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Auto Insurance Claims/OEM parts v. after market parts

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Expert: webfoot - 11/20/2006


Question
Why won't my insurance company pay for OEM parts, which I
prefer, but demand that I have after market parts installed?

Thanks for your answer. p.s. I live in Wisconsin if that
has any bearing.

Answer
The insurance policy is a contract that conforms to state law.  It states what the insurance company owes for as far as parts are concerned and likely states that they can use aftermarket parts.  However, they also have the duty to make sure that the parts are up to the same quality standards as OEM.  If the body shop can show the insurance company that the aftermarket parts are inferior, then the insurer has a duty to use a better product.  Being that the shop is a direct repair facility for the insurance company, both are on the hook for warranty and neither want to pay for the job twice so they will work out any part issues.  

As far as aftermarket crash parts are concerned there are some things that you want to keep in mind. The AM industry has changed allot over the last 20 years.  Due to computer aided design and manufacturing processes, high quality AM parts are really just as good as or better than most OEM.  When it comes to sheet metal (hood, fenders) they should only be using CAPA certified parts.  These parts are subject to continuous testing to assure OEM quality.  Bumper covers are made of plastic and have nothing to do with safety.  They either fit or they don't.  I've never had any problems with aftermarket Integra covers.  Structural parts such as the radiator support are only available from Acura.  Cooling parts such as the radiator and condenser are actually not made by the OEM manufactures.  Acura buys these parts from aftermarket suppliers and then sells them in Honda/Acura labeled boxes. Same thing with many other "OEM" parts such as brakes, hoses, belts, spark plugs, glass, batteries, bulbs, struts, shocks, bearings, etc.  Acura does not manufacture any of these items and for the most part, neither do any other OEM manufacturer.


There is also the option of using LKQ (used) parts for the sheet metal.  Keep in mind that these are not wear items.  Once it's been properly prepared and refinished, there is no difference between a new OEM hood and a used OEM hood.

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Auto damage, liability, insurance fraud. I am a full time auto insurance adjuster with experience in collision, theft, liability and fraud investigation. I am also an ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Collision Platinum certified. My experience includes 15 years in the auto repair industry, a B.S. in Criminal Justice, Law enforcement and auto insurance. ****** NO "PRIVATE" QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED. I HAVE FOUND THAT NEARLY ALL PRIVATE QUESTIONS COME FROM PEOPLE WHO ARE CONSIDERING OR ATTEMPTING TO COMMIT FELONY INSURANCE FRAUD AND I'M NOT HERE TO HELP YOU! ****** I AM HERE TO ANSWER AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR, CLAIMS PROCESS AND SOME SIMPLE LIABILITY QUESTIONS. I CANNOT ADDRESS COMPLEX LIABILITY SCENARIOS WITHOUT HAVING ALL OF THE INFO FROM BOTH SIDES IN FRONT OF ME. QUESTIONS ABOUT PREMIUMS OR HOW INSURANCE IS RATED SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO YOUR PERSONAL INSURANCE AGENT WHO KNOWS A WHOLE LOT MORE ABOUT YOUR HISTORY THAN I DO. I'VE NEVER SOLD INSURANCE AND DO NOT KNOW IF YOUR INDIVIDUAL INSURANCE RATES WILL GO UP IF YOU MAKE A CLAIM. THOUGH I'VE HANDLED SOME VERY MINOR SOFT TISSUE INJURY SETTLEMENTS, I PREFER NOT TO ANSWER INJURY RELATED QUESTIONS. I'M NO INJURY EXPERT AND I'LL LIKELY SAY SOMETHING TO HURT SOMEONE'S FEELINGS AS I BELIEVE THAT MANY SOFT TISSUE PAIN AND SUFFERING CLAIMS ARE OVER DRAMATIZED. UNLIKE MANY OTHERS, I AM ON THIS FORUM AS A VOLUNTEER WITH NO PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO SELL AND PROMISE AN UPFRONT ANSWER BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE IN BOTH SIDES OF THE INDUSTRY. IF YOU PROVIDE ME WITH A HONEST VERSION OF EVENTS, I PROMISE A CANDID AND HONEST ANSWER IN RETURN. I CANNOT ADDRESS ALL CLAIM SCENERIOS DUE TO DIFFERING STATE LAWS AND REGULATIONS, BUT WILL DO MY BEST. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT AN HONEST ANSWER MAY BE ONE THAT YOU DON'T LIKE SO IF THAT IS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM, PLEASE DON'T ASK THE QUESTION. LASTLY, I DO NOT ACCEPT RATINGS AS I DON'T DO THIS FOR RATINGS AND WISH TO SPEAK FREELY.

Experience

20 years in automotive industry, Currently in insurance claims, worked actively as technician and shop owner until about 10 years ago. Current ASE Master Auto Tech and I-Car Platinum Collision Certifications, B.S. Criminal Justice and 10 year auto insurance/extended warranty background

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