What are aftermarket parts? How are they different from the parts I have on my car?
Aftermarket parts are parts not made for or by the manufacturer of your vehicle. They are not crash tested; crumple zones cannot be designed in a part if it isn’t engineered while being manufactured. Common names for these types of parts are “look-a-like,” Taiwan Tin” or “Counterfeit parts”. These types of parts again are not crash tested, one reason why these parts are so cheap. Insurers use these types of parts for the overall cost savings. If an insurer insists on these types of parts for the repair of your vehicle, demand they provide you a printed copy of the “crash test results.” More information about these types of parts can be found in the Definitions section (parts names & descriptions) of this website.
