OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
Made by or for the car's manufacturer — the same part your car came with. Best fit and finish, highest price.
Aftermarket (A/M)
Made by another company to fit your car. Quality ranges from excellent to poor. Certified aftermarket parts (for example, CAPA-certified) are tested for fit and materials.
Used / recycled (LKQ)
Original parts taken from another car of the same model. They're OEM quality but used, and may need refinishing.
Remanufactured
Rebuilt parts — common for things like steering racks, wheels and some electronics.
What your insurance pays for
Many policies allow non-OEM parts on newer and older cars alike. California regulations require the estimate to identify non-OEM parts and require those parts to be of like kind and quality. If you want OEM parts and your policy doesn't cover them, you can usually pay the difference.
Our approach
For safety systems — sensors, airbags, structural parts — we follow the manufacturer's repair procedures. We'll tell you what's on your estimate and why.
FAQ
Can I ask for OEM parts?
Yes. If your policy doesn't require OEM, the insurer may pay the aftermarket price and you can pay the difference.
Are aftermarket parts safe?
Certified aftermarket parts can be fine for cosmetic panels. For structural and safety parts, follow the manufacturer's procedures.
This article is general information, not legal or insurance advice. Rules and policies change — check your policy and the official source, or ask us.