Does Insurance Cover Aftermarket Parts and What You Need to Know

If you've ever had to replace a part on your vehicle, you might have wondered if your insurance will cover aftermarket parts. The answer is not always a simple yes or no. In fact, insurance policies can vary widely in their coverage of aftermarket parts, so it's essential to understand what's included and what's not.

Most insurance policies will cover original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but aftermarket parts are a different story. Aftermarket parts are made by companies other than the vehicle's manufacturer, and their quality and durability can vary. As a result, insurance companies may not cover them in the same way as OEM parts. For example, a study found that only 22% of insurance policies cover aftermarket parts, while 78% cover OEM parts.

Some insurance policies may offer optional coverage for aftermarket parts, but this is not always the case. If you're considering purchasing aftermarket parts, it's crucial to check your insurance policy first to see what's covered.

Some insurance policies cover aftermarket parts, but it's usually only for a low amount.

Most standard insurance policies don't cover aftermarket parts at all, or they pay only a small amount for them.

You can add insurance coverage for aftermarket parts, but it's often expensive and may not be available through a typical car insurance company.

You may be able to get the insurance coverage you're looking for through specialty insurance companies that provide insurance for unique, one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Auto insurance can be purchased for aftermarket parts, but it's expensive and may only be available as supplemental coverage to your collision or comprehensive insurance.

Most insurance policies do not cover custom parts, customized body repairs, or cosmetic additions to a vehicle, such as a custom spoiler damaged in an accident.

You can purchase custom part coverage or other specific types of additional coverage through your auto insurance carrier, but keep in mind that illegal modifications to a vehicle would not only not qualify for insurance coverage but could also potentially lead to legal penalties.

Repair estimates and liability can be a complex issue, especially when aftermarket parts are involved. If you're unsure about what's covered, always request a detailed breakdown of the repair costs.

The repair shop is responsible for providing a clear and accurate estimate, which should include a list of the parts and labor costs. This can help you understand what's covered by your insurance policy.

Your insurance policy may have specific requirements for repair estimates, such as a minimum number of photos or a detailed description of the damage.

Insurance companies write estimates that include aftermarket parts for repairs because they can return a vehicle to pre-loss condition at a lower cost. This helps keep repair costs in check, resulting in lower premiums for all policyholders.

Aftermarket parts are usually less expensive than OEM parts, which means you may have to pay the difference if you choose to use OEM parts.

Your insurance policy may allow your insurance company to write estimates that include used parts for repairs. Used parts are not the same as aftermarket parts, which are new and from a third-party manufacturer.

You have the option to pay the difference between aftermarket parts and new, original parts from the manufacturer. However, it's up to you to make your request clear to the vehicle insurer as you go through the repairs process.

It's essential to know what repairs the body shop plans to make and what parts they plan to use, especially if you want to use OEM parts.

Insurance companies may not pay for aftermarket parts if you don't sort it out before an accident occurs.

Your insurance policy's collision and comprehensive portion should be checked to see if it covers your aftermarket parts.

State and policy regulations can be complex, but I'll break it down for you. Some states regulate the inclusion of aftermarket parts in insurer estimates, and these regulations can vary significantly from state to state.

In each state, there's a unique insurance code regarding OEM parts. For instance, some states make it compulsory for insurers to provide OEM parts coverage for all new cars. However, others only require it for models less than two years old or with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer.

You'll need to know your state's regulations regarding OEM and aftermarket parts, as each state has its own guidelines. Typically, insurance companies require OEM parts for models less than seven years old.

Most standard insurance policies don't cover aftermarket parts at all, or they pay only a small amount for them.

You can add insurance coverage for aftermarket parts, but it's often expensive and may not be available through a typical car insurance company.

Some insurance companies offer varying levels of coverage as part of your collision and comprehensive insurance, or you can search for specialty insurance companies that provide insurance for unique, one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Insurance policies often don't cover custom parts, customized body repairs, or cosmetic additions to a vehicle.

You can add insurance coverage for aftermarket parts, but it's often expensive and may not be available through a typical car insurance company.

Many standard auto insurance policies don't provide coverage for aftermarket parts, but you can ask your insurance company if they offer coverage as part of your collision and comprehensive insurance. Some insurance companies may offer varying levels of coverage, while others may not offer it at all.

You can try to agree on a certain value for your car in advance to ensure coverage for aftermarket parts, but this may not be possible with all insurance companies. Specialty insurance companies that provide insurance for unique, one-of-a-kind vehicles may be a better option.

Most standard insurance policies either don't cover aftermarket parts at all or pay only a small amount for them. If your insurance policy doesn't cover OEM parts, you can add them as endorsements for added coverage.

Some insurance policies cover aftermarket parts, but usually only for a low amount. If there's coverage, it's often up to the repair shop to determine whether to use aftermarket or OEM parts.

You can still get the work done and pay the difference or buy an OEM endorsement if the company states it will only pay for non-OEM parts.

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which means the part comes directly from the vehicle's original manufacturer.

The OEM part is essentially the same part that was originally installed in your vehicle by the dealer.

Manufacturers can make aftermarket parts without infringing on the intellectual property of the original sellers, according to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The court's decision in the Aro Manufacturing Company v. Convertible Top Replacement Company case from 1961 established that vehicle owners have the right to repair their vehicles for continued use.

This means that third-party companies can make and sell aftermarket parts without paying a royalty to the original manufacturer.