Your insurance company may push for aftermarket parts. Here's what the difference actually means for your vehicle's safety, value, and warranty.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are parts made by your vehicle's manufacturer or an authorized supplier. They are identical to the parts originally installed on your vehicle when it was built. OEM parts are designed to fit perfectly, maintain your vehicle's safety ratings, and preserve your manufacturer's warranty.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers, not your vehicle's original manufacturer. They are typically less expensive than OEM parts and are widely available. Quality varies significantly among aftermarket manufacturers — some produce parts that are comparable to OEM quality, while others produce inferior parts that may not fit or perform as well.
What Does Your Insurance Company Prefer?
Most insurance companies prefer aftermarket parts because they cost less, which reduces the insurer's payout. However, in Texas, you have rights as a consumer. Texas law requires insurance companies to disclose when non-OEM parts are being used in a repair. You have the right to request OEM parts, though your insurer may require you to pay the difference in cost.
Does It Matter for Safety?
For structural components — frame rails, crumple zones, safety cages — OEM parts are strongly preferred because they are engineered to meet your vehicle's specific crash test and safety specifications. Aftermarket structural parts may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent accident.
For cosmetic parts such as bumper covers, fenders, and hoods, high-quality aftermarket parts from reputable manufacturers are often acceptable and may be difficult to distinguish from OEM parts once installed and painted.
Our Approach at Firebird Collision
We discuss parts options with every customer before beginning any repair. We use OEM parts for structural and safety-critical components whenever possible. For cosmetic parts, we use OEM or certified-equivalent aftermarket parts from reputable manufacturers. We never compromise on quality to reduce cost, and we are transparent about what parts are being used on your vehicle.