No. Your auto body shop does not have to use whichever parts your insurer specifies, and you do not have to accept them without question. In Oklahoma, insurers must disclose in writing when non-OEM parts will be used. You have the right to request OEM parts, though you may pay the cost difference, since insurers are liable for Like Kind and Quality parts, not necessarily new OEM components. After an accident, your body shop estimate may list aftermarket parts that your insurer approved. At Estes Collision, we explain your options before you sign anything.
Key Takeaways
- Oklahoma law requires a written disclosure on your repair estimate when non-OEM aftermarket crash parts are specified.
- OEM request process: We submit OEM justifications to your insurer when documented grounds exist, such as an active manufacturer warranty or active lease agreement.
- OEM parts are made by your vehicle’s manufacturer to factory specifications for fit, safety, and performance.
- Cost difference: If you choose OEM, where your insurer has approved aftermarket, you may pay the price gap.
Can Your Insurer Require a Specific Parts Type?
Insurers can specify parts on a claim, but Oklahoma law limits what they can do without your knowledge. Oklahoma law requires any insurer specifying non-OEM crash parts to include a written disclosure on or attached to your repair estimate before work begins.
What Oklahoma Law Says About Non-OEM Parts
That disclosure must state that parts come from a source other than your vehicle’s manufacturer, and that warranty coverage comes from the part supplier rather than the vehicle maker.
According to OKABA, insurers apply a like-kind-and-quality standard, meaning parts that restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition, not necessarily new OEM components. Aftermarket parts vary in quality. Some match OEM performance; others may not fit as precisely, affecting alignment or durability. That is why we use only qualified aftermarket parts.
How Parts Types Compare
| Part Type | Source | Warranty | Common Use |
| OEM | Vehicle manufacturer | Manufacturer warranty | New vehicles, lease vehicles, warranty-active vehicles |
| Aftermarket | Third-party manufacturer | Part supplier warranty | Most insurer-approved repairs |
| Reconditioned | Refurbished used part | Varies | Older vehicles, discontinued parts |
At Estes Collision, we use OEM-manufactured and qualified aftermarket parts on every repair, following OEM-aligned repair procedures. When refinishing is needed, our technicians apply Sikkens paint with electronic color matching.
Can You Request OEM Parts If Your Estimate Lists Aftermarket?
Yes. You can request OEM parts even when your insurer has approved aftermarket alternatives. We submit an OEM justification on your behalf. Whether OEM is covered depends on your vehicle’s condition and the kind and quality standard applied.
- Review our estimate with you. We walk through which parts are labeled OEM, aftermarket, or reconditioned before you authorize auto body repair services.
- Tell us your preference before signing. Once work begins on a panel, parts decisions are harder to reverse.
- We submit the justification. When documented grounds exist, such as a manufacturer warranty or active lease, we submit an OEM parts request directly to your insurer.
- Understand the cost outcome. If your insurer approves OEM, there is no added cost. If not, we explain the difference before work begins.
As one of the best auto body repair shops in Miami, OK, we communicate with your insurer about parts. Our customer Charles S. left us this Google review: “My wife’s car was rear-ended… I was kept informed on parts, when painted, when to pick up. The best part was there were no surprises.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my insurer have to pay for OEM parts if I request them?
Not automatically. Insurers are liable for Like Kind and Quality parts, not necessarily new OEM. We walk you through any cost difference before work begins.
What is insurance steering, and is it legal in Oklahoma?
Steering is when an insurer pressures you toward a specific shop. Oklahoma law protects vehicle owners from this. You have the right to choose your body shop near Miami, Oklahoma, and we respect that.
Will aftermarket parts void my manufacturer warranty?
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty solely for aftermarket parts use. We recommend raising this with your insurer before repairs begin.
Know Your Parts Rights Before Authorizing Repairs
We are one of the insurance-approved auto body repair shops in Ottawa County. Estes Collision works with most major insurance carriers. Our collision repair and auto body repair services carry our limited lifetime warranty. Contact us at (918) 542-6699 or [email protected] to schedule a consultation.