Honestly, between Geico and Progressive in NY, it’s kind of a toss-up on stuff like paint matching and OEM parts. Most big insurers are gonna push aftermarket unless you’re willing to pony up for the difference. I’ve seen Geico play hardball on that too—sometimes even more so. If you’re picky about repairs, it might come down to finding a shop you trust more than the carrier. Insurance companies love their “industry standard” lines... but your eye always knows, right?
Insurance companies love their “industry standard” lines... but your eye always knows, right?
Funny you mention that—last time I had a bumper replaced, the “industry standard” paint match was just off enough to bug me every time I walked past it. Here’s what I ended up doing: first, I checked both Geico and Progressive’s policies on OEM vs aftermarket (buried in the fine print, of course). Then, I called around to a few local shops to see who’d actually fight for OEM parts or at least better paint work. Ever tried asking the shop directly how much leeway they get with these big insurers? Wondering if there’s any real difference between them when push comes to shove...
Ever tried asking the shop directly how much leeway they get with these big insurers?
That’s a smart move. Shops will usually tell you straight up if they can push for OEM or if their hands are tied. In my experience, Geico and Progressive both lean hard on “industry standard” unless you really press them or have a specific rider. I get why it bugs you—those little mismatches drive me nuts too. At the end of the day, sometimes it’s about finding a shop that cares enough to go the extra mile, even if the insurer’s not paying for it.
Honestly, I’ve seen both Geico and Progressive dig their heels in on “industry standard” parts, like you said.
Had a client who got lucky because his shop had a good relationship with the adjuster and managed to sneak in OEM parts, but that’s rare. Most of the time, it’s all about who you get on the phone and how persistent you are. It’s frustrating—sometimes feels like rolling the dice.Geico and Progressive both lean hard on “industry standard” unless you really press them or have a specific rider.
Most of the time, it’s all about who you get on the phone and how persistent you are. It’s frustrating—sometimes feels like rolling the dice.
That’s been my experience too. The “industry standard” excuse is just a way for them to cut corners—unless you push hard or have something in writing, they’ll always go with aftermarket parts. I’ve even had adjusters try to argue that certain OEM parts weren’t necessary on a 30-year-old car. It’s a pain, especially if you care about originality. Persistence helps, but it shouldn’t have to be this much of a hassle.
