I am going to buy a car & opt for a car insurance...so please tell me what are after market parts & their effect on insurance!
Tobby Leggry
Total Comments: 16
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 08:36 am Post Subject:
If your car gets repaired with parts that are not manufactured by the original company it is then said to be repaired with after-market parts. The problem with the after-market parts is that you don't have any control over the quality of it. It can be equal, good or even bad in quality.
After-market parts are most cost effective than the original parts. So it saves some money on the insurer's part.
You need to read your policy document carefully to know your insurance company's policy regarding the use of after-market parts to repair your car. Some companies cover both OME and after-market parts but some may only cover after-market parts. Therefore, you need to acquaint yourself well with the terms and condition of your policy to avoid any sudden sock.
Regards,
Juanita
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 09:03 am Post Subject: Check with your state's law
Hi there, which state are you from? Because different states have different policies regarding the use of aftermarket parts for repairing cars. The state of Minnesota doesn't allow the insurers or the body shop owners to use aftermarket parts on cars. It is against the state laws. I've come to know about this law when I got involved in an accident in Minnesota. Therefore, check with your state's policies regarding the use of aftermarket parts before using any in your car. Use of aftermarket parts may affect your car's future insurability also. Timberlake
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 09:36 am Post Subject:
Right, different states follow different policies about the use of aftermarket parts in auto. Therefore, the insurance company's policy also varies widely. However, we can categorize them as following:
Some states have given a free-will to the insurance companies regarding the use of aftermarket parts in cars. The insurance companies can install aftermarket parts in your vehicle without your consent.
In some states the insurance companies are only required to give an intimation to their customers that aftermarket parts are being used in his/her car.
Some other states, however, show some leniency in this matter. In these states the insurance companies have to obtain the customer's approval before using any aftermarket parts in his/her car.
Most of the US states fall into the upper three categories. The only exception is Minnesota which someone has already mentioned above.
Thanks, Fatman
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:31 pm Post Subject:
Aftermarket parts are any part not manufactured by the OEM, (orginal equipment manufactor, or Non-original equipment).
There is the potential of two questions here, and it is not clear which one Tobby wants the answer to. Will a/m parts already on my vehicle have an effect on premium? Or repairing a damaged vehicle with a/m parts?
Most policies will cover aftermarket parts, that are damaged or distroyed in a covered loss that have been added to the vehicle, (for instance), from minor additions such as head/tail lamp covers, rain channels, all the way to custom ground effects, dvd players, televisions etc. For a specific amount/limit ($1000.00 is the average I think, and I am speaking from the point of veiw of my state and companies I know about), anything above that is not covered unless properly endorsed, the endorsement is usually called, 'additional equipment' or something like that. Toby, if your vehicle already has some a/m parts or add ons, then you would want to make sure of your coverage/limit, if you have a 3k stereo, and some custom interior pieces, etc, that exceed that coverage limit, talk with your agent about adding an endorsement that increases that limit, if you need it.
A/M parts used in collision repair process;
First let me point out that there are a few companies that offer (at an additional cost), an endorsement that specifies ONLY OEM parts be used in a repair, (I wish they all did certainly would make my job easier! :lol:)
"The problem with the after-market parts is that you don't have any control over the quality of it. It can be equal, good or even bad in quality."
This isn't necessarily true. There is a national ratings system for a/m parts, and most insurance companies that utilize a/m parts in their repairs will only use ones that have been given a CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) certification/rating, (there are other ratings that specific a/m companies/vendors also have such as 'platinum plus' which generally but not always will not only have the capa certification but go beyond that).
Here is what CAPA actually is (from their web site);
The Certified Automotive Parts Association is a non-profit organization that certifies the quality of automotive parts used for collision repairs. CAPA oversees a testing and inspection program that certifies the quality of automotive parts used for collision repairs. CAPA ensures that parts meet quality standards for fit, component materials, and corrosion resistance. CAPA is not a manufacturing, marketing or sales organization. The CAPA program provides consumers, auto body shops, part distributors and insurance adjusters with an objective method for evaluating the quality of certified parts and their functional equivalency to similar parts manufactured by automotive companies. CAPA was founded to promote price and quality competition in the collision part industry, thereby reducing the cost of crash repairs to consumers without sacrificing quality.
Does that mean that every single capa certified part is perfect...no it does not, (but let me tell you oem isn't either), but by and large the majority will have no problems, and it might be a good time to point out as well that the capa parts (FROM THE VENDOR) generally carry a longer (better) warranty than the OEM part.
