What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Non-manufacturer replacement parts can invalidate warranties - so how can I ensure insurers use OEM parts?

My insurance company tell me that they ensure any replacement parts will be manufacturer parts, whereas other companies will use third party or secondhand parts. This potentially invalidates the warranty. Is that correct? If so, how can I ensure other insurance companies will offer the same cover?

Asked on 8 May 2018 by

Answered by Honest John
Yes, it can invalidate your warranty. I did some research not long ago on this very thing. Over 88 insurance companies were underwritten by just 28 underwriters. All 28 used wording like they "may" use non original parts or secondhand parts. I suggest everyone reads the terms and conditions of their policies carefully. It is very concerning, and something I have banging the drum about for a long time. These non manufacturer parts do not perform as the original manufacturer intended, as they may be cheaper copies. Some items like headlamps may be from the original manufacturer but aren't branded. These will perform as they should, but may make it apparent the car has been involved in a incident because the brand mark are missing. Block exemption covers certain aspects of repair on your vehicle, but a policy of insurance is about "indemnity" putting you back to the position you were in prior to making a claim. I can't see how an insurer can do this when fitting non-genuine parts.
Similar questions
My Hyundai Tucson has been offroad for two months now, awaiting the final bit of kit - a replacement grille (to complete a repair authorised by insurance company). The garage tells me this part is on backorder...
My Ford Ka+ suffered a broken driver's door window nearly two weeks ago, presumably at the hands of vandals. My insurer uses AutoGlass to cover glass repair and replacement, but AutoGlass tell me they...
Is it possible to jump-start a car from an electric vehicle?