OEM Versus Aftermarket

Parts Guide

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Aftermarket vs OEM Parts Guide

Collision estimates may include OEM, aftermarket, recycled, or reconditioned parts. Understanding the difference can help you ask better questions about fit, repair procedures, parts selection, and the overall repair plan. This guide explains the most common part types and what to look for on your estimate.

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Common Aftermarket and OEM Part Questions

What is an OEM part?

OEM means original equipment manufacturer. An OEM part is supplied through the vehicle manufacturer's parts system and is designed for the specific vehicle application.

EstiVerify reviews the estimate to help identify which listed parts appear to be OEM and which are identified as alternative part types.

What is an aftermarket part?

An aftermarket part is produced by a company other than the vehicle manufacturer and is designed as a replacement for the original part.

Quality, certification, fit, materials, and availability can vary by manufacturer and part.

What is a recycled or LKQ part?

A recycled part is generally an original vehicle component removed from another vehicle. Estimates may identify these parts as recycled, salvage, used, or LKQ.

The condition, mileage, age, prior use, and availability of the part may be relevant when evaluating the repair plan.

What is a reconditioned part?

A reconditioned part is a previously used component that has been repaired, restored, or refinished for reuse.

Wheels and certain other vehicle components may sometimes be listed as reconditioned on a collision estimate.

Why does my estimate list different types of parts?

Collision estimates may include a combination of OEM, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned parts based on the estimate, claim circumstances, parts availability, repair requirements, and other factors.

EstiVerify helps identify the part types listed on the estimate so you can better understand the proposed repair plan.

Why are aftermarket parts included on my estimate?

Aftermarket parts may be listed as an alternative to OEM parts. Cost, availability, policy considerations, state requirements, and estimating practices may affect parts selection.

EstiVerify reviews the estimate to help identify where aftermarket parts are listed and how those choices affect the estimated repair cost.

Are aftermarket parts the same as OEM parts?

They are not the same part source. OEM parts are supplied through the vehicle manufacturer's parts system, while aftermarket parts are produced by other manufacturers.

The quality and characteristics of aftermarket parts can vary. The specific part and repair application should be considered.

Why might OEM parts be important for some repairs?

Certain repairs may involve vehicle-specific fit, attachment methods, materials, sensors, electronics, or manufacturer repair procedures.

EstiVerify reviews the estimate and available repair information to help identify parts decisions that may deserve additional questions.

Why might my estimate use OEM parts in one area and aftermarket parts in another?

Parts selection may vary by component because of availability, pricing, repair requirements, manufacturer information, or the estimating decisions made for the claim.

EstiVerify helps you identify these differences on the estimate.

What if I am told my policy allows non-OEM parts?

Parts coverage and policy interpretation are insurance coverage questions.

You can ask the insurer to explain the applicable policy language. EstiVerify focuses on identifying the parts listed on the repair estimate and explaining the repair-related questions those choices may raise.

Do aftermarket parts always fit the same as OEM parts?

Fit can vary depending on the specific part and manufacturer.

A repair facility may evaluate panel alignment, mounting points, gaps, finish, and other fit considerations during the repair process.

Can parts selection affect the repair process?

Yes. Parts selection can affect availability, test fitting, repair time, refinishing, transfer of components, and other repair operations.

The specific effect depends on the part and the vehicle being repaired.

What should I know about replacement headlamps and electronic components?

Modern headlamps and electronic components may include modules, sensors, adaptive lighting features, or vehicle-specific programming requirements.

The repair facility should evaluate the replacement component and applicable manufacturer procedures for the specific vehicle.

Why might a repair shop question an aftermarket part?

A repair facility may raise questions about fit, condition, availability, certification, repair procedures, or prior experience with a particular replacement part.

Ask the shop to explain the specific concern with the listed part.

Can a poorly fitting replacement part create repair problems?

A part that does not fit correctly may create alignment, panel gap, attachment, sealing, or finish concerns.

The repair facility should inspect and test fit replacement parts as appropriate during the repair process.

Can parts choices affect how a repaired vehicle is evaluated later?

Collision history, repair quality, repair documentation, vehicle condition, and the parts used may all be considered by future buyers, dealers, or appraisers.

The effect can vary significantly by vehicle and repair.

Will a dealer care which parts were used in a collision repair?

A dealer or buyer may consider the vehicle's collision history and repair documentation when evaluating a trade or purchase.

How much weight is given to specific replacement parts can vary.

Can parts selection affect diminished value?

Diminished value can depend on the vehicle, accident history, severity of damage, repair quality, market conditions, and other factors.

Parts selection may be one factor considered in a broader diminished value evaluation, but it should not be evaluated in isolation.

Why is future vehicle value not shown on my repair estimate?

A collision repair estimate is primarily designed to document parts, labor, and repair operations associated with repairing the vehicle.

Future resale value and diminished value are separate evaluations.

Can I ask whether OEM parts are available?

Yes. You can ask the repair facility or insurer whether an OEM part is available and how the listed replacement part was selected.

You can also ask whether there are manufacturer procedures or vehicle-specific considerations related to the part.

Do I have the right to insist on OEM parts?

The answer can depend on your policy, the type of claim, state requirements, and the specific repair.

EstiVerify does not interpret insurance policies or provide legal advice. We help you understand which parts are listed on the estimate and identify repair-related questions worth asking.

What does like kind and quality mean?

The phrase may be used when discussing replacement parts or property of a similar type, condition, or quality.

If the phrase is being used as part of a coverage decision, ask the insurer to explain how it applies to your claim and the specific replacement part.

Can a repair shop question or reject a replacement part?

A repair facility may raise concerns if it believes a part has fit, condition, quality, or repair-related issues.

Ask the shop to document the specific concern and explain how it affects the repair.

What if the estimate lists aftermarket parts and I prefer OEM parts?

Ask the repair facility and insurer what options are available and whether there is a price difference.

Coverage and payment responsibility can depend on the claim and policy. EstiVerify can help identify the estimated cost difference shown by the available parts information.

Can I question the use of an aftermarket part?

Yes. You can ask why the part was selected, whether other part options are available, and whether the repair facility has concerns about the listed component.

Vehicle-specific repair procedures or part requirements may also be relevant.

How do I read my estimate to identify different part types?

Collision estimates may use abbreviations, descriptions, supplier information, or estimating-system indicators to identify part types.

EstiVerify reviews the estimate and explains the listed part types in plain language.

What should I ask my adjuster about replacement parts?

Ask why the part was selected, whether other part options were considered, and whether the decision is based on coverage, availability, pricing, or another factor.

If policy language is being referenced, ask which policy provision applies.

What should I ask my repair shop about replacement parts?

Ask whether the shop has concerns about the fit, condition, certification, or repair requirements associated with any listed replacement part.

You can also ask whether the shop expects additional labor or repair steps because of the selected part.

How much can parts choices change the estimated repair cost?

The difference can range from a small amount to a significant amount depending on the vehicle, number of parts involved, and available replacement options.

EstiVerify can help identify the estimated financial difference between listed part options when sufficient pricing information is available.

How does EstiVerify help me understand the parts listed on my estimate?

EstiVerify reviews the available collision estimate and identifies the listed part types, repair operations, and parts-related questions that may deserve closer review.

Our goal is to help you understand the repair plan in plain language so you can ask better questions and make more informed decisions based on the available information.

Know What Parts Are Listed Before the Repair Moves Forward

OEM, aftermarket, recycled, and reconditioned parts can all appear on a collision estimate. EstiVerify helps you understand which parts are listed, how the available options affect the estimated repair cost, and which parts-related questions may deserve a closer look.

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