Got into a little fender bender last month (not my fault), which would require replacement of the front bumper. It's 2 years old with 30k miles, but has been covered with a clear bra since it was new.

Would it be fair and reasonable for the insurance company to replace the bumper with an OEM reconditioned (i.e. a repaired salvage part)? Or should I expect a new OEM part? If this was a Toyota Camry, I could care less, but just wanted to get people's opinions.

 

New...

 

Deff new i would throw the salvaged bumper at the insurance company or adjuster prob the adjuster.

 

From what I understand, you can take your car to any shop you want. Therefore, take it to the dealer's internal/external shop, demand new parts, and let the insurance company deal with it.

 

Ps,

My daughter's 1-yr old Civic had to be taken in. I took it to a place that does Lexus, Ferraris, Jags, etc. they bought new parts from the Honda dealer and no questions asked.

And try not to listen to the insurance adjuster. He'll recommend "you visit their shop". Definitely in most cases a conflict of interest. N

 

I think as the insured you can always ask that they use new factory OEM parts on a car of this value and low miles in excellent condition. I try to never demand anything and believe that asking nicely usually prevails.

 

i would demand oem parts, then have them send me the check directly, and use it as an opportunity to upgrade to techart or whatever floats your boat, or use a pre-owned one and pocket the difference if you are so inclined

 

Sorry. I wasn't clear.

Being an Analyst, being nice to people is one of the required traits. So what I meant was if they shove refurbished parts and nothing works, then start reading quotes from your policy and start demanding. Sometimes, being nice you get taken for a ride.

 

You pay the full amount for your insurance premium and you should get a new bumper.

 

I think it depends on your insurance company and your particular policy. Some polices specify the type of replacement part to be used and can be non OEM. Some polices require a higher premium for replacement OEM parts. Obviously, it helps to know this before you have an accident.

In this case since the accident was not your fault, I would demand that the other person's insurance make the repair with a new OEM part.