Last Updated on September 8, 2026
Written by licensed insurance agent Andy walker
Reviewed by the Alias Insurance editorial team.
Your insurance company may use aftermarket parts after an accident because your auto policy and state insurance rules may allow repairs with parts that were not made by your vehicle’s original manufacturer. Aftermarket parts often cost less than new OEM parts, which can reduce the total repair bill.
That does not mean an insurer can choose any cheap part without limits.
State rules may require the replacement part to meet standards for fit, quality, safety, function, and performance. Some states also require insurers or repair shops to tell you when non OEM parts appear on your estimate. California, Massachusetts, and New York are examples of states with specific rules covering replacement crash parts.
You can ask for OEM parts. Whether the insurer must pay the full OEM price depends on your policy, the type of damaged part, your vehicle, and state law. If your policy does not require OEM parts, you may have the option to pay the difference yourself.
The type of part also matters. A bumper cover or exterior trim piece is not the same as an airbag, structural component, camera mount, radar sensor, or other safety related part. IIHS research shows that repairs involving driver assistance technology can require added care because cameras and sensors may need calibration after collision repairs.
Before approving a repair, read the estimate. Ask which parts are OEM, aftermarket, used OEM, rebuilt, or reconditioned. Ask whether any replacement part affects crash protection or vehicle sensors.
That simple review can prevent many repair disputes.
What Are Aftermarket Car Parts?
Aftermarket parts are replacement parts produced by a company other than the manufacturer of your vehicle.
For example, Toyota may sell an original bumper made for a Camry. A different parts company may sell a bumper designed to fit the same Camry. The second bumper is an aftermarket part.
Aftermarket parts should not be confused with used OEM parts.
Common Auto Repair Part Types
| Part Type | Where It Comes From | What It Means for Your Repair |
| OEM | Vehicle manufacturer or approved supplier | New part made for the vehicle brand |
| Aftermarket | Independent parts manufacturer | New replacement part made outside the vehicle brand |
| Used OEM | Another vehicle of the same or compatible model | Factory part that has already been used |
| Reconditioned | Previously used part restored for reuse | Part has been repaired or restored |
| Rebuilt | Used component rebuilt with replacement components | Often used for mechanical or electrical components |
Your collision estimate should identify the type of replacement part being proposed.
California insurance guidance, for example, states that repair estimates and invoices may identify whether replacement crash parts are original equipment manufacturer parts or non OEM parts.
Why Does Your Insurance Company Want Aftermarket Parts?
Cost is one of the main reasons insurers consider aftermarket parts.
An insurer normally pays the amount required under your policy to restore covered damage. A policy may not promise that every damaged part will be replaced with a brand new factory part.
If an acceptable aftermarket replacement costs less than an OEM version, the insurer may include the aftermarket part in its estimate.
Several factors can affect that decision.
1. Your Insurance Policy Allows Alternative Parts
Your policy is the first place to check.
Some policies permit insurers to calculate repairs using aftermarket, recycled, reconditioned, or used OEM parts.
Other policies offer optional OEM parts coverage.
If you carry collision car insurance, read the claim settlement and repair sections of your policy. Look for terms concerning replacement parts, repair cost, loss settlement, OEM parts, and comparable parts.
Ask the insurer to show you the exact policy language supporting its repair estimate.
2. Aftermarket Parts Can Cost Less
OEM parts can cost more because they come through the vehicle manufacturer’s parts network.
An aftermarket manufacturer may produce a comparable replacement at a lower price.
If two parts meet the applicable repair requirements, an insurer may approve the less expensive option when state rules and the insurance contract permit it.
3. Your State Allows Aftermarket Parts
Insurance claims are regulated at the state level.
There is no single replacement parts rule that applies the same way across all 50 states.
Some states focus on disclosure. Others set standards for fit, quality, safety, or performance. A few places added restrictions on using alternative parts based on vehicle age, mileage, or the type of damaged component.
4. Part Availability Can Affect the Estimate
OEM parts are not always available right away.
