"This is by far the biggest study on the use of booster seats," said Zoe Younker, a State Farm spokeswoman. "And obviously, when you can save lives, you can definitely see a benefit from the insurance perspective. Anytime you can reduce injuries, you definitely see the impact on claims."

For the study, researchers collected data from State Farm Insurance claim records from 3,616 car crashes in 15 states involving 4,243 children between the ages of four and seven, the Bloomington, Ill.-based insurer said.

The study found that booster seats--devices that elevate the children so that regular seatbelts can fit more properly--appeared to be particularly useful in lowering the risk of injuries to the abdomen and spine.

"When you have small children in regular seatbelts, these adult seatbelts cannot protect these children well. That's why booster seats are so important," Ms. Younker said.

Currently, 18 states and Washington, D.C., have laws requiring booster seats for young children. With these new findings, State Farm hopes that other states will take notice and implement similar requirements to protect more children, Ms. Younker said.