By Proline Auto Body
OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket: What Insurance Companies Don't Always Tell You
If you’ve been in a car accident in California, there’s a good chance you’ll hear terms like OEM parts, aftermarket parts, recycled parts, and used parts while reviewing your repair estimate.
For most drivers, that’s when the questions start.
What’s the difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts? Are aftermarket parts safe? Will insurance pay for OEM parts? Can you choose which parts go on your vehicle? And do you have to use the auto body shop recommended by your insurance company?
These are important questions, especially with today’s vehicles. Modern cars can have cameras, radar, sensors, advanced materials, and safety systems built into areas that might look like ordinary bumpers, body panels, or mirrors.
At Proline Auto Body in Burlingame, California, we believe you should understand what’s being proposed before your vehicle is repaired.
Here’s what California drivers should know about OEM parts vs. aftermarket parts, insurance estimates, and choosing a collision repair shop.
OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Parts: What’s the Difference?
Let’s start with the basics.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
In California collision repair regulations, an OEM crash part is a crash part made for or by the original vehicle manufacturer.
In simpler terms, these are replacement parts associated with the manufacturer of your vehicle and designed for that vehicle’s specifications.
Depending on the repair, using the correct parts can affect things such as:
Fit and alignment
Panel gaps
Appearance
Corrosion protection
Structural repairs
Cameras and sensors
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Manufacturer repair procedures
That doesn’t mean every collision automatically requires every damaged component to be replaced with a new OEM part. The repair needs to be evaluated based on the vehicle, damage, manufacturer’s repair information, parts availability, and other factors.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are replacement parts made by companies other than the original vehicle manufacturer.
There are many different aftermarket manufacturers, so quality isn’t necessarily the same from one part to another.
California’s Department of Insurance states that non-OEM replacement parts used to repair a vehicle must be comparable to OEM parts in kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance.
So simply seeing the word “aftermarket” doesn’t tell you everything you need to know.
The better questions are:
What part is being proposed? Why is it being used? Is it appropriate for this repair?
What Are Used or Recycled Parts?
You may also see used or recycled parts included in a collision repair estimate.
Unlike a newly manufactured aftermarket part, a recycled part generally comes from another vehicle.
Depending on the component and its condition, a used part may be considered for certain repairs.
What’s important is knowing what is actually being installed on your vehicle.
California requires repair documentation to properly identify applicable parts, rather than leaving the customer guessing.
Why Might Aftermarket Parts Appear on a California Insurance Estimate?
Cost can be one factor when an insurance claim is being evaluated, but insurance coverage is more complicated than simply saying that an insurer “wants the cheapest part.”
Your coverage depends on your individual insurance policy and the circumstances of the claim.
An estimate may include OEM, non-OEM aftermarket, used, reconditioned, or rebuilt parts depending on the repair and applicable coverage.
That’s why we recommend reading the estimate rather than focusing only on the total at the bottom.
Look Closely at How the Parts Are Identified
California has specific requirements regarding collision repair estimates.
For auto body and collision repairs, each new replacement crash part listed on the repair estimate is treated as an OEM crash part unless it is specifically identified as a non-OEM aftermarket or used crash part.
California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair also states that vague terms such as “Opt-OEM,” “Alt-OEM,” “OEM-Surplus,” “Like Kind Quality,” or “Quality Replacement Part” do not satisfy its identification requirements for these parts.
That gives California consumers useful information when reviewing a collision repair estimate.
If you’re unsure what something means, ask the repair facility before authorizing the work.
Do Insurance Companies Have to Pay for OEM Parts in California?
This is where it’s important not to make a blanket statement.
There isn’t a simple rule saying that every California insurance claim must pay for new OEM parts in every situation.
Your coverage can depend on your policy, the type of claim, the vehicle, the repair, and other circumstances.
If using OEM parts is particularly important to you, review your auto insurance coverage before an accident happens and ask your insurance agent or carrier what your policy provides.
After an accident, you can also ask:
What type of replacement parts are included in my estimate?
Are the parts OEM, non-OEM aftermarket, or used?
What does my policy cover?
What repair procedures apply to my vehicle?
Are there differences between the insurer’s estimate and the repair facility’s estimate?
Getting clear answers can make the repair process much easier to understand.
Your Collision Repair Rights in California
This is something every California driver should know.
You Can Select Your Auto Body Repair Shop
Under California Insurance Code Section 758.5, an insurance company cannot require you to have your vehicle repaired at one specific auto body shop.
An insurer can recommend a repair facility under circumstances allowed by California law, but the decision about where your vehicle is repaired belongs to you.
So, if you’ve been in an accident in Burlingame, San Mateo, Millbrae, San Bruno, South San Francisco, or elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, you don’t automatically have to take your vehicle to the first collision center suggested during the insurance claims process.
