2006-12-22 07:14:27 · 8 answers · asked by Mr. V 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Insurance & Registration
You can't insist on original parts (OEM) unless your auto policy clearly says so. Almost all insurance companies now have a clause stating that the most cost effective parts will be used and depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle that can range from aftermarket, used or reconditioned parts.
-If you insist on original parts then you can pay the difference. For example, a used bumper is found by the insurance company for $100 and an original (OEM) bumper costs $400, then you can pay the difference ($300).
---If you disagree with the other insurance company then you can attempt to resolve the damages through your insurance company and the other insurance company can forward you your deductible. If it's your insurance company that's resolving your car's damages then you can't do anything. Ask your agent to help you interpret your policy.
-Regarding totaling your vehicle....no insurance company will total a vehicle based on anyone's request. First, an estimate is written, then the car's value is taken into consideration (Kelly or NADA bluebook), then pre existing damage and excessive mileage is considered and finally a salvage value of your car is taken.
-Some companies will total a vehicle within 80% of the vehicles threshold (value). Call your agent!
2006-12-23 12:59:08 · answer #1 · answered by Sal G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another note from an adjuster...most people don't realize that just because a part is deemed OEM (factory part), it doesn't mean it isn't manufactured at the same plant the aftermarket part is.
The OEM parts are just stamped and sold for more $. Secondly, people are always worried that a used or aftermarket part will not fit right.
If you go to a dealer lot and look at the way the headlights on 5 different models of a new car line up, you'll find that they are not all congruent. There are a lot of cars leaving the lot that have unmatched body line fits.
People just don't realize this until they decide to get picky about it after picking up their cars from a body shop, then blame the body shop.
And the note from the guy with a Mercedes that "thought" he was working the insurance company by using a body shop that would deal with the insurance for him....It is an extremely rare occasion to find available aftermarket parts for Mercedes' so he would have had the same OEM parts at any shop. The shop he went to just reeled him in by telling him they would get the insurance to pay for OEM parts and he bought it.
And OEM parts don't come with any warranty. This is definitely something to think about when you get your car repaired.
2006-12-23 01:25:23 · answer #2 · answered by hrd2keeplow 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No to both questions.
Aftermarket parts are usually just as good or better than OEM parts, and come with a better warranty. Just make sure any aftermarket parts used are "CAPA" certified. This ensures they have met rigorous standards for quality and fit.
LKQ (used/recycled) parts are going to be from a vehicle which is the same age or newer. All the parts on your damaged vehicles are technically LKQ as well, since you've been driving it around since you purchased it. These are also going to come with a guarantee.
As to totaling your vehicle, this isn't an arbitrary decision that an insurance company can make at your request. The cost to repair the vehicle has to exceed the cost of classifying it a total loss. If you pick a quality repair shop or better yet, go to the one your insurance company sends you to, you can be guaranteed your vehicle will be put into its pre-loss condition.
Be careful of the shop you go to. A lot of disreputable shops make money off of taking the estimate written by the insurance adjuster and buying less quality parts. Maybe a non-CAPA part or an LKQ part which isn't safe to use.
To sum up my advice, non-OEM parts are just as good provided they're purchased from the right place, and go to a shop recommended by the insurance company so you can get a guarantee on the quality of the work done on your car. Good luck!
2006-12-22 16:08:28 · answer #3 · answered by ezlndylan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. You can insist your vehicle be repaired with new OEM parts, however, YOU will be responsible for the difference in costs. You can also ask the insurance company to total it but unless it IS a total loss then save your breath. You are frustrated because your car is wrecked but making dumb@ssed demands from the insurance company is pointless. They (we) have heard it all x10,000. Your best bet is to have your vehicle repaired at a top-notch collision repair facility. They will put your vehicle as near to pre-loss condition as possible and will not use inferior parts. Do not misunderstand -- just because it's 'aftermarket' doesn't mean it isn't quality. Millions of batteries, tires, belts, antifreeze, oil, brake components etc, etc. are sold every hour around the globe that meet or far exceed OEM specs. There isn't an insurance company in existence that will force a shop or you to accept parts that are inferior. If poor replacement parts are delivered the insurance company will have to replace them with acceptable ones, used parts or possibly OEM. If you get combative you will have a very hard time with the insurance adjuster(s).
2006-12-22 21:57:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't know if it depends on your insurance provider, but yes, my insurance company let me use original parts. The body shop I chose insisted upon it. I crashed (my friend actually) my Mercedes, and I took the car to a highly reputable body shop that laughed at my insurance company's original estimate, and said they would take care of dealing with the insurance company for me. The body shop insisted on using only the best original equipment parts and highest quality everything, because of their reputation. And they talked to the insurance company, and the insurance company paid everything.
I don't think you can make the decision to "total" the car though.
2006-12-22 15:19:18 · answer #5 · answered by MBA Grad Student 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No to both questions. Like Kind and Quality parts are what they cover. If you didn't have a brand new vehicle, they won't allow for brand new parts. If the vehicle is repairable you don't get the option of having it totaled.
2006-12-22 15:19:42 · answer #6 · answered by Chris 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can take where ever you want. at least here in the usa. depending on how much you owe on it they will total it. but they cant say who you should take it to
2006-12-22 15:18:46 · answer #7 · answered by wofford1257 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
ori parts yes.
ask to total no--thats ins call.
2006-12-22 15:48:00 · answer #8 · answered by cork 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