OEM Parts vs. Aftermarket Parts: What’s Best for Your Collision Repair?

If your car has recently been in an accident, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face during the repair process is choosing between OEM parts and aftermarket parts. Understanding this difference can significantly affect the quality, safety, and value of your repair.

At Raw Motorcraft, we believe in educating our customers so they can make confident decisions when it comes to car part replacement after an accident. That includes knowing the pros and cons of OEM vs aftermarket car parts in any collision repair situation.

What Are OEM Parts?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are parts made by the same company that built your vehicle, or by a manufacturer officially licensed to produce parts for that brand.

For example, if you drive a Honda, an OEM bumper would be made by Honda or a certified supplier that works directly with Honda.

Benefits of OEM Parts:

• Guaranteed Fit
  OEM parts are designed to fit your specific vehicle with precision.

• High Quality
  They are made to the same standards as the original parts installed at the factory.

• Manufacturer Warranty
  Most OEM parts come with a warranty, often one year or more.

• Ideal for Leased or New Vehicles
  Using OEM parts helps maintain factory condition, which can impact resale value or lease return inspections.

Considerations:

• Higher Cost
  OEM parts are usually more expensive than aftermarket auto body parts.

• Limited Stock
  They may not be available immediately, which could delay your repair timeline.

What Are Aftermarket Parts?

Aftermarket parts are produced by third-party companies not affiliated with the original vehicle manufacturer. These companies reverse-engineer OEM parts and sell their own versions.

Some aftermarket parts are high-performing and reliable, while others are less consistent in quality.

Benefits of Aftermarket Parts:

• Lower Cost
  They are generally more affordable than OEM parts.

• More Readily Available
  Aftermarket parts can often be sourced quickly, helping speed up the repair process.

• Wider Selection
  There are many brands and price points to choose from.

Considerations:

• Variable Quality
  Not all aftermarket parts meet the standards of OEM parts. Quality can vary significantly between brands.

• Fit May Not Be Perfect
  Some parts may require modification to install properly.

• Limited or No Warranty
  Many aftermarket parts come with no warranty or only limited coverage from the shop installing them.

Safety Considerations in Collision Repair

When dealing with collision repair parts, safety should always be a top priority. This is where OEM parts often have the advantage.

• OEM parts are crash-tested to match your vehicle’s original performance

• Safety systems such as airbags, crumple zones, and sensors are more likely to work correctly with OEM components

• Many car manufacturers recommend OEM parts for repairs involving structural or safety-critical areas

Using low-quality aftermarket auto body parts in serious collisions could potentially compromise the safety of your vehicle in future accidents.

OEM vs Aftermarket Parts and Your Insurance Coverage

Many customers ask whether insurance will cover original equipment manufacturer parts. The answer depends on your policy.

Some insurance companies only cover aftermarket parts by default. However, OEM parts may be approved under certain conditions:

• Your car is new (usually less than two years old)

• The damaged part involves a safety-critical system

• Your policy includes optional OEM parts coverage

At Raw Motorcraft, we work directly with your insurance provider to ensure that you understand your options. If your policy doesn’t automatically include OEM coverage, we can help you request it or cover the difference for critical repairs.

Which Parts Are Right for You? Our Recommendation

Choosing between OEM vs aftermarket car parts depends on your priorities.

• If fit, warranty, and original quality are most important, OEM parts are likely your best option.

• If you need a cost-effective solution with fast availability, certain high-quality aftermarket parts may be a reasonable choice.

At Raw Motorcraft, we help our customers weigh these options based on their vehicle, insurance coverage, and repair goals. Our expert technicians and estimators will guide you through the process to ensure you get the best parts for your situation.

Why Choose Raw Motorcraft for Collision Repair in Brooklyn

• Certified technicians with years of experience in collision repair parts and insurance auto repair parts

• Clear communication with insurance companies to advocate for OEM coverage when needed

• Honest advice on part quality, safety, and cost

• Convenient location at 1632 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213

We’re more than an auto body shop near you—we’re your trusted repair partner, dedicated to quality, safety, and long-term value.

Contact Raw Motorcraft Today

Whether you’ve been in a major accident or a minor fender bender, Raw Motorcraft is here to help you make the right choice when it comes to OEM and aftermarket parts.

Visit us at 1632 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Call us at 347-227-6492
Email us at info@rawmotorcraft.com

We’ll inspect your vehicle, work with your insurance provider, and make sure your repair is done right the first time.

Raw Motorcraft – Expert Collision Repair and Quality Auto Parts in Brooklyn, NY