CAPA certification is the generally used industry standard. All CAPA certified parts have a seal affixed to them that is supposed to be tamper resistant. Let me add here, that not all parts are subject to capa certification, in other words not all parts will even qualify for the capa certification, but nearly all do. Currently, three specifications that set quality standards for metal (CAPA 101), plastic (CAPA 201) and lighting (CAPA 301) are in place. Each specification provides detailed testing and inspection procedures to ensure the quality of the parts covered by that specification. Where possible, all test procedures refer to the nationally recognized tests such as those of ASTM and SAE. Having pasted that, you should still understand that doesn't mean that every single body style fender has qualified for a capa certification, again though most are.
There are strengent tests preformed on these parts. Go to the CAPA web page for full information.
When I began my career a/m parts were an absolute nightmare, didn't fit, never knew what you were getting, etc. But that was prior to the or at the beginning of the CAPA cerification, that has changed, and with a few exceptions, there are no problems. Would I put a capa certified, (and some that are not ie condensors, radiators etc) a/m parts on a vehicle of mine that is over a year old? Yes, I would have no problem doing so.
Something else that I feel is important to point out. Most states, will allow an insurer to use the most cost effective means, (while maintaining quality and safety), to repair a vehicle, and most require that identification of these parts be clearly evident on an estimate. Also there are rules or SOP'S (standard operating procedures) that are company specific regarding these parts, for instance, will not use a/m structures, will only use capa if the part qualifies for capa certification, will not use a/m parts on a vehicle that is less than 1 year old or less than a specific mileage (ie 12 or 15k).
In sumation (finally huh?), simply by virtue of a part being 'aftermarket' does not make it a bad part. After all do you think that Ford, (chevy toyota whoever), made your windshield, tires, struts, (I could go on and on), no they didn't those parts are manufactored by an aftermarket company. If an insurance carrier only used new oem (reman parts are a different category all together, but also save costs), parts can you imagine what our premiums would be? Mercy, they are so high already........
Hope this helps, please fire away with any additionally needed info. Also I tried but couldn't find a webpage that laid all the states out regarding their laws on aftermarket part usage. But if you would like to let us know your state, I'd be happy to check for you.
One more common misconception; The use of a/m parts will void my manu. warranty....false, in all cases I have investigated, this is simply NOT true. (ie) Regarding a new vehicle warranty. Rarely does the use of aftermarket parts violate a new-vehicle warranty. The only case where a vehicle manufacturer can void the warranty is if the aftermarket part is proven to be responsible for the warranty claim. Further, it is also illegal on the part of the dealer to state that the use of an aftermarket part will void the warranty. Emmisions warranties and I think CA (along with a few other states) have some different wording, but I think the general discussion here is about collision repair....
lori
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 05:58 pm Post Subject: after market vs oem
In the state of MN is it true that when a car is damaged no matter what year the car is, is the owner entitled to OEM parts. I have a 1998 Altima that the shop has written all oem parts and tells us that this is a state law that the owner has the choice. Need an anser soon.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:14 pm Post Subject:
This is absolutely 100% correct....I just worked a MN policy that was in an accident in my state of MO, but I still had to abide by the MN policy....ONLY if the vehicle owner ok's the use of non-oem parts can they be used. Otherwise all OEM must be used....Why you might wonder would an owner ok non-oem parts? To save the vehicle from totaling...
Let us know if we can assist you any further...
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:58 am Post Subject: Confused...
My neighbor hit my car. His insurance company is telling me that I have two options, one being after-market parts, or used parts pulled from another car. This accident took place in Minnesota. Am I correct in understanding that they have to use brand new parts on my car if that's what I request?
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 02:06 pm Post Subject:
No I think that's only on first party (insured) claims...it's written right into the contract...which would have nothing to do with you....depending on the yr/make/model of the vehicle would help me decide which parts "I" would put on my car...if you let us know which parts we are talking about we would be glad to give you our opinions...
Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 08:43 pm Post Subject:
Optional OE Parts Policy
Division of Insurance allows insurance companies to charge YOU more for proper repairs!
Way back in December of 2000, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance issued Bulletin 2000-15 Revised.
Bulletin 2000-15 is an optional auto policy endorsement allowing insurers to charge you an additional premium for the use of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for the repairs to your auto.
Mike, please I'm beggin' ya'. :cry: ..don't make me read it's been a long week already...(Looks like specific to MASS anyway right?)
