Understanding the Repair Process, and the Differences Between OEM and Aftermarket Parts

Starting The Repair Process

When Auto Collision Specialists receives your vehicle, we begin with a very thorough inspection to assess the damages. This includes a meticulous process of disassembling your car to discover all of the damage that may have occurred beneath the surface. This kind of careful analysis is crucial, as it ensures that no remaining damage will be left unaddressed in the course of a repair.

Our process includes:

• Verify all OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) recommended repair procedures, and identify all parts that will need to be replaced.
• Measure your vehicle with our state-of-the-art Car-O-Liner measuring system to identify any dimensional changes in the structural alignment.
• Diagnose any electronic issues, including problems connected to dashboard warning lights, airbag systems, traction control, wiring, or other electrical systems.
• Color-match the paint to confirm which panels need to be refinished.

Any vehicle that is returned to the road with remaining damage places its occupants at risk, as that vehicle can no longer considered to be structurally sound. This is why for every major collision; we take our time to inspect every component of your vehicle.

Why the Insurance Estimate Can Differ From the Body Shop Estimate

After we’ve completed the assessment of your vehicle, we then wait on approval from the necessary parties including:

• Customer Approval and Signed Authorization
• Insurance Approval
• Liability Documentation

During this initial assessment, an adjuster from the insurance company will inspect the vehicle. We will provide that adjuster with our analysis and documentation from our meticulous analysis of your vehicle.

Supplemental Approval

When there is extensive damage done to a vehicle after an accident, a supplemental estimate is often necessary if additional damage is discovered after disassembly. This supplement provides a complete repair plan, addressing damage that may not have been visible when the insurance adjuster performed their initial estimate.

At ACS, we follow your vehicle’s manufacturer procedures for performing a safe and reliable collision repair. It’s during this process that our technicians will provide documentation of the repair procedures that are required to restore your vehicle to pre-accident safety and performance.

Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop

Choosing an auto body shop that has your best interests in mind is essential to protecting the safety of your vehicle, and to protecting your long term economic interests. If your insurance adjuster’s initial estimate comes up different than our estimate, or if you find that there are supplemental estimates after your vehicle is disassembled and closely inspected, don’t be alarmed. Keep in mind that this is all part of the process of reaching a comprehensive assessment of the damage to your vehicle. This process assures that you drive away in a safe vehicle that performs the way it did prior to the accident.

Parts

Auto Collision Specialists prides itself on our transparency with our customers. In our discussions of your repairs, there are a number of different types of parts that we may refer to during the approval and planning of your repair. Here is a list of the types of parts available along with a quick guide to understanding what distinguishes each type of part from the others.

OEM Parts

OEM stands for “Original Equipment Manufacturer” parts. These parts are made by the vehicle’s manufacturer and are the same as the parts that were put on your car at the factory. OEM parts will match the fit, finish and performance of your original parts. These parts are A.C.S.’s first choice.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket parts are not made by the manufacturer. This does not necessarily mean that all aftermarket parts are inferior to OEM parts. Some parts are designed to be direct replacement parts, of like kind and quality, certified by organizations such as CAPA. In our experience, however, there are often differences in quality, material, and structure with Aftermarket parts. They may not provide the same fit, finish, and structural strength as OEM parts. Insurers often prefer the use of these parts because they reduce the overall cost of the claim. Our estimators will always alert you to the use of Aftermarket parts, and will discuss any options you may have to avoid the use of these parts. When your insurer specifies these types of parts on their estimates, they will use the following names or abbreviations:

• A/M Aftermarket / Automotive replacement parts
• QRP Quality Replacement Parts
• CP Competitive Parts
• LKQ Like Kind and Quality

If you were not at fault in the accident, make sure you discuss Diminished Value with a representative at Auto Collision Specialists, as the use of imitation parts may increase the amount of diminished value you are owed by the at-fault insurer.

Remanufactured Parts

A “remanufactured” part usually refers to parts that have been rebuilt from an OEM or Aftermarket part to match the performance of that genuine part. These parts may often carry their own warranty, and may be manufactured under license with the original manufacturer.

The same concerns that potentially apply to Aftermarket parts may be applicable here.

LKQ Recycled Parts

LKQ stands for “Like Kind and Quality.” These are parts from a salvage yard and are intended to be from the same make and model year of your vehicle. These recycled parts are specified with the idea that they are of like kind and quality of the original parts that were on your car. However, quality concerns may exist with salvage parts because the source, condition and durability of the parts are not known. Our estimators and or parts manager will closely inspect and de-certify any salvage parts that are not up to standard, and will discuss their use with you and your insurer. Watch for the following designations on your estimate:

• Salvage
• Used
• Recycled
• LKQ Like Kind and Quality