Accident. Need new seats?

[Gsanmb]

I just had a car accident.
I have a GN and a turbobooster and a compass b-510. All of them were occupied. (We're all fine, thank G-d). Insurance didn't comment yet on the seat issue, have an appt. to get appraised tomorrow.

Do I need new seats? :(

[ctbcleveland]

Yes - only Britax allows seats to be used after an accident, and then only if certain criteria are met.

Each insurance company has a different policy on how seats are covered - you might need to buy them and be reimbursed. Others may want to purchase them for you. So, call before you buy.

So happy to hear everyone is ok.

[thepeach80]

Yes, all of those manufacturers (afaik, you could check the Compass manual) require a seat to be replaced after any crash.

[mish]

Yep, you need new seats. I hope you have an easy time with the insurance company.

[drey]

According to both Graco and Learning Curve, both seats need to be replaced after any accident.

[Gsanmb]

ok thanks.

i feel very nervous and shaky and can't stop crying. my husband is furious with me. :(

it wasn't even serious but in 23 years of driving i've never had an accident.

[mish]

Aww, I'm sorry. I'm also sorry that your husband is mad at you. I would guess that it freaked him out too.

[Gsanmb]

Yeah, he called back to tell me he loves me and now he has one to hold over on me if he ever gets into an accident :o :rolleyes:

So what should I buy? I had a GN which I liked but didn't love for my 3 year old (35 lbs. 15 inch torso); a TB for my 5 year old (39.5 lbs/16 inch torso); and a Compass B510 for my 8 year old (63 lbs/53 inches tall). 8 year old strongly prefers a booster rather than 5-pt. harness and she sits properly all the time).

Insurance didn't promise to replace, but they probably will (it's USAA and they're usually great about everything). Cost is a factor but not necessarily the only one as I need/want something safe.

Thinking: Frontier for ds (3 year old) and possibly also the 5 year old; and Monterey for 8 year old? Any thoughts?

Right now the van is a 2001 chevy venture with only 1 latch position but as it's only worth about $4K I'm not sure if they'll just total it -- we'll know more tomorrow. But for sure replacement vehicle will be another used SUV or minivan.