I spoke with a rep at the insurance agency (not giving them my name or any pertinent information.) What they told me was we could file a claim for the carseat but they would investigate to determine whether it they would replace it or not. They said they call the manufacturer and get their recommendation and go from there. It is not an "automatic" we replace it regardless. We explained we already spoke with the manufacturer and they use the guidelines from NSTBA which clearly states the seat does not need to be replaced. The agent said as long as we had that they would more than likely not reimburse her for the carseat.
The carseat is a Britax Cozy (Cosy) Rider. She received it as a shower gift so she doesn't have a receipt for it. I've searched all over the web and cannot locate one. Britax tells me they don't sell that model and it's possibly a model from the UK. I cannot locate it on their website either. Without something to work on, I wouldn't even know how much a replacement would even be?
I've already explained to her I would pay the damages in person directly to the mechanic. I have no intention of forwarding a check to her. If we were to replace the carseat, I would want to buy it whereas to cover my own butt down the road. I've even offered a loaner car at our expense for the two days it will take for repairs (fortunately, both places offers car at N/C except for gas).
I'm only trying to be fair. I realized she's been inconvenienced, etc. What I don't want is my DD-17 paying more than she has to for a stupid and innocent mistake.