Going in for a car repair? If you read our first post on OEM, genuine, and aftermarket parts, you already know what each type is and how they compare in quality. Now, we’re covering the insurance side of the parts decision: who controls it, what Utah law actually requires, and what your say is in all of this.
What Are OEM Parts?
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM parts are built to the exact same specs as the ones your vehicle came with from the factory. That means your auto repair shop will fit your vehicle with parts that have the same fit, materials, and engineering.
What Are Aftermarket Parts?
Aftermarket parts come from third-party manufacturers instead of the company that built your vehicle. They’re still designed to fit your car, but they’re built independently, so quality can vary a lot depending on the brand. Some are excellent, but others don’t hold up as well over time.
Why Insurance Companies May Specify Aftermarket Parts
Insurance companies are always looking for ways to manage costs across the thousands of claims they process each year. Insurance companies are always looking to reduce their payouts, which is the amount they’ll cover for your repair. The lower the payout, the less the insurer spends.
Aftermarket crash parts typically run 30–50% cheaper than OEM parts, so specifying them on your estimate is a common cost-saving measure made at the claims level. This helps the insurer, but it may not necessarily help you. However, you’re not stuck with whatever parts show up on the initial estimate. You have more say in this than most people realize.
How to Spot Aftermarket Parts on Your Collision Repair Estimate
Look at the parts list on your estimate carefully. Aftermarket parts are usually labeled with “AM” or the word “aftermarket” next to the part name or number. They’ll often show a noticeably lower price than what you’d expect for that component.
What Utah Law Says About Aftermarket Collision Parts
Utah Code 31A-22-319 (effective May 6, 2026) puts strict restrictions on how insurers can handle aftermarket parts. An insurer cannot specify non-OEM aftermarket crash parts in your repair without first giving you written notice. For policies issued on or after October 1, 2026, that notice must be provided at both issuance and renewal.
When aftermarket parts are authorized, the written estimate must clearly identify each one and include a disclosure stating that those parts must be “at least equivalent in kind and quality in terms of fit, quality, and performance” to the originals. Warranties on those parts come from the part manufacturer or distributor instead of your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Can You Push Back on Aftermarket Parts?
Yes, and it’s worth doing, especially for certain components. If your policy includes an OEM endorsement, you’re already covered for OEM parts and should make sure that’s being honored. If it doesn’t, you can often pay the price difference out of pocket to upgrade specific parts to OEM.
Your shop can also go to bat for you with the adjuster, particularly when safety-related parts are involved. It’s a lot easier to sort this out before work starts than after the car is already apart.
When Should You Request an OEM Part?
Not every part carries the same level of risk, but some absolutely do. Here’s when it’s worth pushing specifically for OEM parts:
- Structural Components: Frame rails, reinforcement bars, and crumple zones are engineered to absorb impact in a specific way; aftermarket versions may use different steel grades or geometry
- Airbag Sensors and Seat Belt Mechanisms: These need to function exactly as designed; getting this wrong has serious safety consequences
- ADAS Components: Cameras, radar sensors, and lane-keeping hardware are calibrated to your car’s software and need to be the right part to work correctly
- Body Panels: Especially if your vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty
- Newer Vehicles (Roughly Three Years Old or Less): If long-term fit, finish, and paint adhesion matter
If your insurer is pushing aftermarket on any of those, it’s reasonable to ask for a clear justification or request the upgrade to OEM parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my insurance company require aftermarket parts in Utah?
Yes, but they have to provide written notice. Under Utah Code 31A-22-319, an insurer must give you written notice before specifying non-OEM aftermarket crash parts in your repair. Without that notice, they cannot require aftermarket parts.
Does Utah law require insurers to disclose aftermarket parts?
Yes. For policies issued on or after October 1, 2026, insurers must notify you at issuance and renewal that aftermarket parts may be used. The written repair estimate must also clearly identify each non-OEM aftermarket part and include a required disclosure statement.
Can I request OEM parts instead of aftermarket on my repair?
Yes, you can. If your policy doesn’t already include OEM parts coverage, you can typically pay the difference out of pocket to upgrade specific parts. Talk to your shop, and they can work directly with your adjuster to make it happen.
Where do I find aftermarket parts on my estimate?
Look for “AM” or “aftermarket” labels next to part names or numbers in the parts section of your estimate. Utah law also requires a written disclosure to be included when aftermarket crash parts are authorized, so check for that as well.
Bring Your Repair to Valley Collision
Whether your estimate lists OEM parts or aftermarket ones, our team at Valley Collision walks you through every line item so you know exactly what’s going into your car. We work with your insurance company and advocate for the right parts for your specific situation. Contact us to get started!
