Some owners are very picky when it comes to putting used or aftermarket body parts on their vehicles. Often, we at Collision Authority are asked by our customers if they have to use these parts. The answer can vary depending on the situation.
Most insurance policies today have clauses in them that allow for the use of such parts as they may deem necessary. If you’ve signed the contact, then you have agreed to these terms. If you still have concerns at the time of repair (maybe regarding the warranty or resale value) you can petition your insurance company to use factory parts. Sometimes they will accommodate you but this may create a delay in the repair process while you wait for their upper management to respond. If you are the claimant, or the person not responsible for the accident, there is some controversy as to your right to choice. In these instances, you should make your preference known.
The customer always has the option of using original factory parts provided you pay the difference in cost compared to the aftermarket versions. For example, if a factory hood costs $450 and the aftermarket version is only $350, you would have to pay the $100 difference. There are times when the aftermarket version may not fit properly. When this happens, the insurance company will pay for factory part. The only problem with this situation is that it may cause repair delays, as the aftermarket part must be fitted first.
Now finally, let’s address the used parts issue. Some customers think that used body parts are inferior to new body parts. This is completely untrue. Since the part came off of the same type of vehicle, the fit and form are the same. The only times we see any problems with used body parts is if they come from the wrecking yard damaged. That can cause more delays in the process as that part will have to be repaired first. We also direct our remarks to body parts and not wearable items; body parts are durable while other parts from a used vehicle may not be suitable as replacement parts.
Feel free to contact us at Collision Authority for more information by clicking on this link for all your auto body repair needs in Las Vegas and the surrounding valley.
Tags: after market auto body parts, do i have to use after market parts, las vegas auto body