Posted On: May 6, 2009, 11:03 pm CDT

Posted By: fighting saints

I have no idea what good the name calling and other garbage does. This is very interesting subject, but the unprofessional discourse does no service to anybody. It doesn't matter what side of the issue you are on. You aren't going to convince anybody of your argument by name calling.

I've been in claims for 23 yrs (both company and independent adjuster) and this subject has caused tons of issues for as long as I can remember. I have used OEM, used OEM and a/m parts on my personal vehicles, kids cars and our adjusting company cars. I have had to return some OEM, used and a/m because they were crap. Our appraisers prefer using used OEM parts to a/m because it is easier for the car owner to accept used OEM than a/m. If we pay for an a/m part and it sucks it doesn't get used. Same goes with OEM and used OEM. Our appraisers are former body shop owners and they will reinspect ANY part that the shop has issues with. Some are legit complaints, some are not. We're in a small town of about 15K so odds are you will run across the body shop and car owner again. Communication with both the shop and the car owner is the key. Most, but not all, car owners understand why they aren't owed a brand new OEM fender on their 2002 Taurus and that a/m or used OEM is in order. As independent adjusters we have only had 1 client company refuse to make good on an a/m part when it sucked.