Auto Insurance Companies: Oem Parts Promise

When it comes to auto insurance, it's important to know what kind of replacement parts will be used to repair your vehicle. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the car's original manufacturer, while aftermarket or generic parts are made by another company and designed to function like the original. Aftermarket parts are typically cheaper, and insurance companies often prefer to use them to keep costs down. However, some drivers prefer OEM parts as they are specifically designed for their car and can come with a warranty. While some insurance companies offer OEM coverage, it is not always available and may require an additional fee. In some cases, OEM parts may not even be available for older vehicles or discontinued models. Ultimately, it is up to the insurance company and the customer to decide which type of parts will be used, with the customer potentially paying the difference in cost if they prefer OEM parts.

The benefits of using OEM parts

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are made by the car's original manufacturer and are designed specifically for a particular vehicle model. They are identical to the parts originally installed in the car, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. This is crucial for the vehicle's operation and maintaining its safety standards as designed by the manufacturer.

Guaranteed Quality and Compatibility

OEM parts guarantee quality and compatibility with your vehicle. As they are designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model, they ensure a perfect fit and optimal performance. This is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of your car as intended by the manufacturer.

Preserve Vehicle Value

Using OEM parts for repairs can help retain the value and aesthetic integrity of your vehicle. Cars repaired with OEM parts tend to have higher resale or trade-in values compared to those repaired with aftermarket or salvage parts. This can result in better financial returns if you plan to sell or trade in your car in the future.

Avoid Complications

Aftermarket parts may sometimes lead to complications, requiring additional adjustments or repairs shortly after installation. OEM parts minimize the chances of such issues, saving you from potential frustration and additional expenses in the long run.

Warranty Protection

Using aftermarket parts can void manufacturer warranties in some cases. By using OEM parts, you ensure that your vehicle's warranty remains valid, protecting you from unexpected costs for unrelated repairs that may arise.

While adding an OEM parts rider to your insurance policy may result in a slight increase in premium costs, the benefits often outweigh the minor cost difference. The exact cost can vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, but it is generally a reasonable addition for the peace of mind it offers.

The drawbacks of using aftermarket parts

Aftermarket parts are those made by a company that is not the original manufacturer of a vehicle's make. They are brand new, and can work just as well as, or even better than, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. However, there are several drawbacks to using aftermarket parts, which are detailed below.

Firstly, the quality of aftermarket parts can vary. While some aftermarket parts are of excellent quality, others are low quality and will not work for your vehicle. This is because there are many options to choose from, so it is important to be careful and ensure you have the right piece. The reputation of the company and the materials used in the parts are important factors to consider when assessing quality.

Secondly, aftermarket parts usually come with little to no warranty, whereas pretty much all OEM parts come with some level of warranty or protection. This may be a reason for some people to stick to OEM parts, as the warranty provides added peace of mind and confidence in the quality of the parts.

Thirdly, using aftermarket parts may impact warranty coverage and repair costs. Consumers should carefully consider the warranty implications and potential risks associated with opting for non-OEM components. While it is illegal for companies to void a car warranty for using aftermarket parts, using anything other than OEM parts may impact the warranty coverage and increase repair costs.

Lastly, there may be safety concerns with using aftermarket parts. Aftermarket parts that are related to safety, such as airbags, brakes, and car exhaust systems, must comply with regulations governing vehicle safety. Using aftermarket components that do not adhere to these regulations may jeopardize safety and expose people to health and legal risks.

The cost of OEM coverage

The cost of adding OEM coverage to your auto insurance policy will vary depending on the insurance company and your vehicle. Some companies offer it as an add-on to your personal insurance policy, while others include it in their comprehensive coverage.

According to AutoInsurance.org, you can get OEM coverage starting at $110 per month from top companies. However, rates can vary depending on factors such as your driving record, age, and the value of your vehicle. For example, older or less valuable vehicles may not be eligible for OEM coverage, or the cost may not be worth the benefit. On the other hand, newer or classic cars may have higher rates due to the higher cost of OEM parts.

Additionally, most insurance companies require you to purchase more than the minimum auto insurance required in your state, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, which will increase your overall premium. It's important to note that OEM parts are typically pricier than aftermarket parts, so opting for OEM coverage will likely result in higher repair costs, which will be reflected in your insurance rates.

When considering the cost of OEM coverage, it's essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies and review their specific requirements and restrictions. While some companies may offer OEM coverage as a standard option, others may require you to pay an additional fee or purchase certain types of coverage first. Ultimately, the decision to add OEM coverage depends on your personal preference, the age and value of your vehicle, and your budget for insurance and potential repair costs.

How to request OEM parts

To request OEM parts for your vehicle, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, it is important to review your current insurance policy to understand if it covers OEM parts. If it does not, you can consider adding an OEM endorsement or rider to your policy. This will ensure that repairs to your vehicle are carried out using parts from the original manufacturer, which can be important for maintaining the value and performance of your car.

If your policy does not offer OEM coverage, you may need to switch to an insurance company that does. Some of the best auto insurance companies that offer OEM parts coverage include State Farm, Geico, and Progressive. Other companies offering OEM coverage include Allstate, USAA, Nationwide, Farmers, Liberty Mutual, American Family, and Travelers. When researching insurance companies, look for those that offer OEM coverage in your state, as availability can vary.

Once you have found an insurance company that offers OEM coverage, contact them to understand the specifics of the coverage, such as which parts are covered and any limitations or restrictions. It is important to clarify these details to ensure you make informed decisions about your repairs. For example, some policies may cover all OEM parts, while others may only cover certain types. There may also be restrictions based on the age or mileage of your vehicle, or the type of repairs being carried out.

After you have confirmed the details of the coverage, you can request to have OEM coverage added to your policy with the help of your insurance agent. Finally, review your policy again after the addition of OEM coverage to ensure that it is included and meets your needs.

In some cases, your insurance company may not cover the full cost of OEM parts, so it is important to be prepared to pay the cost difference if necessary. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your vehicle is repaired with OEM parts, maintaining its performance and value.

Insurance companies that offer OEM coverage

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coverage is an add-on that guarantees your car repairs will be completed with original parts. If you don't have this insurance, your mechanic will use aftermarket parts instead.

Some insurance companies offer policies that specifically include collision car insurance, ensuring that genuine, manufacturer-approved components are used in vehicle repairs. However, insurance companies prefer to use aftermarket parts to keep costs down.

• State Farm
• Geico
• Progressive
• Allstate
• Liberty Mutual
• American Family
• Nationwide
• The Cincinnati Insurance Co.
• AIG
• Chubb

State Farm, Geico, and Progressive are considered the best auto insurance companies that offer OEM parts coverage.

If your insurance company doesn't offer OEM coverage, you can still request OEM parts for any repairs, but you'll have to pay the difference.

Frequently asked questions