OEM or Aftermarket: Which Should You Choose?

Unfortunately, accidents happen. No matter how safely we try to drive, sometimes they just occur. However, you purchase auto insurance to help us pay for the costs of repairing your vehicle. Yet, now your mechanic is asking you whether or not you want OEM parts or aftermarket parts, and you were still busy looking up your deductible. Understanding what you need to know about repairs is important to keeping yourself from unnecessary headaches after you have been in an accident.

So, what are OEM and aftermarket parts? OEM parts are original equipment manufacturer parts, made by and for your car company. On the other hand, aftermarket parts are parts that fit your vehicle, but they are made by other manufacturers to be used for repairs or add-ons to your vehicle. Aftermarket parts can also be reconditioned parts, like rebuilt carburetors.

Although it may be your first reaction to believe that OEM parts are better than aftermarket parts, in fact there is little difference. Since aftermarket parts are often less expensive to use in repairs, many auto insurance providers require that they be used in fixing your vehicle after an accident.

You should check your policy, as many auto insurance providers will not reimburse you fully if OEM parts are used to fix you vehicle. This oversight can cost you a significant amount of money, as OEM parts can be twice as expensive as aftermarket parts. If you are trying to watch your budget, aftermarket parts may be in your best interest if you auto insurance provider requires them.

There are some auto insurance providers that encourage you to use OEM parts, and others that require you to use them without penalty. If you do not want to use aftermarket parts to repair your car, you may want to check into the companies that allow you to use OEM parts to fix your vehicle. Use it as a criteria when you obtain your auto insurance quotes.

So if there is negligible difference in aftermarket parts from OEM parts, why is there such a debate over what type of parts to use on your vehicle. One criticism of aftermarket parts is that they can decrease the resale value of your auto, as many dealers do check repair records on your vehicle when determining trade in values. Another criticism is that aftermarket parts are not subjected to the same rigorous crash testing as OEM parts, but the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has states that making cosmetic repairs to your vehicle with aftermarket parts does not decrease safety in an accident.

In the end, the decision regarding what types of parts to use are entirely up to you. Just understand that your auto insurance company may require you to use a specific type of parts, and by going against the requirements, you could pay a penalty. Also be prepared to know what to tell your mechanic when he or she asks what types of parts to use in the repairs. Some mechanics will not ask, so make sure you tell them if you want OEM or aftermarket parts used on your vehicle.

OEM or Aftermarket: Which Should You Choose?

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