A repair shop may face delays if a factory part is back ordered. An aftermarket or recycled OEM option may be available sooner.
Availability should not replace safety considerations. If a technician believes the proposed replacement cannot complete the repair correctly, the shop should document the problem and contact the insurer.
Are Aftermarket Parts Safe After an Accident?
Some aftermarket parts can be suitable for collision repairs. The answer depends heavily on the type of part.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety explains that many exterior cosmetic parts do not provide the main structural protection during a crash.
Examples can include:
- Fender panels
- Door skins
- Bumper covers
- Exterior trim
- Some cosmetic body panels
Structural components require closer review because they may influence how crash energy moves through the vehicle.
Safety Concerns Depend on the Part
| Repair Area | Why It Matters | What You Should Ask |
| Cosmetic body panel | Mainly restores appearance | Does the part fit and finish correctly? |
| Structural component | May affect crash energy management | Does the replacement follow manufacturer repair procedures? |
| Airbag system | Direct occupant protection | Is the proper approved replacement being installed? |
| Camera or radar area | May affect driver assistance systems | Will calibration be required? |
| Bumper reinforcement | May affect collision performance | Does the repair meet the vehicle repair procedure? |
| Lighting system | Can affect visibility and vehicle electronics | Does the replacement meet applicable requirements? |
Airbags deserve special attention.
IIHS advises consumers to use proper replacement airbags after deployment and warns about counterfeit airbags.
What About Cameras, Radar, and Driver Assistance Systems?
Modern collision repairs may involve more than replacing a damaged panel.
Many newer cars use:
- Forward cameras
- Radar sensors
- Parking sensors
- Blind spot sensors
- Lane keeping cameras
- Automatic emergency braking systems
A bumper, windshield, mirror, grille, or body panel may contain or sit near one of these components.
After repairs, the vehicle may need calibration.
IIHS surveyed nearly 500 drivers whose vehicles had crash avoidance technology repaired. Among owners whose repairs followed crash damage, nearly three quarters reported having some form of problem with the technology after repair.
That finding does not show that aftermarket parts caused the problems. It shows why repair procedures and calibration deserve close attention after collision damage.
Ask the shop whether your car needs static calibration, road calibration, or another manufacturer required procedure before you take the vehicle home.
Does Your Insurance Company Have to Use OEM Parts?
Not in every claim.
Your right to OEM parts depends on several factors.
| Factor | Why It Can Change the Answer |
| Insurance policy | Your contract may allow alternative replacement parts |
| OEM parts endorsement | Optional coverage may provide broader OEM protection |
| State law | Replacement part rules differ by state |
| Vehicle age | Some state rules treat newer vehicles differently |
| Vehicle mileage | Mileage may affect OEM eligibility in certain states |
| Type of part | Structural and safety related repairs may receive added review |
| Repair requirements | Manufacturer procedures may affect what can be installed |
You should not assume that carrying full coverage automatically gives you a right to factory parts.
The phrase full coverage generally refers to a combination of coverages. It does not create one national rule requiring OEM parts.
How Do Aftermarket Parts Laws Differ by State?
State rules can produce different results for similar accidents.
Here are three examples.
Examples of State Aftermarket Parts Rules
State | Example of How Replacement Part Rules Work |
California | Non OEM crash parts must meet state standards related to kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance. Disclosure and warranty rules may also apply. |
Massachusetts | OEM payment requirements can depend on whether the part affects safe operation and, for certain parts, the vehicle’s mileage. |
New York | Non OEM crash parts are subject to standards related to fit, form, finish, quality, and performance. Disclosure requirements may also apply. |
California
California regulations contain specific requirements for non OEM crash replacement parts.
The California Department of Insurance states that parts specified by an insurer must meet applicable requirements for kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance.
California rules also address disclosure and responsibility for certain added costs associated with non OEM parts.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has its own rules.
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance explains that if a damaged part affects the safe operation of the vehicle, the insurer must pay for an OEM part.
For certain non safety related parts, mileage can affect whether OEM parts must be used. Massachusetts guidance discusses the first 20,000 miles as part of that rule.
