There is a perception on the part of the public that an Insurer is obliged to use new original factory supplied parts in all instances.
The cost of repairing damaged motor vehicles has risen significantly over time and is a major factor in the high cost of motor vehicle insurance. To keep premiums at reasonable levels and to avoid premium increases, it is imperative that everything possible be done to keep repair costs down, but at the same time without compromising safety and quality standards.
It must be remembered that in the modern world very few motor manufacturers actually manufacture the components incorporated into their motor vehicles and a high percentage of these components are sourced from specialist component manufacturers. A distinction must be drawn between components made by reputable manufacturers, which conform to recognised safety and or quality standards and those which may be classified as fake or unauthorised copies made by unspecified manufacturers.
Original factory supplied components must be fitted whenever a critical component of the motor vehicle may be damaged or when the vehicle is under warranty and has a maintenance plan.
Depending on the circumstances of each case, the age and condition of the vehicle, there is no reason why components made by outside manufacturers should not be used where this can result in cost savings, provided that safety or reliability are not compromised. There is no hard and fast rule and each case must be assessed on its own merit.