There has been a lot of news recently over the use of some aftermarket (A/M) parts, and whether or not they maintain the same quality and safety standards as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. At a collision industry conference meeting in November and January, I-CAR trainer Toby Chess performed demonstrations comparing A/M and OEM parts, and the difference in structural integrity was obvious. He also outlined studies he performed in which he randomly selected various A/M and OEM structural replacement parts for comparison. Parts in this study included radiator core supports, front and rear bumper reinforcement bars, bumper absorbers, and bumper brackets.

There were noteworthy differences in every comparison study, in terms of the materials used and the construction of the parts. This is important because a big role these parts play is to transfer energy occurring from a collision, and this can be severely impacted if the parts are not constructed to the proper standards. Additionally, this energy transfer plays a huge role in the response of vehicle safety restraint systems (SRS), and this could affect how airbags function during a collision. However, there were also tests performed with A/M parts that were manufactured by companies who used the same materials as the OEM, and who used 3rd party testing, and these parts performed better in the tests.

This demonstration set the wheels in motion for associations and some insurance companies to take action on the issue. First, the Automotive Body Parts Association cautioned its entire membership that it should review with its suppliers the quality and testing of structural replacement parts, and if testing is not available, or inadequate, these parts should not be used. The Taiwan Auto Body Parts Association also took notice and advised its members to stop selling and manufacturing non-certified parts.

Now it seems as some insurance companies are noticing the potential consequences of continuing to use some A/M parts after seeing the results of the above demonstration. In January, GEICO Insurance sent a notice to its adjusters that it would no longer specify aftermarket bumper reinforcements, brackets and energy absorbers. “They basically told all the adjusters that they won’t be using any more structural pieces from aftermarket,” says one shop owner on GEICO’s program who asked to remain anonymous. “That includes reinforcements, radiator supports, structural brackets and things like that.”

Esurance Insurance also sent notice, to their network provider shops that it would only use OEM bumper absorbers and bumper brackets on estimates. In a statement prepared for ABRN, Joe Laurentino, stated the following:

“At Esurance we believe competition from the aftermarket suppliers has proved valuable in maintaining stability in the pricing structure, while helping to maintain abundant parts availability. Our long held belief that certain structural components vital to the Supplemental Restraint System warrant replacement with OE parts was reinforced by the demonstrations of Mr. Toby Chess. Our decision to expand our policy to include the brackets and absorbers was influenced by that same demonstration. Esurance continues its participation and support of the [Collision Industry Conference] and all other partnerships focused on education in unison to better serve our customers.”

So how do you know if your A/M parts are of the same quality as the OEM? Your best bet is to first try to only have your vehicle’s structural parts replaced with OEM. For other parts, make sure they are CAPA certified (if applicable). CAPA is a non-profit organization that certifies the quality of automotive parts used for collision repairs. They certify various metal, plastic, and lighting parts. The CAPA certification process involves the manufacturing facilities being approved, individual parts submitted for testing, and are subject to random tests for continued compliance.

Some suppliers such as Keystone have parts tested by 3rd party companies and have their own quality standards, so buying from them may give you a little more assurance. Other than that, it will be hard for you to tell whether or not you’re A/M part will be of the same standard as OEM. Most of the A/M parts manufacturers are overseas, and go through a various network of distributors, so just trying to trace the part back to the original manufacturer can prove to be difficult. Lastly, you can choose to replace your damaged parts with used (LKQ) parts. Typically, insurance company guidelines state that LKQ parts will be the same year or newer than your vehicle (so your vehicle will technically be put in the same condition it was prior to the accident), and since they are original parts (just used), at least you will have the satisfaction of knowing what is being put on your vehicle.

If you do have your vehicle repaired, and you are being told CAPA parts are being used, you will see the above tag on the part.  If you don’t, you need to find out why.

To see the powerpoint presentation comparing A/M and OEM parts, click here.  Then click on the banner in the middle of the page.