The Iowa House recently passed a bill that would require insurance companies to cover the cost of replacing a child restraint system that is damaged in an accident. 

Representative of House District 28 David Young of Van Meter introduced the piece of legislation. Young says that he heard from a constituent that was in an accident and the child safety seat was damaged in the incident and insurance would not pay for the replacement. He explains that it didn’t make sense. 

“If child restraint systems are mandated by law and therefore become part of the car, the vehicle, they should be covered by insurance. Insurance companies should be obliged to replace the total value of that child restraint system. Number one, we want to make sure that that restraint system isn’t reused and there could be possible damage within it. That’s not safe.”

Young notes that child restraint systems can range from $50 to nearly $100. The bill passed with unanimous support and will go to the Senate for consideration. The National Highway Traffic Administration recommends replacing any child safety seat or booster seat following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure the high level of protection it provides a child passenger.