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Your
insurance company can't require you to use only certain kinds of auto
repair parts. However, if the insurance company's rates are based on a
certain type of part and you want something different, it can ask you to
pay the difference if the part you want is more expensive.
The parts most frequently damaged in auto accidents are "crash parts".
These are the sheet metal pieces that cover the engine and frame of the
car. There are two sources for crash parts: auto manufacturers, who sell
them under their own names, also known as original-equipment
manufacturers (OEMs), and generic or aftermarket crash parts suppliers.
Studies have demonstrated that these crash parts do not affect the
safety of the car. The development of a market in generic parts has
brought prices for car replacement parts down and can help consumers
save money.
In general, if generic parts have been ordered for the repair of your
car, this information must be disclosed. The car repair order should
state that the parts are not from the original manufacturer and the
warranty may be different. Many generic parts are made at the same
factories as OEM parts, and in fact very few OEM parts are actually made
by car makers.
Insurance companies that use generic parts guarantee the parts they use.
If the part doesn't fit properly, the insurance company will generally
put on an OEM part at no extra cost.
Some auto insurance companies offer their policyholders a choice between
OEM and generic repair parts as part of an endorsement (addition to the
policy that changes its terms and conditions) that includes other
choices as well. Some always specify OEM parts for repairs and some use
OEM parts for repairing recent model cars. A few states require
insurance companies to offer generic parts when they exist and some may
require OEM parts to be used.
Ask your insurance agent about your state and your insurance company's
claim settlement guidelines so that you'll know what to expect if your
car has to be repaired after an accident.
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