SAVING MONEY ON CAR REPAIRS

            Over the past two-and-a-half decades, aftermarket crash parts, also known as non-OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, have been available for use by automobile body shops. Because these non-structural parts (such as hoods, door and bumper panels, and side moldings) are less expensive than OEM parts and serve no safety function, they can be used to repair damaged vehicles for less cost without compromising safety. As a result, consumers realize savings on out-of-pocket repair costs and lower premiums (due to lower claims costs). In addition, aftermarket parts allow vehicles to be repaired that might have otherwise been declared total losses. Consumers should give careful consideration to using these aftermarket parts when given the choice. 

NOTE: It has been estimated that the use of non-OEM parts saves about $2.34 billion per year on car repair costs.