In some cases a Pennsylvania auto repair may include replacement of damaged parts with after-market parts.
After-market parts are parts which are not made by the original manufacturer. After-market parts may be equal, better, or worse in quality than original equipment manufacturer parts. Although non-original equipment manufactured replacement parts can be used to repair your vehicle, any such part must be comparable to original equipment manufactured parts in terms of kind, quality, safety, fit, and performance. Consumers should take note of the following:
- A PA auto repair shop is required to provide a written repair estimate of the cost of repairs prior to initiating repairs to the vehicle. Once the work is completed, the shop must then provide a written repair invoice. State law requires that the type of auto parts used in repairs must be identified on the repair invoice. Consumers should carefully check their invoice to ensure that the auto body shop has identified each auto part replaced as being used, reconditioned, rebuilt, an original equipment manufactured part, or an after-market part.
If you feel the company is not responsive to you, or there is an unreasonable delay in settling your claim, then please contact the PA Department of Insurance.
Auto Insurance and Replacement Parts.