Bray’s Report

Replacement of child car seats is an issue that comes up occasionally. As an auto insurance adjuster or damage appraiser, should the car seat for children be replaced if the vehicle was in an accident? There are varying opinions and test groups themselves are not all in agreement. Some say it varies on the impact, others say that visual damage may need to be present. Even others say that there may be damage that can’t be seen to the car seat.  As a rule of thumb we feel that to err on the side of caution is always the correct decision. The safety of individuals and children should take priority at all times. In summary, if the a child is in a car seat and the vehicle is involved in an accident, it’s best to replace it.

If GM and Chrysler have their way, don’t plan on any lawsuits due to product liability for poorly constructed unsafe vehicles.  They are both seeking to be shielded from their prior work product.  Click here for the story.

The Institute for Highway Safety released a report on bumper tests of small mini and micro cars. Not surprisingly, most suffered expensive collision repair losses. The tests were all conducted between 3 to 6 miles per hour. Click here for the full release from the IHS. Video is included as well.