OEM vs. Aftermarket Parts: What You Need to Know Before Your Repair

When your vehicle goes in for collision repair, one of the most important decisions that gets made is what type of replacement parts will be used. This decision can affect how well the parts fit, how your vehicle looks after the repair, how it performs in a future accident, and even its resale value. Yet most vehicle owners have never been told they have a say in the matter.

At Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center in Lafayette, Indiana, we believe you deserve to understand your options. Here is a straightforward look at the different types of collision repair parts and what each one means for your vehicle.

The Four Types of Collision Repair Parts

In the collision repair industry, replacement parts generally fall into four categories. Each has distinct characteristics, advantages, and drawbacks.

OEM Parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that built the original parts on your vehicle. If you drive a Honda, OEM parts come from Honda. If you drive a Ford, they come from Ford. These parts are produced using the same specifications, materials, tooling, and quality control processes as the originals that came on your car when it rolled off the assembly line.

The key advantages of OEM parts include:

• Guaranteed fit: Because they are made to the exact same specifications as your original parts, OEM components fit precisely without modification. This means tighter panel gaps, flush alignment, and a finished result that looks factory-original.
• Consistent quality: OEM parts undergo the same quality control as original production parts. You know exactly what you are getting in terms of material composition, thickness, and durability.
• Safety performance: Structural OEM parts are designed and tested to work with your vehicle's crash energy management system. They are engineered to absorb and transfer impact forces in specific ways.
• Warranty protection: Using OEM parts ensures that your vehicle manufacturer's warranty remains intact. Some manufacturers will not honor warranty claims on vehicles repaired with non-OEM parts.
• Resale value: Vehicles repaired with OEM parts generally maintain higher resale values because buyers and dealers prefer vehicles that have been restored to factory specifications.

The primary drawback of OEM parts is cost. They are typically more expensive than alternatives, sometimes significantly so. This is a major reason why insurance companies often push for non-OEM options.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are manufactured by third-party companies, not the vehicle's original manufacturer. These companies reverse-engineer the original parts and produce their own versions. Aftermarket parts vary widely in quality depending on the manufacturer.

Here is what you should know about aftermarket parts:

• Lower cost: Aftermarket parts typically cost 20% to 50% less than their OEM counterparts. This is their primary selling point and the main reason insurance companies prefer them.
• Variable quality: This is the most important thing to understand about aftermarket parts. Some aftermarket manufacturers produce high-quality parts that closely match OEM specifications. Others cut corners on materials, thickness, and precision. Without testing or inspecting each part individually, it can be difficult to know which you are getting.
• Fit issues: Even high-quality aftermarket parts frequently require additional labor to achieve proper fitment. Gaps may be uneven, mounting points may not align perfectly, and additional trimming or adjustment may be needed. This extra labor can offset some of the cost savings.
• No safety testing: Unlike OEM parts, aftermarket collision parts are not tested by the vehicle manufacturer for crash performance. An aftermarket fender or bumper reinforcement may look similar to the original but may not perform the same way in an accident.

Recycled (Used) Parts

Recycled parts, also called salvage or used parts, are genuine OEM parts removed from another vehicle. Typically these come from vehicles that were totaled due to damage in a different area than the part being harvested. For example, a front fender might be salvaged from a vehicle that was rear-ended.

• OEM quality at lower cost: Since recycled parts were originally manufactured by the vehicle maker, they offer OEM fit and quality at a reduced price, usually 25% to 50% less.
• Environmentally friendly: Reusing parts keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for new manufacturing.
• Condition varies: The main risk with recycled parts is their condition. They may have hidden damage, wear, fading, or corrosion that is not immediately apparent. A reputable recycled parts supplier will inspect and grade their inventory, but quality still varies.
• Color matching: A recycled panel from another vehicle will almost certainly be a different color and will need to be repainted, adding to the overall cost.

Reconditioned Parts

Reconditioned parts are previously damaged parts that have been repaired and restored for resale. A dented hood might be straightened, filled, and repainted before being sold as a reconditioned part. These are the least common option and carry the most uncertainty about long-term quality and structural integrity. Most reputable shops use reconditioned parts sparingly, if at all.

What Your Insurance Company Prefers (and Why)

Insurance companies are businesses, and controlling repair costs is a significant part of their operations. Most insurance policies include language that allows the insurer to specify the use of aftermarket or recycled parts in collision repairs. This can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars per claim.

You may see language in your policy like "parts of like kind and quality" or "LKQ parts." This is the insurance industry's way of authorizing the use of non-OEM components. While this language is standard, it is important to understand that you are not always locked into whatever parts your insurance company selects.

Your Rights as a Consumer in Indiana

Indiana law gives vehicle owners important protections when it comes to collision repair parts. Key points to be aware of include:

• Disclosure requirements: If non-OEM parts are used in your repair, the estimate must clearly identify them. You have the right to know what type of parts are being installed on your vehicle.
• Right to choose your shop: Your insurance company cannot require you to use a specific repair facility. You have the legal right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice.
• Right to request OEM parts: You can request OEM parts for your repair. In some cases, you may need to pay the difference in cost between OEM and aftermarket parts out of pocket. However, for newer vehicles or leased vehicles, many insurance policies will cover OEM parts.

When OEM Parts Matter Most

While the OEM versus aftermarket debate has nuances, there are situations where OEM parts are particularly important:

• Newer vehicles: If your vehicle is less than three to five years old, OEM parts help maintain its value and ensure that all systems function as the manufacturer intended.
• Leased vehicles: Most lease agreements require that repairs be performed using OEM parts. Using aftermarket parts on a leased vehicle could result in penalties at lease return.
• Structural components: Parts that are part of your vehicle's crash energy management system, such as bumper reinforcements, rail sections, and structural pillars, should always be OEM. These parts are specifically engineered and tested for safety performance.
• ADAS-related components: Parts that house or mount Advanced Driver Assistance Systems sensors, such as bumper covers with radar sensor openings or brackets for forward-facing cameras, need to be the correct specification for these systems to work properly.
• Vehicles with manufacturer warranties: If your vehicle is still under the manufacturer's warranty, using non-OEM parts could potentially give the manufacturer grounds to deny future warranty claims.

Our Approach at Bob Rohrman Collision Repair Center

As an Acura-Honda ProFirst Certified shop and I-CAR Gold Class facility, we take the question of parts quality seriously. We work with our customers to ensure they understand their options and make informed decisions. Here is how we approach the parts question:

• We clearly identify the type of every part on your estimate, so you always know what is being used.
• We advocate for the use of OEM parts when they are important for safety, fit, and finish, and we work with your insurance company to justify their use.
• When aftermarket parts are used, we inspect them carefully for proper fit and quality before installation. If a part does not meet our standards, we send it back and request a replacement.
• We are transparent about the trade-offs involved with each type of part, so you can make the decision that is right for your situation and budget.

Our lifetime warranty covers our workmanship regardless of what parts are used, giving you confidence that the repair will stand the test of time. If you have questions about what type of parts are specified on your estimate, we encourage you to ask. Understanding your repair is your right, and we are here to help you exercise it.