
When you sign an
Insurance policy especially if you love your car or you are purchasing a new car you should see that the policy doesn't state aftermarket parts in it. If an accident occurs then the spare parts that are used to replace the damaged ones should be original. Aftermarket parts are not manufactured by the maker. The reason is that the parts may be good than the manufacturers parts but in most cases will be of lower quality.
State Laws
Rules for the use of aftermarket parts differ from state to state. The
insurance companies have to abide by the rules of the state. Some states allow that the insurance companies can use after market parts in the repair of your vehicle without even telling you. In some states the insurance company has to let you know if they used any aftermarket parts. In some states the aftermarket parts can be used with your consent i.e. if you agree or not. Some states, however, completely refrains an insurance company from the use of any aftermarket parts in the repair of the car.
Body shops
Many workshops use the aftermarket parts to repair the damages. Some of the shops don't but they may even use them only in the case where quality is at a compromise. Some aftermarket parts can be better then what the manufacturer provides.
The reason for their use is that there is a significant saving in the repair job if aftermarket parts are used because they are cheaper. If a consumer agrees to the use of aftermarket parts especially in case of older cars then both insurance company and the insured saves money.
Do you want to have your Total Loss Car Back?
If someone runs into a serious car accident then he will be keen to get the car replaced or an upgrade to a better car instead of getting it repaired. Sometimes repairs cannot bring the quality it had and the resale value is decreased regardless of how much is spent to make it look perfect. A new car also provides a piece of mind rather then having past memories of an accident flash by each time you turn the starting key. In case you don't want to loose the car you can get it repaired by paying a lot out f your pocket too but that may cost a lot. The insurance company will pay you an amount after subtracting the money you will get from selling the wreck to a junk yard.
If you really want your car back that is totaled in the accident you should let your insurance company know as soon as possible. If you wait for long then it might be too late and the car may be auctioned at the salvage yard.
Repair or Replacement
Once you have decided to get a replacement in case of a total loss remember a few things. The insurance company check should include the title, taxes, license fee and money for a good replacement. In case you keep your totaled car then you must also be cleared by the insurance company on any deduction they make.
After a car accident, dealing with claims, insurance company, settlements, repairs or finding replacements is not fun at all. You have to follow a procedure which is the least thing you want after what you have gone through. You may even get phone calls form the other party's insurance company that was involved in the accident just to know your part of the story. Document everything, write names and keep track of each step so that you can get out of this process as soon as possible.