Auto insurance is a crucial financial protection for drivers, as it can provide coverage for accidents, theft, and other incidents that may damage or lead to the loss of a vehicle. However, not all auto insurance policies are created equal, and drivers need to understand the different types of coverage available, including OEM coverage.

What is OEM coverage?

OEM coverage provides for the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts to repair or replace damaged or lost vehicle parts. OEM parts are parts made by the same manufacturer as the vehicle, while different companies make aftermarket parts. While aftermarket parts may be cheaper, they may be made to different standards than OEM parts and may not fit or function as well.

OEM coverage can be significant for car owners, especially if they have a newer or more expensive vehicle. OEM parts are often more costly than aftermarket parts, and without OEM coverage, drivers may be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket. These expenses can add up quickly, especially if multiple parts need to be replaced.

Safety Benefits of OEM Coverage

In addition to the financial benefits of OEM coverage, there are also safety benefits to consider. OEM parts are designed specifically for the make and model of a vehicle and are tested and approved by the manufacturer. On the other hand, aftermarket parts may have a different level of testing or approval and may need to fit or function better than OEM parts. This can lead to safety issues on the road, as well as potential problems with the vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Winshield Replacement & Calibration

One benefit of OEM coverage in recent years is windshield replacement and calibration of a vehicle’s Advanced Driver Assistance System. Many newer vehicles include safety features such as automatic emergency braking, collision avoidance, and lane assist.

To ensure these features are in sync with the vehicle, they need to be calibrated, and many of the sensors in the windshield.

A generalist windshield repair/replacement facility can usually complete the calibration.

But if you would like to have a dealership or repair facility specific to your vehicle’s make and model do the work, you may have to pay for any additional expense out of your pocket.

Unless you added OEM coverage to your auto insurance policy.

It is vital to ensure that your vehicle’s safety features are working correctly. It is equally important to have a conversation with your insurance agent to see how your policy will handle windshield replacement and calibration and at which facility you can get repairs completed.

Read The Fine Print

When choosing an auto insurance policy, drivers must consider whether OEM coverage is included.

While some policies may include OEM coverage as a standard feature, others may require drivers to add it to the policy.

Drivers should also be aware of any limitations or restrictions on using OEM parts, as some policies may only allow for OEM parts to be used in certain circumstances or for certain types of damage.

Conclusion

While OEM coverage may add to the cost of an auto insurance policy, it can provide significant benefits and peace of mind for car owners. In the event of an accident or other incident, knowing that OEM parts will be used to repair or replace damaged or lost parts can help to ensure the safety and longevity of the vehicle, as well as reduce the financial burden on the driver. As such, it’s essential to consider including OEM coverage when selecting an auto insurance policy.