9 In 10 Parents Report Problems with Child Seats In Holiday Hire Cars

Parents are being urged to check rented car seats supplied by holiday car hires after nearly nine out of ten families have claimed their rented car seats have not been adequate.

Almost nine out of ten parents, or 85%, told Which? they were confronted with rented car seat issues when they received their hire car.

Parents have reported a number of problems, such as instructions not being included, missing parts, damaged seats or no car seat availability at all. 

The coronavirus lockdowns have eased, so many families are eager to travel.

If you are arranging a car hire and are requesting a rented car seat, be sure to use caution. Being aware of inadequate safety measures can prevent accidents.

Unsafe rented car seats can be lethally dangerous to children.

There are a number of ways to ensure your child is protected in rented car seats.

Here are a few car seat safety tips to be aware of during your upcoming summer holiday.

Missing Instructions?

According to Which?, about 32% of parents did not receive any instructions for their rented car seats.

After a long time travelling, parents may not want to spend a lot of time figuring how to install a rented car seat, Which? suggests.

If no instructions were given by the car hire, find the manufacturer’s website or check YouTube for a tutorial, or find one of the many online manuals to assist you.

If you want to be prepared ahead of time, ask for rented car seat instructions from the car hire company.

Missing Or Damaged Parts?

Fifteen percent of parents have claimed their rented car seats were missing essential parts or were damaged, according to Which?

If this happens to you, let the car hire firm know.

To be sure the car seat is going to provide adequate safety for your child, make sure the rented car seat has all its parts before you depart. Requesting a new car seat is favourable in this situation, Which? suggests. 

Wrong size?

About 23% of parents who rented car seats got the wrong size, Which? reported.

If the rented car seat is too big or small for your child, ask for a new one. If a rented car seat does not properly secure your child, the car seat might not function well in a crash.

If your child is too tall for the adjustable harness or the seat’s head protection, the car seat is not the correct size. As a rule, the top of the harness should lie two centimeters above the child’s shoulders. 

Many car hires are renting out backless booster seats.

Eighteen percent of parents reported to Which? that they were given a backless booster seat.

Backless booster seats are not as safe during a side-on crash in comparison to a high-back booster seat, Your Money reported.

Ask the car hire what options are available, and remember that high-back booster seats are the most secure, while backless booster seats are better than no car seat at all. 

No Car Seat Provided?

Twenty percent of parents received their rental car without being given a car seat.

Sometimes the car seats are being kept in a safe spot, so it may be necessary to contact the front desk to obtain one.

If a car hire cannot guarantee you a rented car seat, bring your own or opt for another car hire firm when booking.

Car seat rules in the U.K. are legally binding, according to Which?

All children younger than 12 or shorter than 135 cm are required to be in a car seat. Some experts say it is safest to use a car seat for all children under 150 cm tall.

Laws are defined by United Nations safety regulations and based on proper installation and the child’s height and weight.

Have you experienced a faulty rented car seat from a car hire company? Let us know your story in the comments. 

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

What Travellers Need to Know About the UK’s Quarantine Rules for France

Holiday Letting Company Changes Refund Policy Following Complaints

Chancellor Says Furlough Scheme Will Not Be Extended

Energy Supplier Bulb Refunding Consumers £1.76M After Overcharges, Switching Issues