After a collision, one of the most important and least understood decisions in your repair is what kind of replacement parts your shop uses. You’ll often see two terms come up: OEM and aftermarket. The choice between them can affect your car’s safety, resale value, and even how much you pay out of pocket.
Here’s what every driver should know before signing off on a repair estimate.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are parts made by your vehicle’s manufacturer (or one of its approved suppliers) to the exact specifications used when your car was built. If your Hyundai needs a new fender, an OEM fender is made by Hyundai or a certified Hyundai supplier. The same part that would have come on your car from the factory.
Key traits of OEM parts:
- Manufactured to match your vehicle’s exact design and tolerances
- Backed by the manufacturer’s warranty
- Typically required to maintain OEM certification standards on the repair
- Usually more expensive than aftermarket alternatives
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers rather than the vehicle brand itself. They’re designed to fit and function like the original part, but they aren’t produced or certified by your car’s manufacturer.
Key traits of Aftermarket parts:
- Generally lower cost than OEM
- Quality varies significantly between manufacturers
- Not always covered by a manufacturer’s warranty
- Some are certified by independent quality organizations (like CAPA), which can help close the quality gap
OEM vs. Aftermarket: The Core Differences
- Fit & finish: OEM is an exact factory match; aftermarket varies by manufacturer
- Cost: OEM is higher; aftermarket is lower
- Warranty: OEM is backed by the vehicle manufacturer; aftermarket depends on the parts maker
- Safety testing: OEM matches original crash-test specs; aftermarket isn’t always independently verified
- Insurance coverage: OEM often requires an upgrade or negotiation; aftermarket is frequently the default option offered
- Resale value impact: OEM has minimal to none; aftermarket can lower value on some vehicles
Are Aftermarket Parts as Good as OEM?
This is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is: it depends on the part. For simple components like mirrors, trim pieces, or non-structural panels, quality aftermarket parts can perform just as well as OEM at a fraction of the cost. But for structural components, bumper reinforcement bars, airbags, or anything tied to your vehicle’s crash-safety systems, the precision of OEM parts matters far more. A slightly different steel gauge or mounting point can change how a part performs in a future collision.
This is also where ADAS calibration becomes relevant — many aftermarket parts, especially bumpers and
mirrors housing sensors, can throw off calibration for cameras and radar systems if they aren’t a precise
fit
Will Insurance Use Aftermarket Parts?
Most insurance policies default to aftermarket parts because they’re less expensive, which keeps claim payouts lower. However, you often have the right to request OEM parts.With sometimes at an added cost to you, sometimes at no cost depending on your policy and state regulations. A few states have laws requiring insurers to disclose when non-OEM parts are being used, and some manufacturers’ warranties can be affected if aftermarket parts are installed on a newer vehicle.
If maintaining your vehicle’s warranty or resale value matters to you, it’s worth asking your shop and insurance adjuster directly whether OEM parts are available for your repair before work begins, not after.
How AutoLux Collision Center Approaches Parts Selection
As an OEM-certified collision center for brands including Kia, Hyundai, Genesis, Nissan, INFINITI, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM, FIAT, Alfa Romeo, Ford, and GM, our technicians follow manufacturer approved repair procedures and use genuine parts whenever a repair calls for them. We’ll walk you through exactly what’s being installed on your vehicle, explain your options with your insurance company,
and make sure the choice fits both your safety needs and your budget with a limited lifetime warranty backing the work either way.
Neither option is automatically “wrong”. It comes down to the part, the vehicle, and what matters most to you. For structural and safety-critical repairs, OEM parts offer the closest match to your car’s original engineering. For minor cosmetic repairs, quality aftermarket parts can be a smart way to save money. The key is working with a shop that’s transparent about which parts are being used and why.
Have questions about the parts being used in your repair estimate?
Contact AutoLux Collision Center for a free estimate and a straightforward explanation of your options.
AutoLux Collision Center, 9130 Glenoaks Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352.
Phone: 747 271 7080.
FAQ
1. What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket parts?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by your vehicle’s manufacturer to the exact original specifications. Aftermarket parts are made by third-party companies and are designed to fit and function similarly, but aren’t produced or certified by your car’s manufacturer.
2. Are aftermarket parts as good as OEM parts?
It depends on the part. Aftermarket parts can work well for non-structural components like mirrors or trim pieces. For structural parts, bumper reinforcement bars, or anything tied to your vehicle’s crash-safety systems, OEM parts offer a more precise, manufacturer-tested match.
3. Will insurance use aftermarket parts on my repair?
Most insurance policies default to aftermarket parts because they’re less expensive. You can often request OEM parts instead, though this may involve an added cost or a conversation with your adjuster, depending on your policy. In California, insurers are required to disclose when non-OEM parts are being used on your repair, so as a driver in Sun Valley or the greater Los Angeles area, you have the right to know exactly what’s going into your vehicle. Our team at AutoLux Collision Center can help you navigate that conversation with your insurance provider.
4. Do aftermarket parts affect my car's warranty?
They can. Installing aftermarket parts on a newer vehicle may affect coverage under your manufacturer’s warranty, so it’s worth checking your warranty terms before agreeing to non-OEM parts.
