Factory Parts or OEM Parts

[jwc]

My car was rear-ended by a Geico policy holder, and it was not my fault. Took my car to Geico for a repair estimate. They quoted me a re-conditioned rear bumper which they called OEM parts, and according to them, these are parts that are damaged but reconditioned.

I asked if I can get the brand new factory bumper. They said it is their policy to offer OEM parts, and it is in their contract with their policy holders.

Does anyone know under the law if consumer can demand brand new parts? I am not Geico's customer. I am claiming against them.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mark]

Was your car new, used and how old is it?

 

[jwc]

Mark,
It is a 2007 made car.

 

[radiusbob]

Random post, but I do know the answer to this as we once owned a Bumper Reconditioning Company (random I know).

The short answer is yes you can request an New OEM bumper versus a reconditioned (your collision shop painter will thank you for it). Also the reality is that dealerships are price matching both aftermarket and reconditioned parts, so it is a far not stretch for either the adjuster, collision shop parts guy or you to call the dealership parts counter and ask for the price match.

Reconditioned are OEM Parts which is why Geico quotes them, but based upon the local bumper company producing your reconed bumper, it could be questionable craftsmanship.

 

[Bob Klee]

Good question.

Your state rules will also determine what can be done. In TN, after the car is 3 years old, they can take a like kind bumper off a salvage car that is that same year or newer. Even if a 5 year old bumper will work & your car is 4 years old, they can't use it. [okay, this was the way it was up till 2007. if rules changed since then, I don't know]

Since you are the claimant, you have different rights than the insured. I'm thinking the way to get the Best answer is to call your agent. Ask him what the rules are if you hit someone else's car in a like situation as you have now. If he asks, tell him you had a bet with your bro/best friend or whatever

 

[jwc]

>>>Your state rules will also determine what can be done.

Does anyone know what is the California rule on this?

 

[Guest]

Check the CA dept of insurance website. Under the heading "consumers" they have a drop down menu entitled "information guides" go to "automobile series" then to the section entitled "Insurance Related Auto Body Repairs" and open the section entitled "After-Market Parts".
Hope it all works out!

 

[djs]

Yes, I know the rules.
Read YOUR policy. Do you have coverage for OEM FACTORY parts? If so, then you are entitled to them, even though the other carrier is paying the bill.

If you do not have this coverage on your policy, you won't win the argument. They have to fix it like it was before the accident. It wasn't new before the accident, but at the same time, it has to look good, as in look new, once the repair is completed (unless you had prior damage).

If you endorsed on coverage for new parts on your policy, then you can insist on them supplying them. This is an extra cost endorsement on every policy in California that I am aware of. If you don't pay for the coverage, you can ask, but odds are, you won't get very far.

As a side note, I had a bicyclist run into my Jaguar and put a 2 inch scratch on the bumper (not really any other damage to my car, but he did some flips down the street). They reconditioned my bumper, better than it was before the accident since it took care of a bunch of little things (rock dings and stuff, no real problems) that would have normally been ignored.

You'll be in the same situation, it will be better than before the accident, but still not new.

Dan

 

[Frank Stastny]

I have a question only because I don't know. I thought "factory" and "OEM" were the same thing. Aren't they?

I also thought what one had to inquire about is if they were going to repair the vehicle using OEM/factory or "after market" parts.

 

[djs]

Yes, factory and OEM are the same thing.
He is really talking about reconditioned factory (OEM) parts vs new factory (OEM) parts.

Dan