A customer may also request an OEM part and pay an added amount when the insurer is not required to cover the full OEM cost.
New York
New York also regulates crash replacement parts.
State guidance addresses standards for non OEM crash parts and requires disclosures concerning the source of certain replacement parts.
Drivers also keep the right to choose their repair facility.
Your own state may use different rules. Check your state insurance department before assuming that the rule from another state applies to your claim.
Can You Refuse Aftermarket Parts?
You can tell the insurance company that you prefer OEM parts.
The insurer does not automatically have to pay the extra cost.
Start by asking the adjuster these questions:
- Which parts of my estimate are aftermarket?
- Who manufactures each replacement part?
- Does my policy include OEM parts coverage?
- What policy language permits the proposed part?
- Does my state require disclosure of non OEM parts?
- Does the repair shop agree that the replacement is suitable?
- Is the damaged component related to an airbag, sensor, camera, or vehicle structure?
- Will the repair require calibration?
Ask for important answers in writing.
If you are having trouble communicating with the insurer, review how to deal with an insurance adjuster after a car accident.
Can You Pay the Difference for OEM Parts?
Often, yes.
Assume an insurer approves an aftermarket replacement costing $450.
The OEM version costs $690.
The price difference is $240.
If your policy and state law do not require the insurer to pay the OEM amount, the repair shop may allow you to pay the $240 difference yourself.
This is only an example. Actual repair prices depend on the vehicle, shop, location, part, labor rate, taxes, and other repair requirements.
Get the arrangement in writing before the shop orders the part.
Confirm:
- The OEM price
- The insurer approved amount
- Your added cost
- Labor charges
- Part warranty
- Any calibration expense
The insurer may reconsider the estimate if the shop later proves that the approved alternative cannot complete the repair properly.
What If the Aftermarket Part Does Not Fit?
Do not ignore the problem.
Ask the repair facility to document it.
Useful documentation can include:
- Photos showing poor fit
- Part numbers
- Measurements
- Technician notes
- Manufacturer repair procedures
- Added labor requirements
- Calibration requirements
The shop can submit a supplemental estimate to the insurer.
A supplement is common in collision repair because some damage or repair requirements are discovered only after the vehicle is taken apart.
California provides one clear example. Its regulations address added costs when modifications are needed because of a non OEM crash replacement part.
Your state may handle the issue differently.
What If the Repair Shop and Insurance Company Disagree?
Ask both sides to explain their positions in writing.
The repair shop should explain why it believes another part is required.
A useful shop explanation might state:
- The approved part does not fit
- The part is unavailable
- Added labor removes the expected cost savings
- Manufacturer repair instructions require another procedure
- The part interferes with a sensor or mounting point
- Calibration cannot be completed as required
Ask the insurer to review the evidence.
Do not agree to unexpected repair charges until you understand who is responsible for paying them.
If the insurer refuses a covered claim or repair expense, read what to do when auto insurance denies your claim.
You can also contact your state insurance department if you believe the insurer is not following state claims rules.
Do Aftermarket Parts Void Your Vehicle Warranty?
Using an aftermarket part does not automatically void your entire vehicle warranty.
The Federal Trade Commission explains that a manufacturer or dealer generally cannot cancel warranty coverage simply because a consumer used an aftermarket or recycled part.
However, warranty coverage may be denied for damage caused by an aftermarket part or improper installation if the manufacturer can establish the connection.
For example, installing an aftermarket exterior trim piece does not automatically cancel your engine warranty.
A different issue could arise if an improperly installed replacement caused the specific failure for which warranty coverage is being requested.
Keep your repair documents after an accident.
Save:
- Original insurance estimate
- Supplemental estimates
- Final repair invoice
- Replacement part numbers
- Part warranties
- Calibration reports
- Alignment reports
- Repair photos
Those documents may become useful if a repair issue appears later.
What Should You Check Before Approving Collision Repairs?
