“Crash part” means a replacement for any of the non-mechanical sheet metal or plastic parts which generally constitute the exterior of a motor vehicle including inner and outer panels.

The purpose of the above explanation is to explain to the consumer what they should expect when their damaged vehicle is repaired with Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts versus the aftermarket alternative parts available in the marketplace and utilized heavily by insurance companies. We witness estimates prepared by insurers such as Geico, Progressive, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and many others that are written line after line using parts that are not manufactured by the original maker of the vehicle. You can easily figure out what your insurance company will utilize during your repairs by reading your Auto Insurance Policy under the caption of Auto Damages – Limits of Liability within the section that covers what they owe. If the word “alternative” or other than OEM parts is listed then your crash parts will be non-OEM imitation parts.

Visualize parts such as bumpers, hoods, fenders, lights, windshields, radiators, A/C condensers, moldings, etc. If these type of parts are available in the market place, many insurance companies will automatically select them for the repair of your damaged vehicle. Many carriers will also select internal structural parts such as Radiator Supports and Bumper Reinforcements which are to be considered impact, crash specific parts. These are specifically listed as Do Not Use by the original manufacturers of all automobile manufacturers. The key word is SAFETY. Every one of these parts listed is crash tested by the original manufacturer of the vehicle and designed to withstand the force of an impact to deploy your air bags and restraint systems to safeguard and protect the driver and occupants of the vehicle. Non-OEM parts cannot guarantee this.   If you allow your insurance company to utilize non-original parts you are jeopardizing the safety, health and welfare of those riding in your vehicle. Let us prove it to you right now…

THINK CRASH TESTING

Every automobile manufacturer crash tests hundreds of brand new vehicles every year. In addition, The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute (NHTSI) crash tests between 90-150 new vehicles every year as well. The purpose of these crash tests is to assure the vehicle’s engineering and designs are working in the best interest of the motoring public. Our federal government and the automobile manufacturers are focused on the safety of the vehicle being manufactured and the parts installed performing in accordance to the safety guidelines written to protect those being transported.  

Here is a news flash: not one of these brand new vehicles tested has been built using non-OEM, imitation, or counterfeit parts. It is all common sense, however, the insurance industry ignores all safety-related testing and forces policy holders to accept aftermarket, non-OEM, imitation parts based entirely on cost savings. They sell you a policy based on their propaganda and then stick it to you by forcing poorly made parts on your vehicle.

PLEASE READ YOUR AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE POLICY

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!