When it comes to auto body repairs, choosing between OEM vs Aftermarket parts plays a big role in the quality, safety, and long-term value of your vehicle. Knowing the key differences can help you make smarter decisions — whether you’re focused on cost, warranty protection, or maintaining your car’s original standards. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, especially if you’re considering certified collision services.

What Are OEM vs Aftermarket Parts?

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are essentially duplicates of the parts that originally came with your vehicle. They carry the automaker’s branding and meet the exact specifications of your car. This means an OEM replacement part is the same as what your car had when it rolled off the assembly line.

Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are made by third-party manufacturers not affiliated with the car maker. These parts are designed to function like the OEM version (and in many cases look identical), but they might differ slightly in materials or design. Using aftermarket parts can offer cost savings and sometimes performance improvements, but quality can vary.

Quick Comparison Table

Sources: RepairPal, NAIC Parts Usage Report, Collision Repair Magazine Survey

Cost Differences: OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

Source: RepairPal Cost Estimator 2024

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Pros and Cons: OEM vs Aftermarket Parts

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Warranty Considerations

However, if an aftermarket part directly causes a failure or new damage, the manufacturer can deny warranty coverage only for that specific problem.
In other words, they must prove that the aftermarket part was responsible for the issue in order to deny a claim.

For example, if an aftermarket bumper cover is installed after a collision and later your air conditioning system fails, the A/C system should still be covered—because it has no connection to the bumper.
On the other hand, if the aftermarket bumper affects the performance of crash sensors or ADAS systems (like parking sensors or lane assist), the manufacturer could deny warranty coverage for those systems.

Ultimately, your factory warranty remains intact unless the aftermarket part can be proven to have caused a related failure.
Manufacturers cannot void your entire vehicle warranty simply because aftermarket parts were used during collision repairs.

Source: Federal Trade Commission – Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Real-World Statistics

• 62% of U.S. drivers are willing to use aftermarket parts for out-of-pocket repairs.
• 74% of insurance companies specify aftermarket parts for collision repairs.
• 81% of body shops agree that CAPA-certified aftermarket parts perform equally to OEM parts for cosmetic repairs.
• 43% of car owners incorrectly believe using aftermarket parts automatically voids their warranty.

Sources: Collision Repair Magazine Survey, NAIC

When to Choose OEM Parts

• Preserve your manufacturer’s warranty with the correct parts.

• Drive a new or luxury model that deserves factory-spec precision.

• Maintain maximum resale value by keeping everything original.

• Ensure guaranteed compatibility and top-tier performance.

• Protect critical systems like sensors and ADAS technology.

• Trust certified repairs at Premier Coach Auto Collision, where OEM parts are the standard for quality and safety.

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When to Choose Aftermarket Parts

• Manage costs when paying out of pocket.

• Keep an older vehicle running strong without overinvesting.

• Speed up repairs with more readily available options.

• Customize or enhance performance beyond factory specs.

• Handle urgent fixes when fast turnaround is key.

At Premier Coach Auto Collision, every repair focuses on preserving your vehicle’s original quality, safety, and value. Using OEM-certified parts and factory-approved repair methods, vehicles are repaired to the highest standards. Here’s how Premier Coach ensures expert, certified collision repair:

• Prioritize OEM-certified parts to maintain original fit, finish, and performance.

• Follow brand-specific repair procedures for Tesla, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Acura, and more,

• Use factory-approved tools, materials, and techniques to meet strict engineering and safety standards.

• Protect critical systems like ADAS sensors and electronic safety features.

• Maintain structural integrity to preserve crashworthiness and warranty coverage.

• Safeguard the resale value by repairing vehicles according to manufacturer guidelines.

• Complete all repairs with certified experts trained by leading automotive brands.

• Deliver factory-quality repairs for drivers in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo using OEM parts whenever possible.

Trust Premier Coach Auto Collision for auto body repairs that protect your safety, your investment, and your peace of mind.

Conclusion

Choosing between OEM or aftermarket parts comes down to what matters most to you: cost, quality, speed, or vehicle value.

When it comes to protecting your vehicle’s value, performance, and safety, OEM parts are the clear choice. That’s why Premier Coach Auto Collision exclusively uses OEM parts for every repair—no exceptions.

✅ OEM parts ensure factory-level quality, exact fit, and help preserve your vehicle’s resale value.
✅ They’re required to maintain many factory warranties, especially for luxury or newer vehicles.
✅ Using OEM parts also supports proper ADAS recalibration and structural integrity after a collision.

At Premier Coach, we don’t compromise on your safety. As a certified collision repair center, we follow strict manufacturer guidelines and use only genuine parts for all makes and models we’re certified to repair.

Key takeaway: You’ll never have to choose between cost and quality at Premier Coach. We always choose OEM—because your safety and your car’s value come first.

Need advice for your next repair? Contact Premier Coach Auto Collision’s certified collision specialists today!