What are aftermarket crash parts? Crash parts, often referred to as cosmetic parts, are sheet metal or plastic parts that are installed on the exterior of a motor vehicle. Crash parts exclude mechanical parts such as batteries, filters, mufflers, shock absorbers, and engine parts (according to a 2001 U.S. General Accounting Office Report). The most commonly cited examples of aftermarket parts are fenders, hoods, doors, and bumper components. “Aftermarket parts” generally mean sheet metal or plastic parts that constitute the exterior of a motor vehicle, including inner and outer panels. A “non-original manufacturer” means a manufacturer other than the original manufacturer of the part. There are three sources for crash parts used to repair damaged vehicles: (1) Original Equipment Manufactured (“OEM”) parts are manufactured by the original auto manufacturer. They are brand new parts made specifically to go with a particular make and model of vehicle by that vehicle’s original manufacturer. (2) Non- Original Equipment Manufactured (“Non-OEM”) parts, also known as aftermarket crash parts, are generic parts produced by independent manufacturers who manufacture replacement crash parts and sell them cheaper than the original equipment manufacturer. (3) Used, salvaged, reconditioned, or recycled parts are bought from salvage companies and junk yards.
(320) 252-2993
