What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket?
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are made by the same company that built the original vehicle parts — Honda Genuine, Toyota Genuine, BMW OEM, etc. They match factory specifications exactly because they're built to the same tooling.
Aftermarket parts are made by third-party manufacturers (LKQ, Diamond Standard, CAPA-certified producers) and designed to fit the same vehicle. Quality varies dramatically — some aftermarket parts are excellent and indistinguishable from OEM; others are inferior in fit, finish, and crash performance.
When OEM is essential
Safety-critical components: airbag sensors, structural panels (A-pillars, B-pillars, rocker panels), seat belt anchors, frame components. These have engineered crash-performance characteristics that aftermarket may not replicate.
ADAS-integrated components: bumpers with parking sensors and front cameras, windshields with lane-departure cameras, headlights with adaptive systems. Calibration after replacement requires the exact OEM geometry.
Warranty-preservation scenarios: if you're under manufacturer warranty, using non-OEM parts can void warranty on related components. For luxury and EV vehicles especially, OEM parts protect resale value.
When aftermarket is appropriate
Cosmetic body panels on older vehicles (10+ years), where the cost difference is significant and the structural performance isn't compromised. CAPA-certified aftermarket parts meet rigorous standards for fit and finish.
Recycled OEM parts (also called LKQ or salvage) can be excellent — they're real OEM parts from totaled vehicles with low miles. We use these where appropriate, often saving 30–50% vs new OEM.
What we do at D. MacArthur Auto Body
We push for OEM on safety, structural, and warranty-critical components. We accept aftermarket or recycled OEM where appropriate. We tell you which is being used on every part and why — written on the estimate, no surprises.
If your insurance carrier tries to push aftermarket where OEM is safer, we document the case for OEM and submit a supplement. In most cases the supplement gets approved when the safety argument is made properly.
Frequently asked questions
Does my insurance pay for OEM parts?
Depends on your policy and the part. Many policies cover OEM for safety components but not for cosmetic. We document the case where OEM should be approved.
Is CAPA-certified aftermarket safe?
Generally yes — CAPA certification means the part has been tested for fit and finish. CAPA doesn't certify crash performance equivalence with OEM on structural parts.
Can I request OEM even if my insurance won't pay?
Yes. You can pay the difference out-of-pocket. We give you both estimates so you can decide.