ProFirst Certified Body Shop

About Repairs & Parts

What you should know about collision repair and the parts being used in your vehicle.

HAVING THE RIGHT PARTS IS WHERE IT STARTS TM
Nine out of ten body shops said they use aftermarket parts, though only 4% say they like them. And 2/3 say the strongest influence on their parts choice is the insurance company*
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Hondas don’t happen by accident

Honda Genuine Parts mean Honda quality—designed and tested by Honda for specific vehicles, including integration with the sophisticated performance and safety systems that are part of every Honda.

But you may be surprised to learn that there’s a very good chance that not all the parts used to repair your Honda will be Honda parts. In fact, body shops report over 40% of their repairs include aftermarket parts.*

And, in addition to the obvious concerns about performance and quality,when one of those OE parts is replaced with anything other than a Honda part, there’s a very real question about how that alternative part will interact with the safety systems and other systems in your Honda.

*Babox Research 2011

A slight change in the design, materials or precision of a part, even a change with quality materials, can deliver different data to your Honda’s operating and safety systems—information that can change how the systems interpret and respond to impact, for example.
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A copy of a copy

Typically, aftermarket parts are created by “reverse engineering”—measuring and analyzing a Honda Genuine Part to try to make a generic part for your vehicle.

Aftermarket manufacturers aren’t required to meet Honda specifications and standards, and may use different specifications, materials, manufacturing methods and quality standards for their parts. And they don’t have to crash test their parts for performance with your Honda, either.

Non-OEM parts may be similar, and they may claim to be “just as good” as Honda Genuine Parts, but they are not exactly the same.

If you do nothing,
that’s about the
influence you’re likely
to have on the result.

It’s Your Honda

You have an important role in returning your Honda to its pre-accident condition, and it starts with finding out more right here. You’re the only one who truly has an interest in returning your Honda not just to its pre-accident look, but to its pre-accident safety, structural integrity and performance.

You can give your keys to the insurance company or DRP* and trust that everything is being done to look out for your best interests. Or, you can get involved in the process. Ask questions. Learn your rights. Read more about your insurance and how it affects your repair.

You do have a voice in the process. Use it or lose it.

* A DRP (Direct Repair Provider) has a special, contractual relationship with an insurer. While many quality shops have DRP relationships, and they may add convenience, that can also affect how the vehicle is repaired, and which parts are used. Many insurers have specific requirements, or quotas, requiring that a percentage of alternative “Non-Original” parts be used.

DID YOU KNOW?
Many car leases, including AHFC leases, require the use of original equipment parts.

Alternative Parts “Choices”

Aftermarket Parts? Certified Parts?

Some parts are “certified” to reduce body shop and consumer concerns about the differences in aftermarket parts. And, though 93% of body shops report that they do use aftermarket parts, only 4% say they like them. They also say they’re 4 times as likely to return certified or non-certified aftermarket parts to their supplier as they are with OE*. And, most importantly, certified or non-certified parts are not required to be crash tested with your Honda.

Guaranteed Parts

Insurance companies often “guarantee” non-OEM parts to reassure owners—which sounds great, until you realize that most of the time the warranty is only likely to help you if you can see the difference yourself!

*Babox Research 2011

Salvage Parts

Salvage Parts are parts that have been harvested from donor vehicles in salvage yards, or from a totaled vehicle. They may be an OE part or imitation part.

Rebuilt Parts

Rebuilt Parts may be rebuilt OE or imitation parts. Generally, rebuilding consists of replacing only those components that may be broken, or unusable, and may not involve a complete disassembly and inspection. They typically come with a very limited warranty (30 to 90 days). Rebuilt parts are typically rebuilt and supplied by aftermarket sources, not by an OEM.

Recycled Parts

Recycled Parts are also referred to as salvage, used, reconditioned or rebuilt parts. They are sometimes obtained from junkyards and can be either OEM or aftermarket parts.

Used Parts

Used Parts are parts taken from another vehicle either exactly like, or somewhat like yours. It may be an OE part or imitation part. It is usually inspected visually for damage and installed on a vehicle if it appears to be OK.

Aftermarket Parts

Aftermarket Parts are new replacement parts that were not made and/or suppplied by Honda, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Imitation parts offer a price-based alternative, but may not provide the same fit, finish, and structural strength. They may not perform to Honda’s exacting specifications so they may not return the car to its full pre-loss condition. Aftermarket parts are often referred to on your estimate with these names or abbreviations:

  • A/M Aftermarket / Automotive replacement parts
  • QRP Quality Replacement Parts
  • CP Competitive Parts
  • LKQ Like Kind and Quality

Remanufactured Parts

Remanufactured Parts are parts that have been remanufactured to return them to factory specifications.

Honda Genuine Remanufactured parts begin with a used Honda part that is completely disassembled, inspected, diagnosed, and cleaned. Then all worn or inoperative parts are replaced. The part is reassembled and tested to ensure it meets the same specifications as the original part. Honda Genuine Remanufactured parts are literally “as good as new” and are backed by a warranty honored by Honda Dealers nationwide.

Insurance

Look Who’s Driving

Like it or not, your insurance company probably has the greatest influence on the parts that are used. Two out of three independent repair shops say the driving force behind parts decisions is not what they prefer, not what their customers prefer, or what makes the best quality repair—it’s the insurance company guidelines!*

If you aren’t involved—if you don’t have an OE parts coverage policy, ask questions, and know your rights— probably not going to get the Honda original parts you expect—it’s that simple.

Ask your insurance company about Original Equipment parts coverage.

