Car Insurance - Safety first child restraints. Page 2

Summary
New UK regulations are coming into force to improve children's safety whilst travelling in a car. This article explains.

Author: Dot Piper

The Costly Lure Of Free Car Insurance: Free insurance has been a sucessful ploy to sell new cars. But are you getting a bargin? This article investigates.
Japanese Motor Car Import Insurance: If your car has not been manufactured for the uk you may as well have problems getting insured. But there are specialist policies available.
Car Insurance Gearing Up To Drive Down Costs: Some comments on pay as you go car insurance and how the internet shopping is helping drive down prices.
18 Tips for privately buying a second hand car: Avoid the pitfalls when you buy a second hand car in the UK. This article tells you how.
Car Insurance. Uninsured cars to be crushed: Uninsured drivers are having their cars confiscated and crushed. Harsh treatment? This article thinks not!
Car insurance. Surf the net for a better deal: Are you stuck in a rut when it comes to car insurance? It may be time to change to an on-line deal.

Life Insurance News

Information on child-seat safety can be obtained from the Child Accident Prevention Trust, www.capt.org.uk or from the government's website www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk there's a question and answer section on government website which is very comprehensive and seems to answer every question you could think of.

There's a good choice of car seats available, and you should always ensure that they are made to conform to the European Union safety standards. For a young child it's probably worth investing in a seat that can be adjusted as your child grows.

For an idea of what you'd have to pay for a seat that would take your child from 9 months to 12 years, the Recaro Start seat can be bought for around £200.

There's the Evolva 23 seat, from Britax, which is adjustable and suitable for children weighing from15kg to 36kg and up to 135cm (4ft 5ins). The back of the seat can be extended as the child grows, so that the head is always supported. This costs around £65.

For a baby of up to 9 months, or around 13kg, a rear facing approved car seat is acceptable, fitted on either the front passenger seat or in the back of the car. It must no be used in the front if an airbag is fitted.

It's extremely important that the seat is fitted properly, and many suppliers offer a fitting service. Do remember that it's important that before you have the seat fitted; make sure it fits your child.

The 18 September is the date that the Department of Transport is aiming for, so remember, after this date you need to comply with the new rules.

These laws are to be taken seriously. Parents and regular carers are not the only ones who need to be "car seat ready". You may occasionally take your, say 9 year old, grandchild out with you. The big difference there is that, prior to September 18; no special steps had to be taken. After this date you'll need to equip yourself with a seat or booster.

If you are in the unfortunate position of being involved in an accident, and if your child or children are not travelling in an approved car seat or booster, your car insurance may not be willing to pay out, resulting in what could be a considerable personal claim against the driver, whose responsibility it is.

Parents and (even occasional) carers please take note.