Insurers weigh in on the car parts debate
GARETH STOKES
NOTHING riles a car owner more than an insurer’s decision to repair an accident-damaged vehicle with aftermarket rather than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but the practice is commonplace and, subject to circumstances, considered acceptable by both the South African Insurance Association and the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (Osti).
An OEM part is a component that is manufactured for or on behalf of the manufacturer and fitted to the vehicle on the production line.
Aftermarket parts are
