Of the 267 policies analysed by financial information firm Defaqto, 67 offered no cover for child car seats meaning parents would be out of pocket should they be in an accident.

While car seats can cost as little as £20, many parents shell out far more as infant seats can cost up to £550.

One third of the policies – 83 out of 267  – limit the overall amount they will pay to replace car seats with cover as low as £100 in some cases. The rest cover amounts between £150 and £500 per seat.

But Defaqto found that some policies limit the overall amount they will pay to replace all of the car seats that are damaged, effectively penalising parents with more than one child in the car.

Brian Brown, head of insight at Defaqto, said: “No parent wants to take chances with their child’s safety and while you can buy a child seat for around £20, many spend much more than that. Should you have an accident and have to replace the car seats, it can really add up, especially when your insurance doesn’t cover it.

“Not everyone needs cover for child seats but if you do, then it’s worth checking what your policy covers so you have peace of mind should the worst happen.”