You can research your options and select a repair facility you trust.
You Have a Right to an Itemized Estimate
California’s Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights says consumers are entitled to an itemized written estimate for auto body repairs and a detailed invoice when repairs are completed.
The documentation must include an itemized list of parts and labor and identify applicable parts as new, used, aftermarket, reconditioned, or rebuilt.
Don’t be afraid to actually read the estimate.
If something doesn’t make sense, ask.
You Can Get an Independent Repair Estimate
California consumers can also seek an independent repair estimate directly from a registered auto body repair shop even when pursuing an insurance claim.
This can be helpful if you want another professional assessment of the damage or simply want to better understand what your vehicle needs.
Manufacturer Repair Procedures Matter
One of the most important parts of collision repair isn’t visible after the car leaves the shop.
It’s how the repair was performed.
California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair states that auto body and frame repair procedures must be performed according to the original equipment manufacturer’s service specifications when those procedures are available.
That’s an important distinction.
Collision repair isn’t simply about making a damaged area look good again.
Proper repair can involve specific procedures for:
Structural components
Sectioning
Welding
Aluminum repairs
Corrosion protection
Measuring
Attachment methods
Vehicle electronics
Cameras and sensors
Calibration requirements
The procedures can differ from one manufacturer and vehicle to another.
Why OEM Certification Matters in Modern Collision Repair
Modern vehicles can require specialized knowledge, equipment, training, and repair procedures.
That’s where OEM certification can become important when you’re choosing an auto body shop.
An OEM certification program can establish requirements involving technician training, tools, equipment, repair capabilities, and other standards specific to a vehicle manufacturer.
Proline Auto Body is a Certified Collision Center for numerous vehicle manufacturers, including:
Alfa Romeo
Audi
Honda
Acura
Toyota
Tesla
Subaru
Kia
Ford
Hyundai
Genesis
Infiniti
GM
Jeep
Fiat
Ram
Chrysler
Dodge
Nissan
Mazda
Volvo
If you drive one of these vehicles in the San Francisco Bay Area, asking whether a collision repair facility holds the appropriate manufacturer certification is a reasonable question to ask before repairs begin.
OEM Parts Can Be Especially Important on Today’s Vehicles
Twenty years ago, a bumper repair could be considerably simpler than it is on many modern vehicles.
Today, seemingly ordinary parts of a car can interact with sophisticated technology.
Cameras, Radar, and ADAS
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, commonly called ADAS, can include features such as:
Automatic emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Blind spot monitoring
Lane departure warning
Forward collision warning
Parking assistance
Sensors or cameras associated with these systems may be located in or around bumpers, windshields, mirrors, grilles, and other areas affected by a collision.
Depending on the vehicle and repair, inspections, scans, measurements, or calibrations may be necessary.
That’s one reason parts selection shouldn’t be viewed in isolation.
The part, repair procedure, installation, and any required calibration all work together.
Structural Repairs
The same idea applies to structural repairs.
Today’s vehicles can use combinations of high-strength steels, aluminum, and other materials.
Repairing structural damage correctly may require specific equipment, attachment methods, measurements, and manufacturer procedures.
Proline Auto Body specializes in auto body repair, structural repair, and aluminum repair, making these areas a major focus of our Burlingame collision repair facility.
OEM Doesn’t Automatically Mean the Entire Repair Is Correct
This is an important point.
Installing an OEM part by itself doesn’t guarantee a quality collision repair.
Likewise, it isn’t accurate to assume that every aftermarket part is automatically unsafe or poor quality.
A proper repair involves much more than the logo on the replacement part.
It can include:
Correct repair procedures
Proper equipment
Qualified technicians
Structural measurements
Correct materials
Welding and attachment procedures
Corrosion protection
Paint and refinishing
Scanning and calibration when required
Final quality control
The goal should be to understand the complete repair, not just one line on the estimate.
What Should Bay Area Drivers Ask After an Accident?
If your vehicle needs collision repair, you don’t need to become an insurance or auto body expert overnight.
A few good questions can go a long way.
Ask Your Insurance Company
Ask:
What does my policy cover regarding OEM, aftermarket, and used parts?
You can also ask the insurer to explain anything on its estimate that isn’t clear.
Ask Your Collision Repair Shop
Ask what parts are being proposed and why.
If the repair involves structural damage, aluminum, cameras, sensors, or other advanced vehicle systems, ask whether manufacturer repair procedures or calibrations apply.
Ask About OEM Certification
Find out whether the collision center is certified to repair your vehicle’s make.
This is particularly useful if you own a newer, luxury, electric, or technologically advanced vehicle.
