Tony's Tips - The Truth About Aftermarket Parts

If you should be in a collision and need new parts for your automobile, ask your repair shop if they will be installing OEM or aftermarket parts.  Although aftermarket parts can match the quality of the original manufacturers' and be far less expensive, they can also be poorly made and not meet your vehicles specifications in fit and quality.  Ask about the shop's warranty.

Aftermarket parts save insurance companies money so they encourage the repair shops to use them.  Insurance companies attempt to dictate what the shops use unless the consumer insists otherwise.  When consumer groups sue insurers for these practices, (e.g., A major insurance company paid $1.2B in a 1999 class-action suit and later changed their policies), car manufacturers rejoice because they can continue to maintain the high cost of their auto parts.

The Law

• Forty states have some kind of law on the books that dictates to insurers and auto body shops when and where they must disclose the use of aftermarket parts to their customers.
• California has legislation pending that would prohibit insurers from owning repair shops.
• Bob Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America says, "Consumers should know their state laws and what to expect from their insurance policies in order to avoid confusion at claim time."

Some Facts

• Some, but not all, aftermarket parts are as good as OEMs
• You can pay as much as 60% more for OEM parts as for the same aftermarket parts
• There have been major lawsuits against insurance companies for their policies requiring aftermarket parts even when these parts were inferior
• It is the insurance company's benefit for you to purchase the less expensive part
• Insurers often insist repair professionals use aftermarket parts
• It's very difficult for the consumer to know if he or she is getting a quality repair part or a shoddy imitation. Choose a repairperson that you trust!  Don't be afraid to ask!
• CAPA certified aftermarket parts are the best ones

What To Do

• Think about replacement parts when you're buying insurance. Get it up front and in writing that you are entitled to OEM pieces for your car after an accident
• Don't surrender haggling rights when you need new parts
• Request your shop/dealer install the parts you ask for:  OEM parts and/or warranties on aftermarkets
• Check on-line for current research on parts at www.collision-Insight.com,  www.abrn.com. 

The Good News

• Aftermarket parts force OEMs and car manufacturers to make parts more competitive
• With time the standards of aftermarket parts will get better
• You are in charge of what you pay for!

Thought For The Day

"Happiness is a Swedish sunset. It is there for all, but most of us look the other way and loose it." (Mark Twain)

"The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one has to do." (James M. Barrie)

Why should you refer your family and friends to Tony's Body Shop?

What we offer with every repair job:

• Guaranteed color match
• Accurate panel to panel alignment
• Repairing the vehicle to a safe condition

Your 100% satisfaction is our goal.

At Tony's Body Shop you can still find service, a smile, and a sincere thank you if you allow us to service your auto body needs.

Please feel free to call us if we can be of help or guide you in any way.

This newsletter is brought to you by an independent who has to work harder to make your car repair decisions easier.

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