Darren McCauley, Head of Car Insurance at Churchill said: “This is a serious issue, as our research highlights a lack of awareness around baby seat guidelines. Our new benefit will help parents with replacement costs of child car seats after an accident. Even if there is no sign of visible damage, a baby or child seat should still be replaced to make sure that it still fits properly and provides the best protection for the infant or child.”

Cost is also a factor, as 6 per cent of those who crashed say that child seats are too expensive to replace after a car accident, even though the average seat cost them just £60. A further 6 per cent thought fixing the car was a greater priority and 4 per cent simply ‘haven’t got round to it yet.’

Two thirds of drivers questioned think that children no longer need their child seat after the age of seven when in

Darren McCauley continued: “We welcome any changes that will make travelling in cars safer for children. A quarter of parents say that they are not confident enough to fit a child seat correctly, so parents should seek the advice of a trained professional**** to give them peace of mind when driving.”

*Based on research carried on behalf of Churchill Insurance among 1,572 parents in August/September 2005.

** Figures from www.childcarseats.org.uk

***As stated on www.childcarseats.org.uk

****parents can search on www.childcarseats.org.uk for local car seat check points in their area.