OEM, Aftermarket or Recycled Parts After a Collision?
The short answer
OEM parts come from the vehicle manufacturer, aftermarket parts come from other makers, and recycled (used) parts are removed from other vehicles and may themselves be OEM. None of those labels settles quality alone. California sets identification rules and conditions for insurers that specify non-OEM crash parts, but there is no blanket right to OEM parts, so ask what your policy says.
General information, not legal advice. Coverage and claim outcomes depend on policy terms and individual facts.
Two separate labels: who made it, and what condition it is in
People often mix up two different questions:
- Who made it. OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are made by or for the vehicle manufacturer. Aftermarket parts are made by other companies.
- Condition. A part may be new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned. A used part taken from another vehicle (often called recycled or salvage) can be an OEM part.
So "recycled" and "OEM" are not opposites. A used OEM part is possible, and so is a new aftermarket part. What matters for your repair is how each part on the estimate is described.
Sources: California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Auto repair rights; California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Write It Right.
Parts should be identified on your paperwork
The Bureau of Automotive Repair's guidance says estimates and invoices should identify the parts being supplied, including whether they are new, used, rebuilt or reconditioned, and it tells consumers to ask about getting replaced parts back when they authorize the work. If a line does not tell you what kind of part it is, ask the shop to clarify before you approve it.
Sources: California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Auto repair rights; California Bureau of Automotive Repair: Write It Right.
What California says about non-OEM crash parts and insurers
The California Department of Insurance explains that an insurer that specifies non-OEM aftermarket crash parts for a repair must meet conditions set by regulation (California Code of Regulations, title 10, section 2695.8(g)). The rule is aimed at comparable quality and clear identification of those parts. Read the Department's page for the actual requirements rather than relying on a summary here.
That is not the same as a right to OEM parts. Whether a claim pays for OEM parts, and whether you can pay extra for them, depends on your policy, the type of claim (your own coverage or another party's) and the facts of the loss. Do not assume either way; ask.
Source: California Department of Insurance: Aftermarket crash parts, CCR 2695.8(g).
Is one type always safer or better?
None of the sources above says every non-OEM part is unsafe, and none says every non-OEM part is equivalent. Fit, material, finish and how a part is installed all matter, and vehicle manufacturers publish repair information for their own vehicles. When structural parts, safety systems or sensors are involved, ask the shop why a given part and procedure were chosen.
Questions to ask before you authorize
- Which parts on this estimate are OEM, aftermarket or used, and which are new?
- Why was each non-OEM or used part chosen for this vehicle?
- Does my policy say anything about the kind of parts that will be paid for?
- If I want a different kind of part, what is the price difference and who decides?
- If a part changes or is unavailable, how will I be told before the repair continues?
Capital Collision Center does not claim manufacturer certification. If you want to see how we would describe parts on an estimate, bring your insurer's estimate or ask when you call.
Frequently asked questions
Does my insurance have to pay for OEM parts?
There is no single answer. California sets conditions when insurers specify non-OEM crash parts, but whether OEM parts are paid for depends on your policy and the facts of your claim. Ask your insurer and keep the answer in writing.
Can a recycled part be an OEM part?
Yes. A recycled or used part taken from another vehicle can be a genuine manufacturer part. OEM and aftermarket describe the maker; new, used and reconditioned describe the condition.
Sources
Public sources used for this guide. Check them for the current wording, because rules and guidance can change.
Next steps
Capital Collision Center is a Van Nuys collision repair shop. If you have a vehicle to look at, request an estimate online or call (818) 472-9222 and our team will follow up. Read more about auto body repair, or browse all post-accident guides.
General information, not legal advice. Coverage and claim outcomes depend on policy terms and individual facts.