I'd imagine seatbelts get stretched...

Hopefully they just total it - all this worry for nothing, then on the to replacement value battle...

Laurie

[LuvBug03]

Im curious to this as well.
I do know seatbelts must be replaced just like carseats, and I think the latch are a one time only thing and cannot be replaced.

[papooses]

Not sure about LATCH, but yes seatbelts must be replaced....

[CPSDarren]

I would also suspect that crashworthiness would be degraded after a serious crash that caused structural damage. I have never seen anything that would indicate if this is really true or not, or how much if it is.

[skaterbabscpst]

LATCH anchors must also be replaced, I would suggest replacing a tether anchor if in use as well.