[nukezero]

I found out that my insurance company, Allstate indemnity, does not use OEM parts to replace your car in the event of the collision.

In that sense, they told me they use aftermarket parts of like and kind. I had an accident in my TSX and they told me they used a bumper that was of the same model year of my car. That to them is considered "aftermarket" of like-and-kind.

So I'm curious, if my car ever gets in an accident, do they sell aftermarket BMW bumpers, headlights, or something for our cars? Are they like made in china crap? My assumption was that they would source parts from other crashed BMWs. But I'm not sure what they mean by aftermarket.

To me, aftermarket means "not made originally from the manufacturer" and made by a 3rd party company. However, the insurance says of course if your bumper is OEM grade, you won't get like aftermarket fiberglass bumper either. It will be of the same grade/quality. Doesn't that mean that they sourced it from their own junkyard of a similar car?

So does anyone's auto insurance give you guys new parts?

[gtaccord]

They will used aftermarket, used, refurbished or otherwise if it is cheaper than the new bmw part. Aftermarket could mean "chinese crap" or just non bmw but oem part. Many companies will let you pay a little more to specify oem only. I haven't gotten around to talking to progressive about this yet.

[bender rodriguez]

The one thing with BMW its kinda hard to find aftermarket parts for it.. Not like you are driving a honda or chevy.. So for the most part you will end up with OEM

[BOBKUR]

Originally Posted by nukezero

I found out that my insurance company, Allstate indemnity, does not use OEM parts to replace your car in the event of the collision.

In that sense, they told me they use aftermarket parts of like and kind. I had an accident in my TSX and they told me they used a bumper that was of the same model year of my car. That to them is considered "aftermarket" of like-and-kind.

So I'm curious, if my car ever gets in an accident, do they sell aftermarket BMW bumpers, headlights, or something for our cars? Are they like made in china crap? My assumption was that they would source parts from other crashed BMWs. But I'm not sure what they mean by aftermarket.

To me, aftermarket means "not made originally from the manufacturer" and made by a 3rd party company. However, the insurance says of course if your bumper is OEM grade, you won't get like aftermarket fiberglass bumper either. It will be of the same grade/quality. Doesn't that mean that they sourced it from their own junkyard of a similar car?

So does anyone's auto insurance give you guys new parts?

Your in Good Hand's. They will screw you!

[Tom K.]

I'm insured by Allstate and have used the same body shop for ten years. The body shop insists on OEM parts and Allstate cheerfully pays for them.

Tom

[Staszek]

You dont have to go to their shop you can opt to have them pay you and go to your own. If you have a good shop you can get OEM for what they offer to fix the car. I have done that in the past.

[AWil335i]

My dad owns a body shop... I get what I want.

[chrisk03]

BMW Insurance by Liberty Mutual is the only one I know of that uses OEM from the get go. I'm sure other ins co's would be more than happy to, as well...for the right premium.

[apme123]

Insurance companies always try to cheap out on repairs. You have the right to have the vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice. Take it to a BMW certified auto body shop. They will use OEM parts.

[John 070]

They use "used" when available. Often, they will state used was not available, and give you aftermarket. I believe if your vehicle is below a certain age, not sure if it's 18 or 12 or 9 mos., then they will specify new.

[shata]

Most insurrances will let you take it anywhere you want the catch is, If they give you 5k to fix car and Bmw collision center says 8k well you do the math ur paying for it or your taking it somewhere cheap/'er.

[SharkBait]

Originally Posted by shata

Most insurrances will let you take it anywhere you want the catch is, If they give you 5k to fix car and Bmw collision center says 8k well you do the math ur paying for it or your taking it somewhere cheap/'er.

A good shop will work with the insurance company's claims adjuster to determine a repair cost that includes OEM parts and back to factory spec.

[bumere90]

depends on the insurance company and the adjuster

[dreamspeed]

Never heard of an insurance company saying they don't use OEM parts. Usually I can just get a check and I can use the money however I want

[georgelb]

Originally Posted by dreamspeed

Never heard of an insurance company saying they don't use OEM parts. Usually I can just get a check and I can use the money however I want

Right, but that check is based off of an estimate using OEM, Refurbished,and/or Aftermarket parts.

[Ml3456]

Country companies uses OEM for first 4 years, then tries to go aftermarket . Never saw used though.

[wilbur_the_goose]

I needed a front bumper replaced in my Honda Civic Coupe. They used a refurbished bumper, and I can't tell the difference. Looks great.

[PINeely]

I'd prefer OEM for anything mechanical or electric but for body and interior there is nothing wrong with refurbished parts. A good shop isn't going to go get a bumper with a big tear in it, stitch it back together and rattle-can it.

[dreamspeed]

Originally Posted by georgelb

Right, but that check is based off of an estimate using OEM, Refurbished,and/or Aftermarket parts.

Well the several times that i've been in that situation i've been able to bring the car to a body shop of my choice and they produced a quote based on repairing the car the way I wanted them to.

So I guess the bottom line is that in my experience I have found that my demands have always been within reason for the insurance companies.

[nukezero]

I understand that I have to right to have any shop do the repairs, but Allstate told me they reserve the right to provide refurbished parts or aftermarket parts for that matter.

My understanding of insurance companies is that, when a car gets totaled, they pay you the current value of the vehicle and take your car. Then they salvage all the parts and store it in a warehouse. The parts get re-used for other customers who have the same exact car and then the recycle/refurbish it. Is this how it works?

[nightops]

Originally Posted by nukezero

I understand that I have to right to have any shop do the repairs, but Allstate told me they reserve the right to provide refurbished parts or aftermarket parts for that matter.

yes i had this conversation with them too before i dropped them. they kept raising my rates like clockwork. Most all companies do this unless the car is very new in which case they are forced to use oem. but, as mentioned if you use your own shop or whatever they pay according to the cost of the parts that they are able to source, aftermarket or otherwise. the important stuff like engine parts and the like would have to be oem.

[pruettfan]

This is the reason I had my car repaired at a BMW certified collision center, they will not use non-BMW parts so the insurance company is SOL. They will use used genuine parts when they are in like new condition as was the case with my tail light