Use this checklist before giving the shop final approval.
| Check | Question to Ask |
| Part type | Is this OEM, aftermarket, used OEM, rebuilt, or reconditioned? |
| Manufacturer | Who made the replacement part? |
| Safety role | Is the part structural or safety related? |
| Sensors | Does it hold or affect a camera, radar unit, or parking sensor? |
| Calibration | Will calibration be required after installation? |
| Policy | Does my policy include OEM parts protection? |
| State law | Are there disclosure or OEM requirements in my state? |
| Price difference | What would I pay if I choose OEM? |
| Warranty | Who warranties the replacement part? |
| Final invoice | Does the invoice match the approved repair? |
Do not approve a repair based only on the total price at the bottom of the estimate.
Read the individual part lines.
Should You File a Claim for Every Repair?
Not always.
Before filing a collision claim, compare your deductible with the estimated repair cost.
Suppose your repair estimate is $900 and your collision deductible is $1,000. Filing a collision claim may provide little or no payment for the vehicle damage.
A larger repair may create a different result.
You should also consider whether another driver’s liability insurance is responsible.
For more guidance, read when should you file a car insurance claim instead of paying out of pocket.
How Can You Reduce OEM Part Disputes Before an Accident Happens?
Review your insurance policy before you need to file a claim.
Ask your insurer or licensed agent:
- Does my policy include OEM parts coverage?
- Can I add OEM parts coverage?
- Is there an age limit for eligible vehicles?
- Does the coverage apply to every replacement part?
- Are used OEM parts allowed?
- Are aftermarket crash parts allowed?
- How are sensor calibration costs handled?
- Does my vehicle have any special repair requirements?
Do not rely only on the phrase full coverage.
Read the policy terms.
If OEM parts matter to you, compare repair provisions when shopping for insurance rather than waiting until your car is already at a body shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Many insurers can use aftermarket replacement parts if the policy and state law permit them. State rules may set requirements for disclosure, quality, fit, safety, and performance.
You can request OEM parts. Whether your insurer must pay for them depends on your policy, state law, vehicle, mileage, type of repair, and any OEM parts endorsement you purchased.
Some aftermarket parts can be suitable for collision repairs. Safety depends on the part, its quality, installation, and the repair procedure. Structural components, airbags, sensors, cameras, and driver assistance systems deserve closer review.
A repair shop can tell the insurer that a proposed part does not fit, is unavailable, conflicts with repair procedures, or creates another repair problem. The shop can document the issue and request a supplemental estimate.
No. Using an aftermarket part does not automatically void your vehicle warranty. The Federal Trade Commission says a manufacturer may deny warranty coverage when it can show that an aftermarket part or improper installation caused the specific damage.
Often, yes. If the insurer will pay only for an approved aftermarket part, you may be able to pay the difference for an OEM replacement. Confirm the amount with both the insurer and repair shop before ordering the part.
Final Takeaway
An insurance company may use aftermarket parts after an accident because the policy and state rules may permit them. Lower cost can be part of the decision, but cost does not remove requirements related to proper repair, fit, safety, and applicable state law.
Read your estimate before repairs begin. Identify each replacement part. Ask whether any part affects crash structure, airbags, cameras, radar sensors, or driver assistance systems. Check whether calibration is required.
If you prefer OEM parts, ask what your policy covers and whether you can pay any difference yourself. If the repair shop believes an approved part will not work, ask the technician to document the reason and submit it to the insurer.
Insurance laws and claims rules vary by state. Check your policy, your state insurance department, and a licensed insurance professional when you need guidance about a specific claim.
Drivers who want to understand repair terms before the next accident can compare coverage options and policy features through Alias Insurance before choosing a car insurance policy.
Sources and References
- California Department of Insurance Accident Claims Guide
- California Department of Insurance Replacement Crash Parts Regulation
- Massachusetts Division of Insurance Auto Insurance Claims FAQ
- New York Department of Financial Services Collision Repair Guidance
- Federal Trade Commission Auto Warranties and Service Contracts
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Aftermarket Repair Parts Research
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Crash Avoidance Repair Research
