Insurance claim question

[gamboa]

Hey guys,

Long story short I was re-ended a few weeks ago and the other party's insurance (Intact) is covering damages. I have an older bmw (02 e46) and they are replacing my rear bumper.

The body shop called me a couple of days ago saying that intact is only covering an aftermarket bumper which they already ordered. I told them to hold off and let me check with intact to see if they will pay for an OEM. I called the adjuster a few times and spoke with a colleague and never heard back. Everytime I call her it just goes to voicemail.

The body shop said usually they (insurance) don't pay for OEM parts for older cars. My question is, am i getting screwed or is this common practice that I'm not aware of? The body shop was putting pressure on me and basically gave me no option since they wanted to start the job asap and the part arrives Monday.

Thanks guys.

[ShermanEF9]

This is definitely common practice. usually insurance will only buy OEM for the first year or two of the cars existence, after that its aftermarket.

[rx7boi]

Is that how it works now? At fault insurance just gives you whatever the fuck they want and tell you to pound sand?

[SKR]

Insurance companies are in business to make money, and they don't give two fucks about your thoughts on OEM or aftermarket. Whatever's cheaper is what you're going to get.

[G-ZUS]

E46's are a dime a dozen at the autowreckers now, take the pay-out, find yourself a same-color used bumper and put it on yourself. Then pocket the difference.

Alternatively, see if they'll cover a used OEM bumper

[Xtrema]

Tell them your neck hurts and want soft tissue pay out.

That should be enough money for you to buy another 02 e46 with original bumper.

[ExtraSlow]

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Tell them your neck hurts and want soft tissue pay out.

That should be enough money for you to buy another 02 e46 with original bumper.

I wouldn't recommend insurance fraud.

[Masked Bandit]

This is standard practice, OEM is usually only used when the damaged vehicle still has the SEF 43R coverage which means it's less than 30 months old and you bought it new. After that, it's all aftermarket or refurbished used parts. You can always kick in the difference to upgrade to OEM but on a 16 year old car, that doesn't seem like a great way to spend your money.

[bjstare]

Isn't that car worth like $4k now anyways?

Be glad they didn't write it off. Put on a happy face and take your aftermarket bumper.