Design issues in many brands of automobiles are preventing some child restraint products from fitting properly in the cars, according to a report by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute.

Only about one-fifth - 21 out of 98 - of the top-selling model passenger cars from 2010 and 2011 have designs that allow for many child safety products to be attached properly, the report notes.

Specifically, the study states few cars take into account the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children system, which notes how products should correlate with auto designs, when manufacturing their models.

"Installing a child restraint isn't always as simple as a couple of clicks and you're done," said Anne McCartt, UMTRI senior vice president for research and co-author of the study. "Sometimes parents blame themselves when they struggle with LATCH, but oftentimes the problem lies with the vehicle, not the user."

Aside from checking their Virginia auto insurance policy to make sure they are well-covered, policyholders in the state may want to ensure their car is equipped to fit child restraint products adequately.