Car accidents are a daily event in the United States. If you have ever been involved in a Nevada car accident, you may have suffered injuries and also had to deal with car repairs for property damage resulting from the crash. After a car crash, using replacement parts from the original equipment manufacturer to fix the car is the ideal scenario. This is not always possible, however, and sometimes repairs require aftermarket car parts. While some car insurance policies cover repairs when aftermarket parts are used, other contracts have specific language that only allows for partial coverage if original equipment manufactured parts are not used.
First Things First: Check the Policy
If you are involved in a Nevada accident and need to get your damaged car repaired, always double-check your car insurance policy for how car parts are handled before approving any repairs for your vehicle. Abiding by the car insurance policy is key because if you fail to do so, you may end up having to pay out-of-pocket for the parts. While it is true that aftermarket parts are often cheaper than original equipment manufacturer parts, some car insurance policies expressly state what type of parts–original or aftermarket–are covered under the terms.
Aftermarket Parts Explained
In simple terms, aftermarket parts are parts that can be used on a car for repair, but these parts do not come from the vehicle’s original manufacturer. Instead, these parts are a different brand but are essentially the same as the original equipment in appearance and safety. More importantly, aftermarket parts are generally less expensive, which is why some car insurance companies actually prefer the use of aftermarket parts for replacing certain damaged vehicle parts.
Vehicle Modifications and Aftermarket Parts
It is not uncommon for some car owners to use aftermarket parts to make modifications to their cars. The most common types of modifications include increased horsepower, cosmetic appearance, or performance. When a car is intentionally modified from its original manufacture state, the car has technically changed from the vehicle the auto insurance company believes it is insuring. As a result, modifications to a vehicle can alter the insurance company’s willingness to cover repairs. A close look at your car insurance policy may surprise you as some vehicle modifications are specifically excluded from coverage.
While car insurance can be added to cover aftermarket parts, the premiums are expensive. An auto insurance carrier may have this available as supplemental coverage to a general collision or comprehensive policy. Notably, not all car insurance companies offer supplemental insurance for aftermarket parts, but you can search for companies that cover unique cars.
Contact Our Experienced Nevada Lawyers
If you have any questions regarding your car insurance coverage regarding original equipment manufacturer or aftermarket parts after a Nevada accident, be sure to grab a copy of your policy. Then, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at H&P Law. Our skilled lawyers can provide you with a free initial consultation to explain your rights and obligations under the contract and applicable law. Notably, Nevada is an at-fault state meaning that the at-fault driver will be held legally and financially responsible for damage caused in a car accident. Our attorneys will fight for your rights to the best compensation available to you. Contact us today.
