Will My Insurance Company Pay for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts After an Accident?

Last Updated on December 19, 2025

After an accident, you want your car repaired correctly—and many drivers prefer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts because they’re made by (or for) your vehicle’s brand. The big question is whether your auto insurance company will actually pay for OEM parts, or if they’ll authorize aftermarket or recycled parts instead.

The short answer: it depends on your policy language, your state’s rules, the type of part, and your vehicle’s age/condition. Here’s how OEM parts work in claims, when insurers are more likely to approve them, and what you can do if you disagree with the estimate.

Key Takeaways

• Insurance may pay for OEM parts after an accident, but it depends on your policy language, vehicle age, and whether non-OEM parts are considered “like kind and quality.”
• Aftermarket parts are made by third parties, while recycled parts are typically used OEM parts—both are commonly approved to control repair costs, especially on older vehicles.
• If you want OEM parts, the best path is documentation: have the repair shop show fit/safety problems with non-OEM parts and submit a supplement to the insurer.
• Some insurers offer OEM endorsements; otherwise, you may need to pay the price difference if you insist on OEM when the insurer approves a cheaper alternative.

What are OEM parts (and what are aftermarket and recycled parts)?

OEM parts are parts made by the vehicle manufacturer (or made to that manufacturer’s specifications). They’re typically the same type of parts your car had before the accident.

Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers. Quality varies widely depending on the brand, the part, and how well it fits your vehicle.

Recycled (used) parts are usually OEM parts pulled from another vehicle. These are commonly used for older cars when new OEM parts are expensive or hard to find.

Will insurance pay for OEM parts after an accident?

Many auto policies promise to repair your vehicle to its pre-loss condition using parts of “like kind and quality.” In practice, that often means the insurer may approve OEM, aftermarket, or recycled parts depending on what’s available and what’s considered comparable.

To avoid surprises, check your policy before you ever need repairs. This is exactly why it’s smart to review your car insurance policy (and endorsements) so you know what you’re paying for.

When OEM approval is more likely

• Newer vehicles: Some insurers are more willing to authorize OEM parts on newer cars, especially if comparable alternatives aren’t available.
• Safety- or fit-critical parts: If an aftermarket part doesn’t fit correctly, creates alignment gaps, or affects safety systems, the shop may be able to justify an OEM replacement.
• When aftermarket parts fail quality checks: If the shop can document issues (poor fit, incorrect mounting points, corrosion risk, etc.), the insurer may switch to OEM or recycled OEM.
• If you bought an OEM endorsement: Some insurers offer add-ons that increase the chance of OEM parts being used (often with restrictions like model year or part type).

If you want OEM parts whenever possible, ask about OEM endorsements before you buy coverage (or at renewal). If you’re comparing carriers, our roundup of auto insurance companies can be a helpful starting point—but always confirm the specific parts language in the policy you’re offered.

Why insurers often authorize aftermarket or recycled parts

Insurers usually look for a repair that restores the car to a similar condition at a reasonable cost. For many body parts on many vehicles, an aftermarket or recycled part may be considered acceptable—especially as the car gets older or has prior wear and tear.

Another practical reason: OEM parts can be expensive, backordered, or discontinued. For older vehicles, recycled OEM parts can be a common compromise—especially for exterior panels and other non-mechanical parts.

And if your vehicle is declared a total loss, the OEM vs. aftermarket debate usually becomes irrelevant, since the settlement is based on the car’s value rather than repairing it.

How to push for OEM parts (without sabotaging your claim)

If you want OEM parts, the best approach is to work with the repair shop and the adjuster using documentation—not emotion. Here are steps that often help:

• Start with the estimate: Ask the shop to list every non-OEM part proposed and explain why it’s being used.
• Ask the shop to document problems: If an aftermarket part doesn’t fit or would require extra labor/modification, the shop can document it and request an OEM substitution.
• Request a supplement: If the shop discovers additional damage or parts issues during teardown, they can submit a supplement to the insurer for approval.
• Be prepared to pay the difference: If the insurer will cover an aftermarket part but you insist on OEM, you may be asked to pay the price difference out of pocket.
• Get clarity on the repair process: If you’re not sure how the insurer/repair pipeline works, this guide on going through your insurance company for repairs explains what to expect.

If you do end up filing a claim, keep the process clean and well-documented. Here’s a step-by-step on the proper way to file an insurance claim so you don’t create avoidable delays.

What about mechanical repairs?

Most of the OEM-vs-aftermarket debate comes up in collision/body repairs. Mechanical repairs can be a different story depending on what failed, why it failed, and what coverage applies. If you’re unsure what your policy covers, read: Does car insurance cover mechanical repairs?

Will asking for OEM parts raise my rates?

Requesting OEM parts doesn’t automatically raise your rates. Your premium is more likely to be affected by the accident itself, your fault status, claim history, and other rating factors. If you’re worried about pricing after a claim, see: Does your car insurance go up after an accident?

Do major insurers handle OEM parts differently than smaller insurers?

Every insurer sets its own guidelines, and the policy language matters more than the logo. Some companies offer OEM endorsements, some lean more heavily on aftermarket parts, and others rely on recycled OEM for older vehicles. If you’re comparing carriers, this overview can help frame the trade-offs: Are major auto insurance companies better than smaller ones?

Bottom line: OEM parts can be possible, but you may need the right policy (or pay the difference)

If OEM parts are a priority, don’t wait until you’re standing at a body shop counter after a crash. Check your policy language, ask about OEM endorsements at renewal, and choose a reputable repair shop that will document fit and safety issues. And if cost is the concern, discounts can help offset premium upgrades—start here: State Farm discounts (and then ask your own insurer what discounts they offer).

FAQs on OEM Parts and Auto Insurance Claims