What Is the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts?
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts are designed and built by the company that made your vehicle. They are identical to the parts your car had when it rolled off the assembly line, ensuring a perfect fit, correct structural performance, and seamless integration with safety sensors. Aftermarket parts are copies made by third-party manufacturers. While they are often cheaper, they may not meet the same rigorous safety, crash-testing, or durability standards as original factory components.
Does Arizona Law Allow Insurers to Write Estimates with Aftermarket Parts?
In Arizona, insurance companies are permitted to write repair estimates using aftermarket or salvage parts, but they must clearly disclose this on the estimate. However, they cannot compromise the structural safety of your vehicle. Insurance policies and local regulations vary, and your policy terms will dictate the specific language regarding parts replacement. Because we are an independent shop and do not participate in insurance Direct Repair Programs (DRPs), we advocate strictly for you, prioritizing OEM parts to protect your vehicle's safety and resale value.
How to Ensure Your Vehicle Receives OEM Parts
Securing OEM parts often requires a shop that is willing to stand up to the insurance company's cost-cutting measures. We serve drivers across Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Surprise, El Mirage, Youngtown, and west Phoenix by providing detailed, evidence-based repair plans. We prove to insurers why aftermarket parts are insufficient, particularly when dealing with critical structural components and sensitive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that require precise factory calibrations.
- Safety Sensors and ADAS: Aftermarket brackets and bumper covers can interfere with blind-spot monitors and lane-departure sensors.
- Structural Integrity: Crumple zones are engineered to perform exactly with OEM metal thickness and tensile strength.
- Warranty Protection: Using imitation parts can complicate your vehicle's factory warranty coverage.
- Resale Value: Vehicles repaired with cheap aftermarket parts often suffer from a steeper drop in trade-in value.
Do not let an insurance company dictate the safety of your vehicle. Contact Liberty Collision Center at (623) 931-2110 to discuss your repair estimate and learn how we fight for the OEM parts your vehicle deserves.