Got in an accident... got a question.

[Zonk]

Hey everyone,

I got in an accident last week (i'm ok btw) and I just got the claim and stuff back from the insurance adjuster and I have a question. They need to replace my radiator and and A/C compressor, but it says they are using qualified replacement parts and not OEM. I don't like this for a couple of reasons. First that's not how my car was before the accident and second it voids my warranty on these 2 parts now. I paid an extra 1300 to extend my warranty so I'm not too pleased with that. Does anyone know how good these "qualified replacement parts" are and just any general info about them. Thanks in advance for the responses.

[ack154]

Well I know Progressive guarantees the work for as long as you have your car... so if they end up using shoddy parts for some reason and something happens, it's on their bill. Not your warranty.

[s2]

ack154 wrote: Well I know Progressive guarantees the work for as long as you have your car... so if they end up using shoddy parts for some reason and something happens, it's on their bill. Not your warranty.

Yeah... The guy that hit me a few months ago had Liberty Mutual Insurance and the Claim Adjuster said that they only have a lifetime guarantee if the work was done at one of their 'qualified/approved' shops.

As for the parts... why dont you tell the insurance company that you only want OEM parts, not 'qualified replacements' due to warranty issues.

[Zonk]

Thanks for the replies. I have State Farm and the paperwork said something about the parts being guaranteed by them or whatever so I guess it's their bill if they use crappy parts. As for the part about requesting only OEM parts does anyone know if I can do that? Can I argue with their claims adjuster at all? The 2 parts they are replacing with off-brand parts shouldn't effect anything as far as know (anyone confirm?) but I just don't like not having OEM unless it's an upgrade.

[draxcaliber]

say you want OEM parts, and you'll cover the difference for a geniune toyota component and will not accept aftermarket or remanufactured parts because you want to maintain the value of your vehicle.

[Zindy]

After talking to several insurance companies I found that if the dealership makes the reapairs it is considered a shop that they honor......dealership should only use OEM parts....that is what they charge us for........check into it......other wise tell them when it breaks they are gonna buy it again......and again......and again.......

[AndrewF]

This is a pretty standard thing that insurance companies do. Either go somewhere that uses only OEM parts or decided if possibly spending some money to get the parts is worth it to you. I would definilty do whatever it took to get the OEM parts, at least for the A/C.

[HandsoffmytC]

atleast ur not like my homegirl..

http://i34.tinypic.com/6pn4ex.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/xelmqc.jpg


CAN U SAY EPIC FAIL?


oh and 2 lamp posts got broken by her also LOL

[landark]

If it's your policy you are using, the policy you signed says specifically that they have the right to use aftermarket parts, so you cannot demand they use OEM.

Radiators and condensers (which I assume the are replacing, not the compressor) are non-moving and non-safety parts. So as long as they don't leak, there shouldn't be any concerns about the parts.

Honestly, I would have no concerns about putting aftermarket parts on my own car. Especially when the insurance company offers a guarantee.
How certain are you that it will void your warranty - what is the wording?

[nodsetse]

Zonk wrote: As for the part about requesting only OEM parts does anyone know if I can do that? Can I argue with their claims adjuster at all?
YES and YES! Always ask for whatever you want, and always argue for it. No one is going to beat you up for doing so, and the worst that can happen is that they'll say no. You have nothing to lose by asking, or even demanding, and everything to gain, as they might say yes...not asking is often a way to ensure you get screwed.

This works well for most anything, not just your situation. The major exception that comes to mind is food purchased in a restaurant, as complaining or sending it back can have serious consequences for the customer. :wink:

[95camryguy]

in certain states insurance companies can legally use non OEM parts if a vehicle is more than X years old. Not sure what that is in your state but you could look into it. good luck!!

[landark]

95camryguy wrote: in certain states insurance companies can legally use non OEM parts if a vehicle is more than X years old. Not sure what that is in your state but you could look into it. good luck!!

In most states it's the current model year or newer - so right now it would include all 2008 and 2009 models.
California has the most screwed up and complicated insurance laws in the country.

But it's true, typically if you complain enough, you'll get whatever you want. There were plenty of times I paid for stuff the person wasn't owed.

[Zonk]

Thanks for all the responses everyone. Now to answer a few questions. For the non OEM parts it says that these parts will no longer be covered under the warranty of my OEM but now the company who manufactured these "off-brand" parts (i don't think i'd call them aftermarket). My car is a 2008 and I live in CA so clarification on that non OEM parts rule would be nice. I asked some friends and some opinions here would be nice too the brand of the radiator and air condenser aren't going to make any difference in my car.

[bB2NER]

Bottom line is it's your car and it should be returned back exactly as it was. If you settle for anything less you will have to live with it. I could see aftermarket stuff on an 04 maybe 05 but on an 08 do not let them skimp.