OEM Parts Coverage

OEM parts coverage requires repairs to use Original Equipment Manufacturer parts, not aftermarket or LKQ (Like Kind and Quality) parts. By default, most carriers specify aftermarket parts for comp and collision claims on vehicles outside their first 1 to 3 model years because aftermarket is 20 to 40 percent cheaper. The OEM endorsement overrides that default and locks the carrier to OEM-only on repairs for a modest premium.

Who includes OEM, who sells it as an endorsement

• Liberty Mutual Better Car Replacement / OEM: OEM parts included on new vehicles for the first few model years; endorsement available after.
• Erie Rate Lock OEM endorsement: available in Erie's 12-state footprint.
• Allstate, State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide: endorsement available for an additional premium.
• Classic-car carriers (Hagerty, Grundy): OEM-only is the default and part of the core product.

Vehicle age caps

OEM endorsements typically cap at 7 to 10 model years. A 2015 vehicle in 2026 may be ineligible for a new OEM endorsement at some carriers; verify at bind. Classic-car policies have no cap.

ADAS and OEM glass

For vehicles with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) mounted on the windshield (lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, Tesla Autopilot cameras), OEM glass is often necessary for the system to recalibrate correctly. Aftermarket glass may meet optical spec but fail ADAS calibration, forcing a second replacement. The OEM endorsement sidesteps this directly. See glass and windshield coverage for the full breakdown.

Typical cost

$30 to $75 per year as an endorsement at mainstream carriers. Compared to the delta between OEM and aftermarket on a typical fender replacement ($200 to $800), the endorsement pays for itself in one claim.

When OEM is worth it

• Vehicle has ADAS mounted on glass or on body panels (common on 2020+ models).
• Vehicle is a luxury or performance brand where aftermarket parts quality is variable.
• Vehicle is under 7 model years and the resale value is likely to care about OEM-only repair history.
• You plan to keep the vehicle long-term and want OEM-only parts for durability.