Review the Final Invoice
When you receive your vehicle back, review the final repair invoice.
Make sure you understand what repairs were performed and what parts were installed.
Choosing a Collision Repair Shop in Burlingame and the San Francisco Bay Area
After an accident, it’s easy to choose whichever shop is most convenient.
But collision repair can affect much more than appearance.
When comparing auto body shops in the Bay Area, consider:
OEM certifications
Experience with your vehicle manufacturer
Structural repair capabilities
Aluminum repair capabilities
Technician training
Modern repair equipment
Manufacturer repair procedures
Warranty coverage
Insurance claim experience
Customer service
Proline Auto Body has served the San Francisco Bay Area for more than two decades and is located at 1300 Rollins Road in Burlingame, California.
Our team provides collision repair for customers throughout Burlingame, the Peninsula, and the greater Bay Area, with an emphasis on professional service, quality repairs, modern repair technology, and OEM certification.
FAQs About OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Parts in California
What does OEM mean on an auto repair estimate?
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer. In California collision repair regulations, an OEM crash part is a crash part made for or by the original vehicle manufacturer.
Are OEM parts better than aftermarket parts?
OEM parts are made for or by the original vehicle manufacturer, while aftermarket parts come from other manufacturers. Aftermarket quality can vary. California requires non-OEM replacement parts used in repairs to be comparable to OEM parts in kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance.
Can an insurance company use aftermarket parts in California?
Non-OEM aftermarket parts can be used in California collision repairs under applicable requirements. Your individual insurance coverage and repair circumstances can affect what the insurer will pay for. California also has requirements concerning how replacement parts are identified on repair documentation.
Does my insurance company have to pay for OEM parts in California?
Not necessarily in every situation. Coverage depends on your policy and claim. If OEM parts are important to you, review your policy and ask your insurer specifically what coverage applies.
Can I request OEM parts for my collision repair?
You can ask your collision repair facility and insurance company about OEM parts. Whether an insurer will pay all associated costs depends on your coverage and the circumstances of the claim.
Can my insurance company make me use its preferred body shop in California?
No. California law says an insurance company cannot require you to have your vehicle repaired at a specific auto body repair shop. Insurers can make recommendations under circumstances allowed by California law, but consumers have the right to select a repair facility.
Can I get my own collision repair estimate in California?
Yes. California’s Auto Body Repair Consumer Bill of Rights states that consumers can seek and obtain an independent repair estimate directly from a registered auto body repair shop even when pursuing an insurance claim.
How can I tell whether my estimate includes aftermarket parts?
Read the parts descriptions carefully. California collision repair estimates have requirements for identifying new OEM, non-OEM aftermarket, and used crash parts. If you’re uncertain about a description, ask the repair facility to explain it before authorizing repairs.
Does a California auto body shop have to follow manufacturer repair procedures?
California’s Bureau of Automotive Repair states that auto body and frame repair procedures must be performed according to OEM service specifications when those procedures are available.
Why should I choose an OEM-certified collision center?
OEM certification can indicate that a collision repair facility has met requirements established by participating vehicle manufacturers. Depending on the certification program, those requirements can involve training, tools, equipment, facility capabilities, and repair procedures.
Is Proline Auto Body OEM certified?
Yes. Proline Auto Body is a Certified Collision Center for numerous manufacturers, including Audi, Honda, Acura, Toyota, Tesla, Subaru, Kia, Ford, Hyundai, Genesis, Infiniti, GM, Jeep, Fiat, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, Nissan, Mazda, Volvo, and Alfa Romeo.
Where is Proline Auto Body located?
Proline Auto Body is located at 1300 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010, serving drivers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Peninsula.
Does Proline Auto Body work with insurance claims?
Yes. Proline Auto Body works with individual vehicle owners, insurance companies, dealerships, and fleet accounts and provides claim support as part of its collision repair services.
What services does Proline Auto Body offer?
Proline Auto Body provides estimates, claim support, auto body repairs, structural repairs, aluminum repairs, collision-related mechanical services, paint services, detailing, glass replacement, and towing services.
Have Questions About Your Collision Repair Estimate?
If you’ve been in an accident in Burlingame, the Peninsula, or elsewhere in the San Francisco Bay Area, don’t be afraid to ask questions before authorizing your collision repair.
Find out what parts are being proposed. Ask what your insurance policy covers. Understand the repair procedures required for your vehicle. And remember that in California, you have the right to select the auto body repair facility you trust.
At Proline Auto Body, our team combines more than two decades of Bay Area collision repair experience with modern equipment, experienced technicians, and extensive OEM certifications.
If you have questions about your repair or insurance estimate, we’re here to help.
Proline Auto Body
1300 Rollins Road
Burlingame, CA 94010
650-239-9998
