In the event of a severe road mishap, any smart driver would be concerned about the damage caused to their cars as well as how these cars would be repaired.
With broken or dented fenders, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and after-market parts (AMP) are in the middle of a tug-of-war for any customer’s concern over durability and price.
Executive director of the Georgia Insurance Information Service, David Colmans, explains that since a majority of car owners express concern regarding what their auto insurance policy may say about repair, it would always be wise to take the initiative and to speak with an insurance agent about what are included and excluded from a policy in the event of a crash.
Colmans said that “It’s up to the policyholder to know and understand what is and what is not covered regarding crash repairs.”
When two cars collide, both drivers will eventually have to decide whose insurer would pay for damages. If one is the “victim,” the initiator of an accident will be pegged with the responsibility. Thus, it would be good to know what to expect from the other person’s insurance policy.
In the past few years, OEM parts versus after-market sheet metal parts have been under considerable discussion.
Usually, after-market parts are known to be generally cheaper. However, even OEM’s in recent years have lowered prices and consequently closing this competition gap.
Colmans urged that clients should get to know the specific rules that their auto insurer has with regards to handling repairs. Be wary that although sheet metal parts (including fenders, hoods, brakes, air conditioning units and trunk lids) may be AMPs, their cosmetic nature will still make these materials acceptable.
Several years ago, the Certified Auto Parts Association (CAPA) was created to maintain manufacturing standards for AMPs by means of a certification program. Later on, a database was developed for parts tracking as well as manufacturing information.
Called the CAPA tracker, this database attaches the CAPA seal number to a specific auto part including the vehicle on which it is installed on. This information makes it easier and quicker for each customer if a certain part needs to be recalled.
Currently, the CAPA performs random checks of auto parts from different manufacturers. These inspections are done so that proper specifications are met as well as building consumer trust.
In Georgia, this law mandates that the ID number, logo or manufacturer’s name should be on each auto part. Non-OEM parts are reported and disclosure statements are provided to the owner.
