I have Progressive and learned that they will use OEM parts only on brand new cars (what exactly qualifies as new I don't know...e.g. after X miles). Are there any insurance companies that ALWAYS use OEM parts for repairs no matter how old the car is?

 

First of all what's with this negative thinking? Did you have accident already? There are not many parts that could come outside of Toyota: All the body parts, bumpers etc. have to be original, there is no alternator, no starter, pretty much most of the drive train is custom made for hybrids, including transmission, even 12 volt battery is special, inside the trunk. The only things I can think of is windshield, maybe radiator, front grill and lights from non hybrid Camry? In case of collision bigger than simple cosmetic repairs , you would have to bring the car to hybrid specialist, most likely Toyota dealer and I would doubt they would agree to use non Toyota parts even if they could find it.

 

Not true. Progressive will always use 3rd party part first if they exist before going OEM. The only reason they would do this on a new car is because 3rd party parts don't exist.

You get what you pay for and Progressive sucks when you really need them.

State Farm will go for OEM parts. They didn't a number of years ago but now they do.

 

Most likely what gets damage isn't something like a transmission... it's more like the surface or shell of the car. Items that you can see. And 3rd party parts don't fit that well. Progressive WILL go for a 3rd party fender, bumper, door, etc BEFORE going OEM. If you want OEM, you have to foot the difference.

 

State Farm will go for OEM parts.... BUT- they will often go for used parts. When my 1998 Camry got rear ended and the other guy didn't have insurance, State Farm told me that they would use a Toyota bumper, but it would be a used bumper. If I wanted a new bumper, I would have to pay the difference. Since I was selling it anyway, I didn't care.

 

Chubb group claims to always use OEM parts, some companies will have option to choose when you buy insurance. Do expect to pay more for insurance using OEM parts.
Now I have a question of my own, what happens if the other guy is at fault? Since his insurance is paying for repairs, do they go by his policy or your policy? And forget for a moment about no fault insurance , let's say your car was parked at shopping mall and somebody backed into it , I would think no fault wouldn't apply then.

 

Well, the other time my 1998 Camry was rear-ended, (it happened twice)... it was a year after I got it. The woman who hit me had insurance, and when I had it repaired I spoke with both the body shop and her insurance company. I told them that only new Toyota parts were to be used. Since the accident was 100% her fault (per police report), they didn't argue about that.

 

There is an important element to be added here.

The insurance company doesn't choose what parts are used on your car, the BODY SHOP does.

That said, I understand that MOST insurance companies will only ALLOW enough money to purchase the aftermarket or used parts, but a REPUTABLE body shop does have some influence on what is replaced OE and what is replaced aftermarket or used. Some shops charge the insurance companies MORE labor to install inferior, non fitting parts.

Unfortunately, some not so honest body shops get paid for OE, then put on used or aftermarket parts which make them more PROFIT. They even go as far to tell you that the insurance company only paid them enough for USED or AFTERMARKET, when they got paid enough for OE.

Then there are the ones that got paid for parts they don't replace, or they get paid for parts and FIX yours instead, again making more profit.

GO to a bodyshop you TRUST.
ASK for referrals and look at cars that are IN THE SHOP. Are there lots of newer cars with USED/DIFFERENT COLOR fenders or doors? Look closely at completed cars if possible.

It's ok to ask for a bodyshop tour... How does the spraybooth look, do they have a spray booth??? (they may not allow you to walk around and they use the insurance excuse alot). There are some shops that are proud to let you see their work in progress.

Another important thing to remember is that you are ALWAYS entitled to a copy of the ESTIMATE. If you don't understand it ASK!!!

ALSO, you can always pay the difference between an aftermarket part replacement and an OE part (if you have the right bodyshop).

I used to deal with body shops in the past and have some experience in this area.
hope some of this info helps

08FEH

 

haha... the body shop follows the insurance guidlines... trust me, that I know. they don't choose anything.

 

Depends on the body shop.

I have one that will help fight the insurance company to get the good parts (be it OE, used or repro) and a fair repair value.

But most shops don't care what parts they use as long as it will end up with a sellable repair that will last the lenght of their warranty.