OEM parts are parts mine by the original equipment manufacturer made expressly for a specific Cars. They are more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts, parts made by third parties after the original sale of a vehicle. Examining the issue of cost from an insurance perspective, the more affordable option is favored. In fact, because aftermarket replacement parts are almost always less expensive than OEM parts, they are actually often required by an insurance company for a 100 percent reimbursement if you’re involved in an accident. From a buyer’s perspective who also factors cost as a high priority, these policies are important to understanding thoroughly. Imagine you’re in a collision in a vehicle stocked with OEM parts, only to find out you’ll be paying the cost differential between its aftermarket version.
This is where ‘ifs’ come into play. It’s no wonder a consensus hasn’t been made on the “best,” “safest” or “most inexpensive” option. Probability and preference are facts that can be used in a straight out side by side cost comparison. Individual conclusions can be made in the absence of a community standard, provided all of the angles are explored and factored into your decision.
Moving on to another such angle, many will argue that OEM replacement parts are superior given the strict safety testing and standardization to which they are subject, and are quick to AutoVillage.co.uk for this peace of mind. It’s a position that unsupported, however, at least according to a contradiction by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) who claim that aftermarket replacement parts do not, in fact, degrade the safety of an automobile in a crash.
The third main argument for cost comes from those concerned about resale value, which diminishes greatly with the use of after market replacement car parts.
Knowing these, an informed consumer can ask themselves the following questions, the answers to which will depend solely on personal values and financial position.
- Do I have a history of collisions?
- Can I immediately afford OEM parts?
- If I can’t, can I afford to incur after market replacement costs in the event of an accident?
- Will I sell, or how soon do I plan to sell my vehicle?
- Do I value an insurance reimbursement over a higher resale value?
Finally note that with a high-end vehicle, you may be forced to purchase OEM replacement parts simply because after market replacement is less common for the top of the line imports.