Pieschel's ConsultingHome
My name is Dennis Pieschel. I have designed my web site to assist the many people dealing with ICBC and private insurance companies on insurance claims, as well as the many people purchasing pre-owed and rebuilt vehicles. During my 25 years in the collision repair industry, and 13 years as an ICBC estimator, I have gained the experience required to provide the information on this web site. It will assist and enable consumers to understand and gain control of the automotive collision claims process, and give them confidence when purchasing a pre-owned or rebuilt vehicle. I am confident the information provided will be invaluable to you.
eye on
informed buyerDisclaimer
Resources. Eye On
- Aftermarket Parts.
- Borescope and Elcometer.
- Certificate of Proper Repairs.
- Diminished Value.
- Insurance Jargon.
- LVI - Low Velocity Impacts.
- Quality of Repairs.
- Repair Rating Levels.
- Repair Monitoring Authorization.
- Total Loss.
- Used Parts.
Aftermarket Parts
What are after-market parts? After-market parts are parts that are referred to as "Like Kind and Quality Parts", "Quality Replacement Parts" or "Economy Parts", these "After-Market" parts are made by companies other than the original equipment manufacturer. The company that originally made your vehicle, supplies parts known as OEM parts. Most after-market parts are made in different countries such as Taiwan or Mexico with a few being made in the USA.
Are these After-market Parts really of "Like Kind and Quality"? It is extremely rare, if ever, that these parts compare with the original manufacturers equipment. Independent research by unbiased parties has shown in nearly every case, that "Imitation Replacement Parts" are inferior. A notation from the Collision Industry Action Group report on after-market parts states: "A Consumers Report magazine investigation independently identified safety concerns with after-market or "imitation" parts when compared to the safety and performance of Original Equipment Manufactured (OEM) parts." To view these reports in their entirety go to www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/aftermarket.html and click on the "Finished Business" link.
What is the difference between so-called "Quality Replacement Parts" and those made by the company that built your vehicle? The most recognized difference is "fit", the way the parts line up with the rest of the vehicle. Typically, when an after-market part is installed on a vehicle, the gaps and bodylines do not line up properly and the part needs to be shimmed, mounting holes have to be slotted, or the part needs to be reworked. Another concern, not as immediately apparent, is the corrosion resistance of the imitation parts. Most OEM parts are zinc coated or galvanized to help resist rust and corrosion whereas most after-market parts are not. This may not present a problem for several years.
When the insurance company tells the body shop they have to use these "After-market" parts on your vehicle during the repair process, they are putting their financial interest ahead of their obligation to you to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. This in turn contributes to Insurance Related Diminished Value that becomes part of your loss. We at Eye on Collision Repairs can assist you in the recovery of the loss created by the use of "After-market Parts" on your vehicle during the repair process.