How To Make Sure Your Body Shop Only Uses OEM Nissan Parts
Does your Nissan need some body work done? Unless you have a lot of body work experience, it’s best to leave the job to professionals. The thing is, most body shops will likely use aftermarket replacement parts. If you’re hesitant to use a body shop for this reason, we have good news. You can certainly make sure that the body shop only uses OEM replacement parts. We’ll show you how.
It’s Not A Good Idea To Use Aftermarket Auto Body Parts
Many aftermarket auto body parts are cheaper than their OEM counterparts. That’s why some car owners use aftermarket replacement parts. It’s also why auto body shops and insurance companies go the aftermarket route. It’s actually not a good idea to use aftermarket auto body parts.
Many people believe that auto body parts are only cosmetic parts. That’s actually not true. The truth is, many auto body parts play a part in your vehicle’s structural integrity. For example, front fenders are designed to crumple in a specific way, so they absorb some impact in an accident. If you use an aftermarket body part, that might not happen.
An aftermarket body part that’s supposed to provide protection in a crash may fail to do so. It’s because many aftermarket body parts don't exactly match the OEM design.
OEM Nissan auto body parts are a much better investment because:
- Nissan builds its OEM parts with quality materials - you can count on OEM auto body parts to provide protection in a crash.
- Nissan builds its OEM parts with exact dimensions - you don’t have to worry about any fitment issues with OEM parts.
Just because auto body shops are inclined to use aftermarket parts doesn’t mean you have to, too. If you work with the auto body shop (and maybe your insurance company), you may be able to get them to use OEM parts on your car. Here’s how:
1. Ask The Body Shop To Use OEM Parts
The first step is simple. Just ask the body shop if they can use OEM parts. Their answer may depend on whether your insurance company allows it. Many insurance companies will only spring for aftermarket parts to save money. If the auto body shop tells you that they can’t use OEM parts because of insurance, call the insurance company.
2. Call Your Insurance Company
Contrary to popular belief, some insurance companies may agree to use OEM parts if you ask. Their decision depends on several factors:
- The insurance company's own policies
- The make and model of your vehicle
The newer and more common your model, the easier OEM parts are to find. In that case, your insurance company may be OK with paying for OEM parts. Keep in mind that if your insurance company says yes, they may ask you to pay an extra fee for them to cover OEM parts.
3. Pay The Difference Between OEM Parts And Aftermarket Parts
If your insurance company won't work with you, all is not lost. You have one option left: talk to the auto body shop again and offer to pay the difference. The way this works is:
- The auto body shop installs OEM replacement parts on your vehicle
- The auto body shop bills the insurance company the standard cost of the aftermarket parts
- The insurance company pays the cost of the aftermarket parts
- You pay the cost difference between OEM parts and aftermarket parts
If you're looking to save money, have your body shop order parts from us. We carry genuine OEM Nissan parts at wholesale pricing. We have a wide variety of OEM parts, ranging from brake rotors to oxygen sensors to auto body parts.
Look up your Nissan model to see all the OEM auto body parts we have for your vehicle!