When your car comes out of the shop looking good as new, it’s easy to breathe a sigh of relief. But under that glossy finish and fresh paint, do you really know what parts were used in your repair? If your shop is part of a Direct Repair Program (DRP) — the answer might surprise you. Safety risk?
In this third installment of our DRP awareness series, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked — yet critical — aspects of collision repair: the parts used to fix your vehicle. Spoiler alert: cheaper doesn’t always mean better. In fact, it could mean dangerous.
Before we go further, let’s define the three types of parts commonly used in collision repair:
Made by your car’s manufacturer.
Built to precise factory specs and crash-tested for your vehicle model.
Maintain vehicle warranty, resale value, and safety systems.
Made by third-party manufacturers.
May vary in quality, fit, and material.
Often cheaper, but not always crash-tested for your exact vehicle.
Taken from used or totaled vehicles.
Sometimes OEM, but with unknown history, wear, or damage.
Used to cut costs, especially in DRP repairs.
Insurance companies partner with DRP shops to reduce repair costs and speed up claims. One of the easiest ways to save? Parts substitution.
Here’s how it works:
Your insurer authorizes repairs at a DRP shop.
The shop must stay within strict cost guidelines to remain on the “preferred” list.
OEM parts are expensive — so the shop is often encouraged or pressured to use aftermarket or recycled parts to stay within budget.
Lower costs = higher profit margins.
You could be driving a safety risk repaired with parts never tested for your car, installed by techs under tight time and cost constraints.
Short answer: Absolutely.
Let’s break it down.
OEM parts are designed to crumple in specific ways during a crash to absorb energy and protect passengers.
Aftermarket parts may look the same but lack the engineering to perform similarly in a collision.
Even a 1-2 millimeter gap or misalignment can affect airbag timing and crash energy flow.
Many aftermarket parts use lower-grade materials that rust faster.
Poor fitment can lead to wind noise, leaks, or improper panel alignment.
Recycled parts, if not properly inspected, could come from flood-damaged or structurally compromised vehicles.
A Texas family won a multi-million dollar lawsuit after their Honda Fit, which had been repaired with aftermarket adhesives instead of factory welds, collapsed in a crash, trapping them inside and causing severe burns.
The court found that the shop deviated from OEM repair procedures, and the aftermarket method directly contributed to the severity of the injuries. Perfect example of a vehicle that is a safety risk.
While the NHTSA doesn’t ban aftermarket parts outright, it warns consumers that:
“Aftermarket parts may not provide the same level of protection in a crash.”
Most major automakers — including Honda, Ford, Toyota, and BMW — issue clear guidance:
Use OEM parts for collision repairs.
Follow OEM repair procedures.
Avoid non-approved substitutions.
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) strongly advocates for OEM parts in structural and safety-related repairs.
Independent shops often say that DRPs tie their hands, forcing them to prioritize cost over quality.
The good news? You have the power to demand safe, factory-spec repairs. Here’s how:
Get it in writing.
If not, ask why — and whether you can pay the difference.
Some policies include “like kind and quality” parts clauses — a loophole that allows insurers to use non-OEM parts.
Ask your agent how to add OEM parts coverage.
Non-DRP shops aren’t bound by insurer cost caps.
They can prioritize your vehicle’s performance and safety, not just the bottom line.
If something doesn’t seem right, bring your vehicle to a trusted collision center for review.
We’re proud to say that at A&D Collision and Glass, we fight for repairs that meet manufacturer standards — not insurance mandates. Here’s how we work:
We recommend OEM parts whenever possible.
We educate you about your right to choose the parts and shop.
We document everything and advocate on your behalf with the insurer.
Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re trusting the integrity of your repairs. You deserve peace of mind — not budget-based shortcuts.
The part behind your bumper might not seem important — until it fails to crumple in a crash. That sensor behind your grille may look normal — until it misfires during a lane change.
Your car isn’t just transportation — it’s protection for you and your family. Don’t compromise that for a quick fix or a lower claim cost.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation or a second opinion on your repair estimate.
📍 8036 Old M-78, Haslett, MI 48840
🌐 Visit www.adcollisioninc.com for tips, repair FAQs, and real stories from drivers like you.