Do you know which states offer, or don't offer the NEW OEM part endorsement or is it available in all states? I have NEVER ran across it in MO...so I assume, we haven't been blessed with this ... :?
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 08:36 am Post Subject:
If your car gets repaired with parts that are not manufactured by the original company it is then said to be repaired with after-market parts. The problem with the after-market parts is that you don't have any control over the quality of it. It can be equal, good or even bad in quality.
After-market parts are most cost effective than the original parts. So it saves some money on the insurer's part.
You need to read your policy document carefully to know your insurance company's policy regarding the use of after-market parts to repair your car. Some companies cover both OME and after-market parts but some may only cover after-market parts. Therefore, you need to acquaint yourself well with the terms and condition of your policy to avoid any sudden sock.
Regards,
Juanita
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 09:03 am Post Subject: Check with your state's law
Hi there, which state are you from? Because different states have different policies regarding the use of aftermarket parts for repairing cars. The state of Minnesota doesn't allow the insurers or the body shop owners to use aftermarket parts on cars. It is against the state laws. I've come to know about this law when I got involved in an accident in Minnesota. Therefore, check with your state's policies regarding the use of aftermarket parts before using any in your car. Use of aftermarket parts may affect your car's future insurability also. Timberlake
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 09:36 am Post Subject:
Right, different states follow different policies about the use of aftermarket parts in auto. Therefore, the insurance company's policy also varies widely. However, we can categorize them as following:
Most of the US states fall into the upper three categories. The only exception is Minnesota which someone has already mentioned above.
Thanks, Fatman
Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 12:31 pm Post Subject:
Aftermarket parts are any part not manufactured by the OEM, (orginal equipment manufactor, or Non-original equipment).
There is the potential of two questions here, and it is not clear which one Tobby wants the answer to. Will a/m parts already on my vehicle have an effect on premium? Or repairing a damaged vehicle with a/m parts?
Most policies will cover aftermarket parts, that are damaged or distroyed in a covered loss that have been added to the vehicle, (for instance), from minor additions such as head/tail lamp covers, rain channels, all the way to custom ground effects, dvd players, televisions etc. For a specific amount/limit ($1000.00 is the average I think, and I am speaking from the point of veiw of my state and companies I know about), anything above that is not covered unless properly endorsed, the endorsement is usually called, 'additional equipment' or something like that. Toby, if your vehicle already has some a/m parts or add ons, then you would want to make sure of your coverage/limit, if you have a 3k stereo, and some custom interior pieces, etc, that exceed that coverage limit, talk with your agent about adding an endorsement that increases that limit, if you need it.
A/M parts used in collision repair process;
First let me point out that there are a few companies that offer (at an additional cost), an endorsement that specifies ONLY OEM parts be used in a repair, (I wish they all did certainly would make my job easier! :lol:)
"The problem with the after-market parts is that you don't have any control over the quality of it. It can be equal, good or even bad in quality."
This isn't necessarily true. There is a national ratings system for a/m parts, and most insurance companies that utilize a/m parts in their repairs will only use ones that have been given a CAPA (Certified Automotive Parts Association) certification/rating, (there are other ratings that specific a/m companies/vendors also have such as 'platinum plus' which generally but not always will not only have the capa certification but go beyond that).
Here is what CAPA actually is (from their web site);
The Certified Automotive Parts Association is a non-profit organization that certifies the quality of automotive parts used for collision repairs. CAPA oversees a testing and inspection program that certifies the quality of automotive parts used for collision repairs. CAPA ensures that parts meet quality standards for fit, component materials, and corrosion resistance. CAPA is not a manufacturing, marketing or sales organization. The CAPA program provides consumers, auto body shops, part distributors and insurance adjusters with an objective method for evaluating the quality of certified parts and their functional equivalency to similar parts manufactured by automotive companies. CAPA was founded to promote price and quality competition in the collision part industry, thereby reducing the cost of crash repairs to consumers without sacrificing quality.
Does that mean that every single capa certified part is perfect...no it does not, (but let me tell you oem isn't either), but by and large the majority will have no problems, and it might be a good time to point out as well that the capa parts (FROM THE VENDOR) generally carry a longer (better) warranty than the OEM part.
