Last week, I wrote about “Bearskin” and the trouble I had explaining the insurance concept. I’m continuing the conversation this week. When we think of auto repairs, many of us envision our vehicles being restored to their original, gleaming conditions. However, the reality of auto repairs and the insurance claims process that goes with it can be more complex.
The damage estimate, typically provided by a body shop, offers a detailed breakdown of how the vehicle will be repaired. Within this estimate, vehicle owners will notice various terms and acronyms, each indicating the type of part being used. The main categories of auto parts are:
1. New or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): These are brand-new parts straight from the vehicle’s manufacturer.
2. Like, Kind, and Quality (LKQ): These parts match the quality and function of the original part but may come from a different source.
3. After-Market: Comparable to generic brands in a grocery store, these parts are often made by the same manufacturers as OEM parts but lack the brand name, allowing for competitive pricing.
Many vehicle owners have a preference for OEM parts, valuing the assurance of brand-new, original components. However, while you can certainly request OEM parts, insurance carriers might not always cover the full cost. The standard personal auto policy often allows for the most “reasonable” repair option. And what’s considered “reasonable”? It’s explored in the tale of “Rumpelstiltskin” in Once Upon A Claim, boiling down to what an average person would typically expect or accept.
After-Market parts often stir debate. While some view them as inferior, it’s essential to remember they’re the generic versions of the auto world. If you’ve ever opted for a generic drug over a name brand or picked up a store-brand snack, you’ve essentially chosen the After-Market equivalent in the pharmaceutical or food industry.
One of the common concerns in auto repairs is paint matching. Some believe that if one section of a vehicle gets damaged, the entire car should be repainted to ensure consistency. This notion stems from the idea that natural elements and daily wear gradually fade the vehicle’s original paint. However, a proficient painter can seamlessly blend the new paint with the old, rendering the vehicle as pristine as before.
The journey of vehicle repair is much like the transformation of the young soldier in the tale of “Bearskin.” Beneath the layers of grime and wear, the essence remains unchanged. Similarly, a well-repaired vehicle retains its original spirit, regardless of the parts used.
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