Insurance Claims: Will OEM Parts Be Used?

After your vehicle has been involved in an accident, you initiate a claim with your insurance provider and head to a nearby auto body shop for repairs. Most people don't think much about the parts being used during this process, assuming that the insurance company just wants the car to be safe and ready to drive again before leaving the shop.

However, many insurance companies try to save money by cutting corners. This might involve asking customers to send photos of the damage via a mobile app or suggesting the use of aftermarket parts instead of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. Some carriers even refuse to cover high-quality OEM parts altogether.

The Importance of OEM Parts

When it comes to choosing between OEM versus aftermarket parts, there's usually quite a bit of discussion among automotive professionals and enthusiasts. OEM parts are typically favored because they match the manufacturer's original design and performance specifications exactly. Meanwhile, aftermarket parts can vary significantly—they may come with a warranty and be fairly close to OEM quality, or they could be low-quality, ill-fitting pieces without any warranty at all. Without doing thorough research, using aftermarket parts can be risky.

Up until the 1970s, auto body shops would only use OEM parts for repairs. But then there was a push toward aftermarket parts, which brought down costs but also led to an unregulated market where not all parts were properly tested before hitting store shelves. While you might save money upfront by opting for aftermarket parts, they tend to degrade faster due to inferior materials and poor fitting.

Ask About the Parts Being Used

The next time your vehicle needs repairs, inquire whether the auto body shop uses OEM or aftermarket parts. Generally speaking, many shops prefer aftermarket options, though DaSilva’s Auto Body sticks to OEM parts for every job. It’s worth noting that not all states require shops to disclose this information—Connecticut included.

If you opt for aftermarket parts, ensure they're covered by a warranty. If they are, get all the details in writing so there’s no confusion later on.

Talk to Your Insurance Provider

Of course, the auto body shop isn’t the only factor here. You should also reach out to your insurance provider to discuss coverage and repair specifics. Depending on your situation, you might:

• Need to upgrade your policy to one that includes coverage for OEM parts. Such policies usually come with a higher premium.
• Have to negotiate with your insurer regarding the type of work done. They might agree to cover repairs involving aftermarket parts, but you’d still need to cover the extra cost for OEM ones.

What About Older Vehicles?

For vehicles over 10 years old, manufacturers may stop producing corresponding parts. In these cases, tracking down OEM parts becomes difficult, and aftermarket or used parts might be the only viable options. Before any repairs begin, ask the auto body shop if they have OEM parts available for your specific make and model.

At DaSilva’s Auto Body, we not only use OEM parts for repairs but also collaborate closely with your insurance provider to keep you informed throughout the claims process. Whether you need major repairs or routine maintenance, feel free to schedule an appointment today.

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