WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK?
What should you ask?
The Automotive Recyclers Association strongly believes that consumers should have choices when it comes to how their vehicle is repaired. Being informed about your vehicle and how it works, knowing your consumer rights, and the options for replacement parts available to you will help your decision making.
Questions to Ask Your Repair Shop
Professional automotive recyclers have partnered with the collision and mechanical repair industries for many years. Repairers are some of the strongest advocates for using recycled, OEM automotive parts because they realize that recycled parts reduce costs to consumers without sacrificing quality. When having your vehicle serviced, make sure to ask your technician what alternatives are available to expensive new OEM parts. Many times automotive recycling facilities can also give recommendations for a repair shop that is familiar with using recycled parts.
Ask your repairer about warranty policies on repairs and replacement parts. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for motor vehicle manufacturers or dealers to void a motor vehicle warranty or deny coverage simply because a recycled part was installed or used on the vehicle or simply because someone other than the dealer performed service on the vehicle. Professional automotive recyclers stand behind the OEM parts and assemblies they sell and many offer established warranty programs.
Questions to Ask Your Insurer
Most insurance policies allow for the utilization of recycled parts in vehicle repairs, and know that recycled OEM parts offer quality, safe parts at a fraction of the cost of new OEM parts.
In 2015, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed the use of salvage/recycled OEM crash parts in vehicle repairs, found that recycled parts are diametrically different from aftermarket parts and applauded automotive insurers for using measures to reduce premium costs for their customers.