Where do car parts come from?

Replacement parts for your car come from three different sources:

• OEM
• Aftermarket or Reconditioned
• LKQ (Used or Recycle)

OEM parts are distributed through local dealers. Because of the distribution chain established by automobile manufacturers, parts are sold through car dealers, not shipped from the manufacturing plants directly to the end user. Selling them through dealers allows local inventory to exist which means faster access to most parts than having to wait to get them all from a couple of factories around the country.

Domestic and Japanese parts are generally available the same or next day. European and other Asian manufacturers generally take 3 to 5 days depending upon the manufacturer and dealer inventory.

Unlike other facilities that may not be completely honest with you in order to capture your car repair, we give you accurate information based upon real circumstance, and our experience, so you can plan accordingly.

Aftermarket parts come from companies other than the original manufacturer of your car. They are intended identical to the parts made by the original manufacturer. Not every car part is reproduced by Aftermarket suppliers. Typically only the most commonly replaced parts will be available such as bumpers, hoods headlights and fenders. Aftermarket replacement parts, if available for your car, are generally delivered same day or next.

Reconditioned parts are parts that have been repaired by companies other than the vehicle manufacturer and re-sold ready to paint or install. Some examples are: Plastic bumper facsias, chrome bumpers, steering racks, alloy rims, alternators and water pumps.

LKQ (Used or Recycled) parts are undamaged parts removed from a vehicle that has gone to a salvage yard. Salvage parts are usually available in 1 to 5 days depending upon how far away the parts are.

If your car is un-drivable, we order parts as soon as we have your authorization and the insurance company approval. If you have scheduled repairs for a few days or a week away, we order parts ahead of time so that everything on the estimate is here before your car arrives for repairs.

While the choice of what kind of parts to use is yours, some insurance companies will only reimburse you (or pay) for Aftermarket or used parts when available. Most companies that mandate this policy are good about switching to an OEM part if the aftermarket or salvage one is obviously defective. Most of however, require the non-OEM part to be ordered and the install attempted before they will consider paying for OEM. For the specific policy of the insurance company paying your claim, you can speak to the adjuster handling your claim.