German court orders insurer to cover new child seats after accident

The Cologne District Court ruled that an insurer must fully reimburse the purchase price of three child seats after a non‑fault rear‑end collision. The claimant, the vehicle’s owner, sought replacement values for the seats, but the insurer argued the seats showed no visible damage and offered only a time‑value settlement.

The court rejected the insurer’s position, stating that the safety of children is a sensitive matter and that material damage to child seats can be invisible. Because the crash caused damage exceeding €8,000 – well beyond a minor incident – the “new‑for‑old” deduction did not apply, and the insurer was ordered to pay the new‑car prices of the seats.