CAPA certification is the generally used industry standard. All CAPA certified parts have a seal affixed to them that is supposed to be tamper resistant. Let me add here, that not all parts are subject to capa certification, in other words not all parts will even qualify for the capa certification, but nearly all do. Currently, three specifications that set quality standards for metal (CAPA 101), plastic (CAPA 201) and lighting (CAPA 301) are in place. Each specification provides detailed testing and inspection procedures to ensure the quality of the parts covered by that specification. Where possible, all test procedures refer to the nationally recognized tests such as those of ASTM and SAE. Having pasted that, you should still understand that doesn't mean that every single body style fender has qualified for a capa certification, again though most are.
There are strengent tests preformed on these parts. Go to the CAPA web page for full information.
When I began my career a/m parts were an absolute nightmare, didn't fit, never knew what you were getting, etc. But that was prior to the or at the beginning of the CAPA cerification, that has changed, and with a few exceptions, there are no problems. Would I put a capa certified, (and some that are not ie condensors, radiators etc) a/m parts on a vehicle of mine that is over a year old? Yes, I would have no problem doing so.
Something else that I feel is important to point out. Most states, will allow an insurer to use the most cost effective means, (while maintaining quality and safety), to repair a vehicle, and most require that identification of these parts be clearly evident on an estimate. Also there are rules or SOP'S (standard operating procedures) that are company specific regarding these parts, for instance, will not use a/m structures, will only use capa if the part qualifies for capa certification, will not use a/m parts on a vehicle that is less than 1 year old or less than a specific mileage (ie 12 or 15k).
In sumation (finally huh?), simply by virtue of a part being 'aftermarket' does not make it a bad part. After all do you think that Ford, (chevy toyota whoever), made your windshield, tires, struts, (I could go on and on), no they didn't those parts are manufactored by an aftermarket company. If an insurance carrier only used new oem (reman parts are a different category all together, but also save costs), parts can you imagine what our premiums would be? Mercy, they are so high already........
Hope this helps, please fire away with any additionally needed info. Also I tried but couldn't find a webpage that laid all the states out regarding their laws on aftermarket part usage. But if you would like to let us know your state, I'd be happy to check for you.
One more common misconception; The use of a/m parts will void my manu. warranty....false, in all cases I have investigated, this is simply NOT true. (ie) Regarding a new vehicle warranty. Rarely does the use of aftermarket parts violate a new-vehicle warranty. The only case where a vehicle manufacturer can void the warranty is if the aftermarket part is proven to be responsible for the warranty claim. Further, it is also illegal on the part of the dealer to state that the use of an aftermarket part will void the warranty. Emmisions warranties and I think CA (along with a few other states) have some different wording, but I think the general discussion here is about collision repair....
lori
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 05:58 pm Post Subject: after market vs oem
In the state of MN is it true that when a car is damaged no matter what year the car is, is the owner entitled to OEM parts. I have a 1998 Altima that the shop has written all oem parts and tells us that this is a state law that the owner has the choice. Need an anser soon.
Posted: Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:14 pm Post Subject:
This is absolutely 100% correct....I just worked a MN policy that was in an accident in my state of MO, but I still had to abide by the MN policy....ONLY if the vehicle owner ok's the use of non-oem parts can they be used. Otherwise all OEM must be used....Why you might wonder would an owner ok non-oem parts? To save the vehicle from totaling...
Let us know if we can assist you any further...
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:58 am Post Subject: Confused...
My neighbor hit my car. His insurance company is telling me that I have two options, one being after-market parts, or used parts pulled from another car. This accident took place in Minnesota. Am I correct in understanding that they have to use brand new parts on my car if that's what I request?
Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 02:06 pm Post Subject:
No I think that's only on first party (insured) claims...it's written right into the contract...which would have nothing to do with you....depending on the yr/make/model of the vehicle would help me decide which parts "I" would put on my car...if you let us know which parts we are talking about we would be glad to give you our opinions...
Posted: Tue Mar 17, 2009 08:43 pm Post Subject:
Optional OE Parts Policy
Division of Insurance allows insurance companies to charge YOU more for proper repairs!
Way back in December of 2000, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance issued Bulletin 2000-15 Revised.
Bulletin 2000-15 is an optional auto policy endorsement allowing insurers to charge you an additional premium for the use of genuine original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts for the repairs to your auto.
To read the entire article www.wreckcheckboston.com/oe_policy.html
Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2009 10:35 pm Post Subject:
Mike, please I'm beggin' ya'. :cry: ..don't make me read it's been a long week already...(Looks like specific to MASS anyway right?)
Do you know which states offer, or don't offer the NEW OEM part endorsement or is it available in all states? I have NEVER ran across it in MO...so I assume, we haven't been blessed with this ... :?
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