OEM Versus Aftermarket

Parts Guide

Photo Estimates Are Written Low On Purpose, Don't Lose Money to the trap

Aftermarket vs OEM Parts Guide

The parts used on your repair have a huge impact on safety, fit, appearance, and resale value. Insurance companies often choose cheaper parts that save them money and cost you value. This guide explains the difference between aftermarket and OEM parts and how it affects your payout.

Upload Your Estimate For Parts Review

Common Aftermarket and OEM Part Questions

What is an OEM part

OEM means original equipment manufacturer. These are parts made by the same company that built your vehicle or its official supplier. They match factory specs for fit, function, and safety.

EstiVerify checks your estimate to see which parts are OEM and which are not.

What is an aftermarket part

Aftermarket parts are made by companies that did not build your vehicle. Some are good quality. Many are built to be cheaper than OEM, not better.

EstiVerify shows where your insurer swapped OEM parts for cheaper aftermarket parts.

What is a recycled or LKQ part

Recycled or LKQ parts come from salvage yards. They can be OEM parts taken off a different vehicle. Quality depends on age, mileage, and prior damage.

EstiVerify helps you see when recycled parts were used and how that affects your repair and value.

What is a reconditioned part

Reconditioned parts are used parts that have been repaired or refinished. Common examples are reconditioned wheels, bumpers, and headlamps.

EstiVerify flags reconditioned parts so you know where your repair may be less than factory fresh.

Why does my estimate list so many different part types

Insurers mix OEM, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned parts to control cost. Most customers never notice the codes on the estimate.

EstiVerify decodes the part lines and shows you exactly what they plan to put on your car.

Why is the insurance company pushing aftermarket parts

Aftermarket parts are usually cheaper than OEM. Using them lowers the claim payout and saves the insurer money.

EstiVerify calculates how much cost they shaved off your claim by switching to aftermarket parts.

Why do they say aftermarket parts are just as good as OEM

That statement is common in claims. Some aftermarket parts are good. Many do not match OEM fit, corrosion protection, or crash performance.

EstiVerify shows where the part choice may affect quality, not just cost.

Why did they say OEM parts are not necessary for my car

Insurers say OEM is not necessary to justify cheaper parts. They focus on basic function, not long term value, safety, or resale.

EstiVerify helps you see when OEM parts matter most for your repair and future value.

Why does the estimate use aftermarket parts on one side and OEM on the other

This happens when one side was damaged in a previous crash or when the insurer is trying to split cost savings across the repair.

EstiVerify shows how mismatched parts can affect appearance and value.

Why did they say my policy only allows aftermarket

Some policies are written to favor non OEM parts. Other times adjusters use this line even when you have room to request OEM.

EstiVerify helps you understand how the part choices on the estimate line up with your policy and state rules.

Do aftermarket parts fit as well as OEM parts

Fit varies. Some aftermarket parts fit well. Others require extra labor, adjustment, or still do not line up perfectly.

EstiVerify checks which panels and parts are most likely to cause fit issues when aftermarket is used.

Can aftermarket parts affect safety

Yes. Crash parts like bumpers, reinforcements, and structural components are designed to work together as a system. Cheap copies may not crush or absorb energy the same way.

EstiVerify flags any critical safety related parts that were written as aftermarket.

Can aftermarket headlamps and sensors cause problems

Lighting and sensor parts are sensitive. Aftermarket versions may not aim correctly or work smoothly with your vehicle electronics.

EstiVerify highlights where aftermarket electronics could create long term issues.

Why does my shop complain about aftermarket parts

Shops deal with poor fit, extra time, and customer comebacks when aftermarket parts fail. Many prefer OEM for quality and fewer problems.

EstiVerify shows where the shop is right and how insurer part choices affect the repair.

Can aftermarket parts cause more noise, wind leaks, or vibration

Yes. Poor fit can create panel gaps, wind noise, rattles, or water leaks. These issues are common complaints after cheap parts are used.

EstiVerify reviews your part list so you know where this risk is highest.

Do aftermarket parts lower my resale value

They can. Buyers and dealers look at repair quality. OEM parts and documented OEM repairs usually protect value better than cheap parts.

EstiVerify shows you how part choices can affect resale or trade value later.

Will dealers care if my car was fixed with aftermarket parts

Many dealers do. They may offer less on trade when repairs were done with cheap parts that affect appearance and quality.

EstiVerify helps you understand how the current estimate may cost you money at trade in time.

Can aftermarket parts increase my diminished value

Yes. If an accident already lowered your value, using non OEM parts can increase the loss in value.

EstiVerify checks for both diminished value and part related value loss in your claim.

Why is the insurance company not talking about how parts affect value

They focus on getting the car back on the road at the lowest cost. Future value is rarely their priority.

EstiVerify makes future value a priority and shows you how part choices change your long term money outcome.

Can I ask for OEM parts to protect my vehicle value

In many cases yes. Your rights depend on your policy, the age of the vehicle, and state rules.

EstiVerify helps you understand when it makes sense to push for OEM to protect your vehicle value.

Do I have the right to insist on OEM parts

It depends on your policy and your state. Some policies allow non OEM parts if they are described as comparable. Some states limit that.

EstiVerify cannot change your policy, but we can show how much money the part choice changes in your claim.

Why does my policy say like kind and quality

Like kind and quality is vague language that insurers use to justify non OEM parts as long as they claim the part is comparable.

EstiVerify highlights where the part choice does not feel like kind and quality at all.

Can the shop refuse to install cheap aftermarket parts

Some shops refuse parts that do not meet their quality standards. Others install what insurance approves to keep the job moving.

EstiVerify helps you see which parts are most risky, so you know what to discuss with your shop.

What if the insurer will only pay for aftermarket and I want OEM

In many cases you can choose to pay the difference out of pocket. This still means the insurer underpaid the claim compared to a proper OEM repair.

EstiVerify shows you that difference in real dollars so you can decide.

Can I dispute the use of aftermarket parts

Yes. You can question part choices, ask for OEM on safety or electronics items, or request a review based on vehicle age and value.

EstiVerify gives you a clear list of parts to challenge and why.

How do I read my estimate to see which parts are aftermarket

Estimates use codes and abbreviations that are not obvious. AM, QRP, A, RECOND, and LKQ all mean different things.

EstiVerify reads your estimate for you and explains every part type in plain language.

What should I ask my adjuster about parts

You can ask why aftermarket was chosen, whether OEM is available, and how part choices affect your warranty and value.

EstiVerify gives you a simple list of questions to ask when you call.

What should I ask my shop about parts

Ask whether they are comfortable with the parts listed, how often they see issues with those brands, and whether they recommend OEM instead.

EstiVerify shows you which lines to highlight with your shop so you do not miss anything.

How much money can part choices take off my claim

Switching OEM parts to cheaper versions can remove hundreds or even thousands of dollars from your claim without you noticing.

EstiVerify calculates how much they saved on parts and how much value you lost in the process.

How do I get a clear picture of my repair and part choices

You get that picture by having a collision expert look at your estimate and flag every cost saving choice that affects quality, safety, or value.

EstiVerify gives you that review in plain language so you can decide what to push back on and how much money is at stake.

Do Not Let Cheap Parts Quietly Drain Your Claim

The part choices on your estimate can quietly remove hundreds or thousands of dollars from your claim and lower your vehicle value. EstiVerify reviews your estimate and shows you exactly where part choices are costing you money.

Upload Your Estimate For Parts Review