- Ran into this exact problem with my ’72 Chevelle a couple years back.
- Insurance only wanted to pay for aftermarket fenders after a hail storm.
- I pushed hard, but their policy was airtight—OEM wasn’t happening unless I could prove the aftermarket ones were unsafe or didn’t fit right.
- Ended up eating the cost difference myself just to keep things matching.
- Wouldn’t say every adjuster is rigid, but these days, most are pretty locked in by the book.
- If you’re picky about OEM, make sure your policy spells it out before you ever need it... Learned that the hard way.
Honestly, I’ve seen a few cases where folks got OEM parts covered, but it usually came down to the shop’s documentation—like if they could show the aftermarket panels just didn’t line up or had weird gaps. Not saying it’s easy, but sometimes a stubborn body shop helps your case more than you’d think. The fine print in those policies really does trip people up, though... happened to my cousin with his old Bronco.
That’s a good point about stubborn shops making a difference. I’ve always wondered—has anyone actually had luck getting a policy that spells out OEM parts coverage, or is it always buried in the fine print? I don’t trust vague wording, especially with older cars.
I’ve tried to get “OEM parts only” in writing, and let me tell you, it’s like asking for caviar at a drive-thru. Most insurers dance around it with fancy language. My last policy said “comparable quality”—which apparently means “whatever’s cheapest.” With my car, I’m not risking a knockoff mirror that vibrates like a tuning fork at 70 mph. If you find one that actually spells it out, let me know... I’ll buy a lottery ticket too.
Yeah, “comparable quality” is insurance-speak for “good luck, buddy.” I went through this headache with my last claim—thought I’d get OEM parts because my policy sounded solid, but nope. Ended up fighting with adjusters for weeks just to get a decent side mirror that didn’t wobble. The only company I’ve seen that even comes close is Chubb, but their rates aren’t for the faint of heart. Still, if you’re driving something worth protecting, it might be worth the premium. Otherwise, it’s a gamble every time.
