the Nebraska

AutoBody Association

Crash Parts:

A Consumer's Guide

Many insurance companies favor imitation "crash parts"--such as hoods, doors, fenders and bumper components--for repairs simply on the basis of cost. While imitations may appear identical on the surface there's evidence that imitation crash parts, most of which are produced in Taiwan, are of lesser quality.
We believe that you should have the right to decide what parts will be used to repair collision damage to your vehicle. Before making your decision on which replacement parts you want used to repair your vehicle, take a few moments to review the facts.
QUALITY
When it comes to quality there should be no debate. Replacement crash, that meet OEM specifications, parts are the same as those used on new vehicles--with equivalent fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance.
The quality picture is much less clear for imitation parts:
Recent testing of imitation crash parts performed by an independent research laboratory uncovered a variety of deficiencies in the fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance of the parts tested.
This news is not new. Previous tests by other vehicle manufacturers and independent collision repair organizations have consistently found similar problems...despite assurances from the proponents of imitation crash parts that they are of "like kind and quality" or "functionally equivalent" to genuine crash parts.
What could the use of substandard imitation parts mean to you and to the investment you have made in your vehicle? Here are a few examples:

Poor fit can mean that the gaps between the exterior sheet metal and plastic parts on your vehicle may be uneven, or that the repairer may have to force the parts to fit.

Substandard finish can mean that unsightly waves and ripples may be apparent on the surfaces of parts--and that inadequate or insufficient surface preparation may jeopardize the durability of finish paints.

Structural integrity can be compromised when insufficient welds or inadequate adhesives are used...for example, to connect the two panels that make up a hood.

Insufficient corrosion protection can mean that rust may result in areas where regular steel has been used in place of more corrosion-resistant galvanized steel.

Less dent resistance can mean that exterior panels on your vehicle are more susceptible to dings and dents.

WARRANTY
When genuine replace sheet metal parts are used for collision repairs to your vehicle: All other terms of your vehicle's original limited warranty remain in effect. See your dealer for details.
Warranties for imitation crash parts are generally less comprehensive:

Some cover costs for replacement parts only, and exclude labor charges.

Some require that repairs be made at the same shop that completed the original repair.

Some limit the coverage terms to five years or less.

When imitation crash parts are used, collateral damage caused by substandard imitations may not be covered by your vehicle's original warranty.

REMEMBER
The basic obligation of your insurance company is to return your collision-damaged vehicle to its pre-accident condition. In light of the quality shortcomings identified above, you need to ask it your insurance company can meet its obligation by using imitation parts. The quality of your vehicle can be restored with the use of genuine replacement crash parts.

ANSWERS TO THE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CRASH PARTS
What are crash parts?
Crash parts are exterior sheet metal and plastic body parts, such as hoods, doors, fenders and bumper components, most frequently damaged in vehicle accidents. Genuine crash parts are those made by your vehicle manufacturer or its authorized representatives, and are the same as the parts used on new vehicles. Imitation crash parts are unauthorized copies of vehicle manufacturer parts. Those that have been tested have been found to be of questionable quality.
Who is involved in the genuine vs. imitation crash parts debate?
Most consumers want genuine crash parts for repairs, but few are aware that imitations may be used and even fewer are invited to participate in the selection process.*
Insurance companies control or influence the majority of crash parts purchase decisions.** They use imitations as a method to reduce their repair costs; yet auto insurance premiums have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation over the past decade.
Most collision repairers prefer to work with genuine crash parts but, because they are independent on insurance company referrals, are reluctant to question parts selections by insurers.**
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR INTERESTS

Here are a few tips you can use to help protect your interests when collision repairs are needed for your vehicle:

Get involved in the collision repair process from the start and ask what crash parts will be used for repairs.

Closely check your repair estimate before authorizing repairs.

Parts identified by the terms "economy,""quality replacement," "like kind and quality" and "competitive" could be imitation crash parts.

If imitation crash parts have been selected for repairs and you are uncomfortable with that choice, ask that genuine replacement crash parts be used. Be aware that if your insurer does not authorize use of genuine parts, you may be asked to pay any cost difference between genuine and imitation crash parts.

Your insurance company may elect to settle your claim directly with you prior to having repairs made. Be sure you agree to all terms of the settlement--including replacement parts--prior to accepting a settlement agreement.

If you choose to have imitation crash parts installed on your vehicle--or if you learn after the fact that imitation crash parts have been installed on your vehicle--immediately report any problems with the parts to your insurance agent.

GENUINE REPLACEMENT CRASH PARTS REQUEST
Give to Insurance adjuster
I prefer that only genuine replacement crash parts be used to repair my vehicle. If you require that imitation crash parts be used for repairs, please provide me written proof that they are equal to genuine replacement crash parts in terms of fit, finish, structural integrity, corrosion protection and dent resistance.
Also, please provide proof that:
Any imitation sheet metal crash part to be used is backed by a written warranty against corrosion that is as good as the warranty offered by my vehicle manufacturer which covers both parts and labor; allows repairs at any authorized repair facility; and remains in effect as long as I own this vehicle, and ; Any other imitation crash part is covered by a warranty equal to the manufacturer warranty.
*1994 Cambridge Reports consumer survey **1994 IMR national collision repairer survey

Nebraska Autobody Association
PO Box 145
Clay Center, NE 68933

nz41254@windstream.net

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