Can I Choose OEM Parts on an Insurance Claim
You can usually ask for OEM parts, but whether your insurer pays the difference depends on your policy and your state.
Yes, you can usually ask, but it depends on your policy
You're allowed to request original equipment manufacturer parts for a repair. No law stops you from asking. Whether your insurer pays for them is a different question, and that comes down to what your policy says and what state you're in.
Some policies specify aftermarket or recycled parts as the standard, with OEM available for an added cost or as an option you add before a claim happens. Other policies already include OEM parts, often because the car is newer or because the policy was written that way from the start. The only way to know which you have is to read the endorsement page or ask your agent directly.
What your policy says matters most
The language in your policy decides this before anything else does. Some insurers write in aftermarket or non-OEM parts as the default for repairs, and if you want OEM parts you need an endorsement added to the policy, usually before you file a claim rather than after.
If your car is new or still under its original manufacturer warranty, some insurers will use OEM parts without you asking, because installing aftermarket parts on a very new car can affect the warranty. That's worth confirming with your insurer rather than assuming it applies to you.
If you already have a claim open and you want OEM parts, ask the adjuster directly what the policy allows and whether you'd owe the difference in cost. Waiting until the estimate is written is often too late to change what the policy specifies.
If OEM parts matter to you going forward, the time to add that endorsement is at renewal or when you first write the policy, not during a claim.
Your state's rules on parts also apply
Several states have rules about what insurers must disclose or allow when it comes to aftermarket parts, including requirements that aftermarket parts match the fit, quality, and warranty of the original. These rules vary by state, so what your insurer can use without your consent in one state may require your sign-off in another.
Some states also require insurers to tell you in writing if an estimate includes non-OEM parts, which gives you a chance to object or ask about OEM parts before the repair happens. Check with your state's insurance department or ask your agent what applies where you live.
If you're not at fault and the other driver's insurer is handling the claim, their policy and their state's rules may govern the repair instead of yours. That's worth asking about early, since it changes who you need to negotiate with.
Questions people ask about this
Can my mechanic use OEM parts even if my insurer specifies aftermarket?
Often yes, but you may have to pay the price difference yourself. Ask the shop for a written estimate showing both the aftermarket and OEM cost so you know exactly what you'd owe.
Do aftermarket parts affect my car's resale value?
They can, particularly for newer cars or when the parts are visible, like body panels. Ask a few dealers or appraisers in your area if this is a concern before you decide.
Will using aftermarket parts void my car's warranty?
Not automatically, since federal law generally protects your right to use aftermarket parts without voiding a warranty. But if a specific aftermarket part causes a failure, the manufacturer can deny that particular claim, so ask your dealer if you're unsure.
How do I add an OEM parts endorsement to my policy?
Call your agent or insurer and ask if OEM coverage is available as an add-on. It's typically something you need in place before a claim, not something you can request afterward.
What if the repair shop refuses to use aftermarket parts?
Some shops only install OEM parts regardless of what the insurer specifies, which can leave you owing the difference. Ask the shop upfront about their parts policy before you agree to the repair.
If OEM parts matter to you, compare how different insurers handle parts coverage before you need a claim.
Pull out your current policy or call your agent and ask specifically what parts standard applies to your coverage. If it's aftermarket by default and you want OEM parts, ask what an endorsement costs and add it before you need to file a claim. If you're in the middle of a claim already, ask the adjuster in writing what parts the estimate specifies and whether OEM is available at an added cost to you. Keep a copy of whatever they send. If you're not at fault, ask early whether your policy or the other driver's will govern the repair, since that changes who you need to talk to.
