Choosing a child car seat
Choosing a suitable car seat, baby carrier or booster seat for your car involves considering many factors. The most critical factor is to ensure that the seat is suitable for the weight and height of your child.
The second most critical factor is that the seat is fitted correctly in your car. Some experts have estimated that up to 70% of all child seats are not fitted correctly and consequently will not provide the level of protection they are capable of.
Points to consider
Take your time to see whats available and before you visit the shops or go online make sure you have made a note of your childs correct height and weight. Look for independent consumer review websites that may offer in-depth safety test results.Consider the size of the car it is to be used in. For example if you drive a two door hatch back you may want to choose a more compact design to allow you to get the seat in and out of the car more easily. If you have a four door saloon and you frequently do long journeys, there may be enough room for a larger seat that reclines and so makes your child more comfortable for sleeping.
It is not advisable for any small child or baby to travel in the front passenger seat. It can actually be dangerous if you are involved in an accident, particularly if you have a passenger airbag. If you have airbags in the rear seats, you may be able to disable the airbag functionality temporarily while the child seat is being used.
If you are looking for a seat for a baby, choose one that is rear facing - this will provide more protection for your child in a collision. Do not change to a forward-facing seat until they weigh at least 9 kgs and can sit up unaided.
When your child reaches the maximum weight for the rear facing seat or the top of the childs head is above the top of the seat, then it's time to change the seat to a larger forward facing model.
If you have any problems fitting your seat even when following the instructions carefully, it may not be suitable for your car and you should get a refund and try another model.
Check that the seat meets the United Nations standard Regulation ECE R44.04 (or the slightly older ECE R44.03) which was introduced at the end of June 2005. The seat and/or packaging should also display a symbol with the letter 'E' in a circle.
Avoid buying second hand car seats unless it is from someone you trust and it is no more than a few years old. Also check the make and model online for further safety test information and make sure it comes with a manual. Even if all these things seem ok, if it does not fit your car properly - don't use it.
What are ISOFIX child seats?
ISOFIX is a fixing standard for child car seats developed in conjunction with the major motor manufacturers to provide universal standard fixing points for new motor vehicles. The system was developed to create a simpler and more reliable method of attaching child seats correctly to any car.If you have a new car or are considering buying one, you should check the manual or specifications to see if it conforms to this standard and if so choose a compatible model of child seat.
If you have been involved in a car accident that was not your fault, we can help you get a replacement vehicle, car repairs, legal assistance and injury compensation.
Please give us a call on 02392 484 244 , and one of our experienced claims advisors will be happy to assist you.
No need to claim on your insurance
Anyone who has been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. If you were responsible for the accident you were involved in, the company that insures your vehicle would normally deal with your accident claim.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
However if you were not at-fault for the accident, you can choose to either claim on your own insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. To find out more call 02392 484 244 and we will be happy to help.
We and our partners help thousands of people make independent accident claims. Our service enables motorists to get the help and assistance they need to resolve their accident related issues, with the costs being recovered directly from the at-fault driver on your behalf.
No excess to pay
Unfortunately even if an accident was not your fault, your insurer will almost certainly require you to pay your excess before any repair is started on your car.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
This money should of course be recovered by an insurer at a later date, but with our service - you do not have to pay it at all.
By using our independent claims service, you are not making a claim on your insurance policy and so you will have no excess to pay.
Receive a comparable replacement hire vehicle
Not all insurance policies will include a replacement hire-car for you to use if yours is damaged and unroadworthy. In fact it is typically an 'optional extra' on your policy.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Other policies may offer a 'courtesy car' but this is often just a 'basic' saloon or hatchback which may not be suitable for your needs.
Car Call and its partners will provide a comparable replacement vehicle as part of our service. This means we will endeavour to supply a hire-vehicle that similar to your own in terms of its type, make and engine size.
So whether you drive a small hatchback or a prestige sports car, we will look to provide a similar hire-vehicle that suits your needs.
Manufacturer approved vehicle repairs
If you have been involved in a car accident, the last thing you want to have to worry about is the quality of the repairs to your car. We have a UK wide network of partner approved Accident Repair Centres available to all of our customers.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Many of our accident repair centres are have manufacturer approvals for specific brands, so if you require a manufacturer approved repair centre, simply tell your personal claim handler and they will ensure your vehicle goes to an approved repairer.
Want you vehicle repaired by a specific garage? No problem, we can alternatively use a repairer that you specify.
Legal Assistance
Our partner solicitors provide legal assistance as part of our service. They specialise in motor claims related issues, so you can be assured of the best possible advice and assistance.
They issues they can assist you with include:
They issues they can assist you with include:
- Recovery of the cost of the replacement hire-vehicle
- Recovery of the cost of uplifting your damaged vehicle
- Recovery of all repair costs
- Recovery of the cost of damaged of personal items
- Seeking financial compensation for an injury
