At least AAA’s app lets me keep tabs on stuff without calling three different people.
I’ll give you that—the app’s better than most. Still, when it comes to repairs, I’d rather deal with someone who actually gets why I don’t want aftermarket parts on a car that’s barely three years old. Convenience is nice, but safety and quality come first for me. Too many insurers try to cut corners and hope you won’t notice.
- Can’t argue with wanting OEM parts, especially on a newer car. I’ve had shops try to sneak in aftermarket stuff on me before—never turns out quite right, and you end up chasing little issues for months.
- I get the convenience of the AAA app, but when it comes down to repairs, I always call and double-check what’s actually being used. Not worth the risk just to save a few bucks for them.
- Had a claim last year after a fender bender. Adjuster pushed hard for aftermarket headlight assembly. I pushed back, said it wasn’t negotiable on a two-year-old car. Took a couple extra days, but they did cover OEM in the end.
- My advice: document everything, ask for part numbers, and don’t be afraid to escalate if something feels off. It’s your car at the end of the day, not theirs.
- Honestly, feels like most insurers are getting stingier about this stuff lately... not just AAA. Maybe it’s just the times we’re in? Either way, I’d rather be “that customer” than regret it later.
Yeah, I’ve noticed it too—AAA just isn’t as solid as it used to be, especially when it comes to parts. I remember a few years back when my ‘68 Mustang got rear-ended (not fun), and even then, the adjuster was trying to talk me into aftermarket panels. I get that it’s a numbers game for them, but those “close enough” parts never fit right, and on older cars it’s even more obvious. Ended up sourcing a used OEM quarter panel myself and fighting for reimbursement. Took weeks, but worth it.
Honestly, I don’t mind being “that customer” either. If you don’t push back, you’re stuck with creaks and rattles forever. The documentation thing is huge—photos, emails, the works. It’s a pain, but I’d rather spend a few extra hours than deal with mismatched paint or weird gaps every time I walk past the car. Guess that’s just the new normal with insurance...
Man, I feel this. My car’s not even classic—just a boring Corolla—and they still tried to stick me with some off-brand bumper that looked like it came from a cereal box. Had to argue my way up the food chain just to get something that fit. Guess being “that customer” is just part of owning a car now...
That’s wild. I’m actually shopping for insurance right now and stuff like this makes me wonder if it’s even worth paying extra for “brand name” coverage. Did they at least cover the full cost, or did you end up out of pocket too?
