[shift_RUSH]

A nincompoop backed into my barely 1 yr old truck on Memorial Day...it affected my hood, plastic bumper/fascia below headlight, driver's side fender & headlight enclosure. His American Family Ins Adjuster is coming tomorrow morning to survey the damage/costs. I requested Nissan parts, but he so far sounds adamant about using aftermarket parts.

I'm most concerned about whether an aftermarket headlight enclosure will age the same as a genuine Nissan headlight enclosure. Any opinions out there?

I'll do some proper CF searches later tonight, but felt I needed to get some opinions in the mean time.

My bodyshop guy thinks the repair will be in the ~$3000+ range, fwiw.
TIA

 

[Justwork]

Your truck is a year old, I'd be pretty adamant for genuine parts. It's not your fault your truck was damaged, shouldn't be repaired with inferior parts.

 

[BORNGEARHEAD]

Aftermarket parts are never as good as factory. I would insist on factory parts, especially since it is so new.

 

[Skibane]

I'm most concerned about whether an aftermarket headlight enclosure will age the same as a genuine Nissan headlight enclosure.

There's no law requiring aftermarket manufacturers to use the same plastic formulations, manufacturing techniques or finishing processes that the OEM uses.

There's also no long-term warranty on aftermarket parts that covers weathering.

So, yeh, I'd be concerned, too.

The only thing worse than aftermarket parts is used parts.

 

[Blue Devil]

Sucks

Sorry for the damage to your truck, sounds like they continued to try to move after hitting a immoveable object, or backing up way too fast. I think it's awesome mandatory backup cameras on all vehicles built after 2018 is great. Sure it's going to be another 20-30yrs before everybody is driving a vehicle made after 2018. I still have a hard time remembering to use it in our newer car, unless I'm backing up to something and want to see how close I can get.

You need to be made whole, so all parts should be OEM. And don't forget about possible diminished value.

 

[Smitty_81]

You are legally allowed to demand OEM parts, do it and don't back down. They can't do anything about it and are trying to make a sucker out of you by paying out less than they should.

 

[shift_RUSH]

You are legally allowed to demand OEM parts, do it and don't back down. They can't do anything about it and are trying to make a sucker out of you by paying out less than they should.

I hope this is correct...but is the insurance company then obligated to do so?

 

[Smitty_81]

I did some digging, and it seems to vary state to state, and company to company. But every thing I found indicated that the policy holder is required to consent to non-OEM, and that the push for aftermarket and junkyard parts is a massive headache everywhere.

But you have to look at it from your insurance company (and possibly title holder if you have a loan) perspective, your car will have diminished value with non-OEM parts and therefore you must also receive a check for diminished value calculation.

Just demand OEM parts and see what they do. IMO, the best way to do it is to call your insurer and ask them since they will be more honest with you than the insurer of the person who hit you, and they will have the laws specific to your state in front of them.

 

[briman4031]

I dealt with this issue recently, and the answer varies from state to state. For mechanical issues, aftermarket parts aren't the worst things in the world, as they often have worked out kinks that OEM parts may suffer from. They also drive down the price of OEM parts, simply by being available. For cosmetic issues, there is no reason they can't use reconditioned parts at a minimum. Who was at fault? Who's insurance is being used? If your insurance covers OEM and theirs doesn't, file with your own insurance and let them go after the driver. If you're using your insurance, than go to the body shop and see if they can get their parts supplier to match aftermarket pricing on OEM parts. In many places, you don't have a dog in the fight. Your best ally is the body shop itself, as well as your own insurance provider. When I wrecked my truck on ice last Feb., I ended up with many reconditioned body panels. Considering they were sanded, painted and reconditioned, but OEM, that didn't bother me. I had to settle for an AM radiator. From the issues supposedly associated with the OE radiator, that may not be a bad thing? Best of luck.

 

[shift_RUSH]

Adjuster 'claims' the parts are Nissan in origin, but bought in mass by a distributor.
Using my State Farm insurance would involve/require my deductible...and it is clearly stated w/in my policy that they/SF can use aftermarket parts as well. My body shop guy is a friend and on my side...so I'll get the straight scoop as this laborious process continues to evolve. They can't even get me in until the 20th.

Long story short: found damage on my truck the day after Memorial Day and retraced all the places I had been recently publicly parked. My analysis of the damage pointed to a taller vehicle since damage was from just below headlight up to the corner of the hood w/ a small wrinkle in the fender, too. Confronted a Jeep owner who thankfully chose to fess up that he had indeed backed into my truck. No damage to his vehicle since it was the rear mounted spare tire that had essentially kissed the front corner -> which pushed in my headlight about 1", but w/o even a scuff on it. The top headlight enclosure attachment brackets show that the outer is split while the inner is twisted.
Cliche I know, but this is what it is.

Still no door dings after 13 months of ownership. Geez. :serious:

 

[briman4031]

Hope you get it resolved. We claimed 50/50 fault on an accident in Feb. that did $12k in damage on my 2012 Fronty. The roads were frozen and my neighbor and I slid head on at low speed. 90% cosmetic damage, but a huge bummer. I take good care of my vehicles. Body shop did a great job. Runs and looks like it never happened.

Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

 

[shift_RUSH]

My thanks for your all's useful input. I felt like I pled my case/concerns with a calm & organized consistency. No use in having the adjuster feeling intimidated or angry.

My goal of owning/running this truck for 15+ years is still on schedule. This is just an ugly bump in the road.