You have the right to request your insurance company use original equipment manufactured parts rather than aftermarket parts to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company deems these costs unreasonable, however, it might deny your claim.

Are insurance companies allowed to use aftermarket parts?

State Law requires that the use of aftermarket parts must be identified on the repair invoice. Regulations in California state that non-OEM (aftermarket) replacement parts are only permitted if the insurer can guarantee that the parts are equal in kind, quality, safety, fit and performance.

Can I request OEM parts?

Yes, you can always request original equipment manufacturer parts after you’ve had an accident. Some insurance companies might make you pay extra for OEM parts. After-market parts are parts made by a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer. Some states have laws concerning OEM parts.

What is OEM coverage?

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) coverage is additional car coverage you can purchase that helps to ensure aftermarket parts will not be used when repairs are made to your vehicle. OEM insurance coverage requires that your car will be rebuilt with original factory equipment when possible.

How long are OEM parts available?

Auto manufacturers are required by US Federal Law to have parts available for any models they sold for the period of 10 years.

Is OEM the same as original?

Every piece of the car as it exits the factory is an original part. Anything that is replaced, including a tail light, is no longer an original part. However, OEM parts are the same as the original in the sense that they are made by the same manufacturer, with the same materials, to the same specifications.

Can a car insurance company force you to use aftermarket parts?

Getting OEM Parts for Your Damaged Vehicle. You have the right to request your insurance company use original equipment manufactured parts rather than aftermarket parts to repair your vehicle. If the insurance company deems these costs unreasonable, however, it might deny your claim.

Can a car be repaired with used parts?

You can also insist that the car be repaired with the use of new parts rather than used or aftermarket parts. In addition to the repair costs, the fact that the car is now a wrecked car, even after its bee repaired, must be taken into account.

How much does it cost to replace aftermarket car parts?

But the actual cash value of your car is the cost to replace it with one similar to what you were insuring. With some insurance companies, collision and comprehensive coverage will automatically include some small amount for aftermarket parts, typically $1,000.

When are you entitled to brand-name car repair parts?

When something’s pulled out of a junk yard and it doesn’t work, there’s no one who’s held accountable, and it could lead to a situation where lives are at stake … When I’m putting my son in the car, I want to know that the car was restored under the safest conditions.”