After a vehicle accident, one of the most common questions drivers have is whether their car will be repaired with OEM parts or aftermarket parts. Understanding the difference between these types of parts - and your rights under Indiana law - can help you make informed decisions about your vehicle repair.
At Curry Collision Center in Bloomington, we believe drivers should understand exactly what parts are being used to repair their vehicle and how those parts may affect safety, fit, and long-term performance.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer.
OEM parts are replacement components made by the same manufacturer that produced the original parts on your vehicle. These parts are designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model.
Benefits of OEM parts often include:
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Exact factory fit and alignment
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Manufacturer-approved materials and specifications
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Consistent quality and durability
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Compatibility with vehicle safety systems
Because OEM parts are built to the original factory specifications, many vehicle owners prefer them when repairing accident damage.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are replacement parts made by companies other than the vehicle manufacturer. These parts are designed to function similarly to OEM parts but are produced by independent manufacturers.
Aftermarket parts may include:
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replacement body panels
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bumpers
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mirrors
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lighting components
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certain mechanical components
Some aftermarket parts are designed to closely match original equipment parts, while others may vary slightly in materials, fit, or finish.
What Indiana Law Says About Repair Parts
Indiana law includes consumer protections regarding the use of replacement parts in vehicle repairs.
When an insurance company is paying for repairs, the insurer must provide written notice informing the vehicle owner that they have the right to approve the type of parts used in the repair.
Drivers must be given the opportunity to choose between:
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new OEM parts manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer
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new non-OEM aftermarket parts
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recycled or used parts
This written notice allows the vehicle owner to approve the type of replacement parts before repairs begin.
Vehicle Age and OEM Parts in Indiana
Indiana law also includes an important factor related to vehicle age.
For vehicles that are five years old or newer, insurance companies must provide the policyholder with the option to approve the use of OEM parts during repairs.
For older vehicles, the insurance policy itself may determine what types of parts are covered for repairs. In many cases, insurers may specify aftermarket or recycled parts if they meet the requirements for reasonable repair.
Because insurance policies vary, it is always helpful to review the repair estimate and discuss parts options with your collision repair center.
Are Aftermarket Parts Safe?
Many aftermarket parts are manufactured to meet industry standards and may perform similarly to original equipment components.
However, the quality of aftermarket parts can vary depending on the manufacturer. Some parts may require additional adjustments during installation or may not match factory specifications as precisely as OEM parts.
A qualified collision repair center will inspect all replacement parts to ensure proper fit, safety, and performance before installation.
Understanding Your Options After an Accident
When your vehicle is being repaired after a collision, it's important to understand:
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what type of parts are included in the repair estimate
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whether those parts are OEM, aftermarket, or recycled
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how your insurance policy affects parts selection
If you have questions about replacement parts, our team at Curry Collision Center can explain the differences and help you understand your options.
Collision Repair You Can Trust in Bloomington
At Curry Collision Center, our technicians carefully evaluate every repair to ensure vehicles are restored safely and correctly. We work with insurance companies while also helping drivers understand the repair process and their options when it comes to replacement parts.
We proudly serve drivers throughout:
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surrounding Monroe County communities
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident, contact Curry Collision Center today to schedule a collision repair estimate.