Having a Baby, Get Your Car Ready

When you have a baby, your focus will often be solely on that child’s safety wherever you go. Protecting your child is your duty, after all. 

You likely know that you’re going to have to baby-proof your property, and this includes your car. Young children often need special protection when riding in a car. Take these important safety steps, and you can go a long way towards avoiding harm to your child in an accident.

1. Check Your Auto Insurance Limits

As your child is a precious liability, you’ll want to have adequate coverage for your little one’s safety. Your auto insurance usually can offer adequate financial protection for your needs.

Often, you need to check your policy’s limits to see if you have adequate protection for your car in case of an accident. Furthermore, you might be able to add certain coverage to further protect your child. For example, you might be able to add medical payments or personal injury protection (PIP) to your coverage. This can help you and your child afford your medical bills in case of damages.

2. Get a Child Safety Seat

Most states have strict child restraint laws on the books. The child will likely need to wear a seat belt at all times. They might also need a car seat that fits their height and weight. Furthermore, the child might have to ride in the back seat of the car at all times.

Take a look at your state’s laws to make sure you follow child restraint rules. Do your research when looking for a strong safety seat. You want one that will protect your child in excess of the need required by law.

3. Add Safety Enhancements to the Car

Besides just child seats, other enhancements can help keep a child safe in the car.

• Child-view mirrors can often go on your dashboard, and help you keep an eye on your child in the backseat. However, only use the mirror with caution, and don’t let it become a distraction.
• Childproof locks help keep doors and windows in place to prevent the child from opening them. Many cars come standard-issue with these devices.
• Seatbelt adjusters can extend or shorten belts so they securely protect the child
• Backseat alarms can help parents never forget their child in the car. These alarms often come with easy-to-operate instructions to help a child alert a parent of a problem.

Last, but not least, commit to safer driving. Put down that cell phone, pay attention to the road, and don’t speed. If you have questions about your auto insurance protection, call one of our agents right now at 318-251-1212. They can help you better protect your little one.