Do you have car damage that needs to be repaired or a part that needs to be replaced? You may assume that the repairs will be done using OEM parts, which means “Original Equipment Manufacturer”, but this isn’t always the case. If you are making a claim under your collision coverage, your auto insurance policy should stipulate the type of parts that will be used in your car repair.

OEM Parts and Insurance Policy

Don’t automatically assume that your auto insurance coverage covers OEM parts, unfortunately it doesn’t work like that. Before you make your choice, be sure to review the coverage you have in your auto insurance policy. Most insurance companies push for aftermarket parts because they share the same purpose for a cheaper price than OEM parts. Car owners, however, are mostly more concerned with safety features and high-quality parts and will more than likely push for original equipment manufacturer parts.

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts

OEM car parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer. They are designed to match the parts that came with your car when it rolled off the assembly line.

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Unlike OEM parts which are made by the original manufacturer, aftermarket parts are usually made by another company. Aftermarket parts are a cost-effective alternative to OEM parts, saving money for you and your insurer, but that doesn’t mean that their quality is inferior.

Are Aftermarket Parts Inferior?

It’s a common misconception that aftermarket parts are not as good as their OEM counterparts; in fact, in many cases, they may actually be better. Quality aftermarket parts are often made with better material and use more advanced technology than the original manufacturer part. This means that you’re getting a part that is at least as good, if not better, then what you originally had.

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Not All Aftermarket Parts are Created Equal

So how do consumers know whether or not they’re getting good aftermarket parts? That’s where the Certified Automotive Parts Association, or CAPA, comes in. This company, which is not affiliated with any manufacturer, operates a testing program to evaluate the quality and safety of parts used for collision repairs. Factors such as fit, performance, and quality of materials used are tested to determine whether an aftermarket part is as good as its OEM counterpart. When shopping around for an aftermarket part, look for the CAPA Certified seal.

When you take your car to the dealership for repairs, know you’ll get OEM car parts. However, if you go to an independent shop, you most likely will get aftermarket car parts. It does pay to know the difference between the two.

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to OEM vs. aftermarket parts. While some people won’t mind the extra cost of OEM parts, others are more cost-driven and will gladly accept the cheaper option – aftermarket parts.

When choosing between OEM and aftermarket parts, your decision will primarily depend on the kind of repair needed, plus the quality and cost of the parts. Ultimately, the choice is yours (unless your insurance policy does not cover OEM parts). You would be wise to verify in your auto policy that OEM parts are covered. Also, it does help to have an auto technician you can trust, so he/she can direct you toward the best option for your particular situation.