Use of aftermarket parts. I want OEM.

[clbell]

What is the name of your state? NC

I have found information online that suggests that my insurance company may require me to pay the difference if I want OEM parts, depending on state and insurance company. However, I am not dealing with my insurance company, I am dealing with the other guy's insurance company since he rear-ended my car. I have, oddly, found nothing to explain how things work in that situation.

The repair estimates include aftermarket parts and even a used tail light. This is a 2005 Honda Accord.

Does anyone know what my rights are in this situation?

[moburkes]

You are responsible for the additional costs associated with new parts, like you stated.

[clbell]

Originally Posted by moburkes

You are responsible for the additional costs associated with new parts, like you stated.

So that is the case even if it is the other insurance company? I have discovered that my insurance company (State Farm) only uses OEM parts so if what you say is true then this seems unfair.

[moburkes]

Yes. There is no NC law that requires insurance companies to use new parts. The parts on your vehicle were not new the moment before the accident.

[ecmst12]

"Aftermarket" does not mean used, it means they are made by someone other then Honda. But the answer remains the same, if you want Honda parts, you have to pay the extra.

[clbell]

Thanks for the replies guys.

It's not a matter of new or used that I am concerned about. It's the fact that the geometry, material composition, and other aspects of the parts will not be the same as before the crash.

I know a bit about plastics. The plastic composition, which additives are used, etc. can have large effects over the long term life of the plastic. As one example, plastics without the right kind and amount of UV stabilizers will age at different rates than other plastics. So, in 5 years I may end up with a yellowed brittle bumper while the rear spoiler is still nice and white. Or, the paint adhesion properties might be different and the paint might start peeling off after 4 years. The insurance company only gaurantees the parts for 3 years which is not long enough to see these type of issues. Of course, there may be no problems at all with the aftermarket parts but there are reasons to not want aftermarket parts.

[moburkes]

Okay. There is still no law that requires what you are looking for, regardless of the fact that it is the at fault party's insurance company, not yours, that is paying the claim.

[clbell]

Originally Posted by moburkes

Okay. There is still no law that requires what you are looking for, regardless of the fact that it is the at fault party's insurance company, not yours, that is paying the claim.

OK. Thanks for the information.