Three categories, plain English
OEM parts come from the vehicle manufacturer. Aftermarket parts come from third parties. Recycled parts are original parts salvaged from another vehicle. All three have legitimate uses; all three have situations where they're the wrong call.
Where it gets serious
- Structural components, where material and geometry are engineered for crash performance.
- Parts that mount radar, cameras or sensors, where small variations affect calibration.
- Parts where corrosion protection and fit determine how the repair ages.
What we do about it
We evaluate part by part. Where we believe a specific part type is necessary for a proper repair, we document why and make that case to the insurer. We'll also tell you honestly when a recycled or aftermarket part is a perfectly good option — because sometimes it is.
Common Questions
Should I insist on OEM parts?
It depends on the part and your policy. OEM is most important for structural components and parts that carry safety sensors. We'll tell you where it matters on your specific vehicle and document that position for the insurance company.