Insisting On Oem Parts For Insurance Claims

If your car has been damaged in an accident, you may be wondering whether you can request Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for the repairs. The answer is yes, you can always request OEM parts, but your insurance company might require you to pay extra. This is because OEM parts are brand new and created by the original manufacturer, whereas aftermarket parts are generic and made by independent manufacturers. Aftermarket parts are considerably cheaper than OEM parts, and some insurance policies do not provide coverage for the latter.

What are OEM parts?

OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer". OEM automotive components are the official, genuine parts produced directly by the vehicle's maker. They are made by a specific manufacturer to align with a vehicle's exact specifications, which means they fit perfectly.

OEM parts are brand new and created by the original auto manufacturer. They are suitable for a specific vehicle make and model. OEM parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts, which are made by a different company to the one the automotive manufacturer contracts with to make its parts. Aftermarket parts can be made at a higher volume, and one part might fit multiple makes and models.

Aftermarket parts are new, but they are generic versions of the parts that come from the vehicle manufacturer. They are not used, but they are also not necessarily of a like kind or quality to OEM parts. However, some aftermarket parts have the seal of approval from the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA), which ensures they are of good quality.

Whether a replacement part is OEM or aftermarket depends on who manufactured it. If you take your vehicle to a dealership, you can be sure you're getting OEM parts. Independent auto repair shops are more likely to use aftermarket parts.

Are aftermarket parts as safe as OEM parts?

When it comes to car repairs, you have the option to use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts. OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that made the original parts in your car, while aftermarket parts are made by a third-party company. So, are aftermarket parts as safe as OEM parts?

The short answer is that it depends. Aftermarket parts are regulated and considered safe, but their quality can vary. Some aftermarket parts are of lower quality than OEM parts, especially if they don't have certifications to prove their performance. On the other hand, aftermarket parts with the seal of approval from the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) are safe, suitable, and of good quality. CAPA ensures that aftermarket parts are equivalent to new OEM parts in terms of quality and performance.

In terms of compatibility, OEM parts are guaranteed to fit your car perfectly since they are made by the same manufacturer. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, may not always fit correctly and could interfere with your vehicle's warranty. Aftermarket parts are also not backed by the same warranty as OEM parts, which offer protection if the part is defective or doesn't work properly.

When it comes to cost, aftermarket parts tend to be cheaper than OEM parts. This is because they are produced in higher volumes and are designed to fit multiple vehicle types, not just a single make and model.

So, which type of part should you choose? It ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. If you're a car enthusiast, a body shop mechanic, or the owner of a brand-new vehicle, you may prefer the peace of mind that comes with OEM parts. However, if you're on a tight budget and looking for a more affordable option, aftermarket parts may be the way to go. Keep in mind that your insurance company may also have specific requirements or preferences for the type of parts used in repairs.

What if my insurance company wants to use non-OEM parts?

If your insurance company wants to use non-OEM parts, you can still request OEM parts for your vehicle repair. However, you may have to pay an additional fee or even cover the difference in cost between the non-OEM and OEM parts. This is because OEM parts are brand new and created by the original manufacturer, whereas non-OEM parts are generic versions that cost considerably less.

It is important to note that not all states have laws addressing an insurance company's obligations to use OEM parts. Before making a decision, check your local laws and consult with a lawyer if needed. Additionally, be sure to review your insurance policy carefully to understand your coverage and any additional fees that may apply.

If you have an older vehicle or a discontinued model, OEM parts may no longer be available. In this case, a body shop may only have the option to use non-OEM or used parts, regardless of your coverage.

When it comes to safety, there is a debate about whether non-OEM parts are as safe as OEM parts. Some argue that non-OEM parts are of lower quality, especially if they do not have the necessary certifications. Using non-OEM parts may also interfere with your vehicle's warranty. However, non-OEM parts with a seal of approval from the Certified Automotive Parts Association (CAPA) are safe and suitable for use.

Ultimately, the final choice of parts is up to you. If you prefer OEM parts, be prepared to pay the difference in cost if your insurer chooses to use non-OEM parts.

How do I get OEM parts from my insurance company?

If you want to get Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts from your insurance company, you'll need to review your policy and check for optional coverage. While some standard auto insurance policies do not provide coverage for OEM parts, many insurance companies offer optional coverage that can pay for these parts. You can also research your state's insurance laws to see if they require insurers to use OEM parts.

• Review your policy: Understand the specifics of your coverage, such as which parts are covered and any limitations or restrictions. Some insurance policies may cover all OEM parts, while others may only cover certain types. Knowing what is covered will help you make informed decisions about your repairs.
• Contact your insurance company: If you already have car insurance, get in touch with your insurance company and ask if they offer OEM coverage. If they do not, consider switching to a company that does.
• Request OEM coverage: If your insurance company offers OEM coverage, ask for it to be added to your policy. An insurance agent can help you with this process.
• Choose a reputable repair shop: Select a repair shop that you trust to provide quality repairs using OEM parts. Ask for recommendations, check online reviews, and seek references.
• Get a written estimate: Obtain a written estimate from the repair shop that includes both OEM and non-OEM options. Carefully review the estimate to understand what parts will be used and the total cost of the repairs.
• Be prepared to pay the difference: If the estimate includes non-OEM parts, you usually have the option to pay the difference to get the OEM parts you want. Even if your insurance policy requires the use of non-OEM parts, you can still choose to pay for OEM parts out of pocket.
• Understand your rights: Know your rights by researching your state's insurance laws regarding the use of OEM parts. For example, some states require the vehicle owner's consent before non-OEM replacement parts can be used.
• Add an OEM endorsement or rider: If your state does not mandate the use of OEM parts, consider adding an OEM endorsement or rider to your policy if available. This will help ensure that OEM parts are used in the repair of your vehicle.
• Check with multiple repair shops: Different repair shops may have different options for OEM parts. They may also have varying levels of experience and expertise in working with insurance companies to obtain these parts.
• Review your repair options: When reviewing your repair options, consider the long-term benefits of using OEM parts. While aftermarket parts may be cheaper upfront, OEM parts offer superior quality, compatibility, and reliability. They are designed to meet rigorous standards and ensure perfect fit and performance, maintaining the value and performance of your vehicle.

What are the benefits of using OEM parts?

There are several benefits to using OEM parts for your auto insurance claim. Here are some key advantages:

Quality and Safety

OEM parts are produced by the original manufacturer and are specifically designed for your vehicle's make and model. This ensures that the replacement parts are of the highest quality and meet the necessary safety standards. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are generic and may not be of the same quality, potentially posing safety hazards.

Warranty

OEM parts typically come with a warranty, usually for one year. This warranty covers replacement costs if the part breaks or malfunctions, providing added peace of mind and financial protection.

Vehicle Value

Using OEM parts can help maintain or even increase the resale value of your vehicle. Since these parts are identical to the original components, they do not affect the car's value as much as aftermarket parts might.

Ease of Use

With OEM parts, there is no need for extensive research to ensure compatibility. You can be confident that the parts will work seamlessly with your vehicle, saving you time and effort.

Appearance

OEM parts are identical to the original components, including in terms of appearance. This ensures that your vehicle maintains its original aesthetic appeal, with replacement parts matching the colour and style of the car.

Reliability

OEM parts are known for their reliability, as they come directly from the vehicle's manufacturer. This means you can trust that the parts will perform as expected and won't need to be replaced prematurely.

While there are benefits to using OEM parts, it's important to note that they may not always be available, especially for older vehicles. Additionally, the cost of OEM parts is typically higher than that of aftermarket parts, which may be a consideration when making a claim.

Frequently asked questions