*CIC Survey, July 2010

DRPs—A DRP (Direct Repair Provider) has a special, contractual relationship with an insurer. While many quality shops have DRP relationships, and they may add convenience, that can also affect how the vehicle is repaired, and which parts are used. Many insurers have specific requirements, or quotas, requiring that a percentage of alternative “Non-Original” parts be used.

STEERING—An insurer may recommend shops in a DRP program, but can not require that you use them. “Steering” is illegal in most states. Owners have the right to have their vehicle repaired at a shop they choose!

DISCLOSURE—Many states also have specific legal requirements that the type of parts used be disclosed on the repair estimate or invoice. Make sure you ask or check to see what is on your estimate.

OE Parts Coverage

Some insurance companies offer policies or riders that specify the use of Original Equipment parts.

If you really love your Honda, coverage that specifically calls for OE parts is the way to make sure that’s exactly what you get, no matter who is at fault.

Click below to see how body parts can affect your safety and the cost of repairs in a subsequent accident.

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Insurance & Collision Repair

Most policies require that the vehicle be returned to “pre-accident” condition*. Exactly what that means isn’t always clear, but it certainly means more than looking like it used to from a few feet way.

Like parts, not all insurance is the same. If your policy doesn’t specify OE parts, your insurance company may require the use of a specific amount of “non-original” parts—parts that may not have been crash or performance tested, particularly with your Honda’s systems, and may not meet Honda’s safety, quality and performance standards.

And a repair with anything other than Honda original equipment parts, and Honda recommended repair procedures, may compromise the safety, structural integrity and vehicle systems of your Honda, as well as the finish, performance, durability and value.

*PRE-ACCIDENT CONDITION: The condition of the vehicle immediately before it was damaged. This includes the restoration of:

a) the function of the vehicle and all its systems

b) the safety of the vehicle as designed by the manufacturer, including its ability to withstand and absorb subsequent impact and protect the occupants in the same manner as an undamaged vehicle

c) the appearance of the vehicle

Living on the Fault Line

Determining who is “at fault” in an accident, and therefore has the primary financial responsibility for the damages, can be a complex but important issue.

In most states, the insurance company will try to determine who was responsible for the accident. The “at fault” driver’s insurance company pays for repairs to the vehicle, property damage and injured parties.*

“No-Fault” Insurance means that the insurance company for each party takes responsibility for their own policyholders, regardless of who caused the accident.*

There are currently 12 states† in the US that have some version of no-fault insurance.

*Laws vary by state, and coverage is subject to policy terms and limits.

†Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Kasas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah as of July 2012.

When You’re Not at Fault

You don’t have a contractual agreement with the other party’s insurer. You’re entitled to have your Honda returned to pre-accident condition.

When they are at fault, you don’t have to accept anything less than Honda Genuine Parts.

You aren’t required to accept their repair valuation, either. As long as the costs are reasonable, you have control over the repair of your vehicle, including the parts used.

Reading Your Policy

Your policy is a contract that specifies what your policy covers. Most policies include liability,
collision/comprehensive and medical coverage with different coverage limits and/or deductibles for each.

What is Liability?

Liability coverage protects you financially if you are at fault in an accident, it typically covers damage to others, like repairs and medical expenses, up to the policy limits.

Learn More >

Liability protects you financially if you are at fault in an accident, it typically covers damage to others, like repairs and medical expenses, up to the policy limits.

Most states require a minimum amount of liability insurance coverage, usually described like “25/50/15”

25 - Up to $25,000 per person for bodily injury
50 - Up to a total of $50,000
15 - Limited to $15,000 for property damage

Expenses that exceed the policy limits of the “at fault” driver may be their responsibility, so you may be responsible for what your policy doesn’t cover.

Additional coverage is usually available from your insurance company.

What is Collision/ Comprehensive?

Liability coverage protects you financially if you are at fault in an accident, it typically covers damage to others, like repairs and medical expenses, up to the policy limits.

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Collision covers damage to your car (up to the actual value of your vehicle, minus your deductible) from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who was at fault. May include collision with a tree, pothole, and garage door or if your car rolls over. Damage to objects the car collides with is covered by property damage liability insurance.

Comprehensive covers events other than a collision, like fire, theft, hail, flood, earthquakes, and vandalism.

Uninsured Motorist covers an accident with a motorist who is uninsured (illegal in most states), underinsured (they are at fault and their liability insurance doesn’t cover your loss), and damage by a hit-and-run driver.

What is Medical Coverage?

Liability coverage protects you financially if you are at fault in an accident, it typically covers damage to others, like repairs and medical expenses, up to the policy limits.

Learn More >

Medical Coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is coverage in which your own insurance company pays for your medical costs, lost wages, loss of essential services normally provided by the injured person (i.e. childcare, housekeeping), and funeral costs.

It may also cover your passengers and/or other types of expenses. It is often associated with a no-fault system. Specific coverage and PIP payments vary widely from state to state.

Understanding the Documents

Insurance Speak:

Party: The policyholder is the first party, the insurance company the second party and anyone else in a claim is a third party.

  • Coverage Period is the time period that your policy is in force.

  • Driver(s) and Vehicle(s) covered lists the drivers and vehicle(s) covered by the policy.

  • Premium is the total cost for all vehicles covered by the policy.

  • Coverage describes each vehicle and the coverage for that vehicle.

  • Coverage Limits are the maximum amount your insurance company will pay for each type of coverage.

  • Deductibles are how much you will pay out-of-pocket for each covered claim.

Honda Collision TV

Use Your Melon

What difference does 7/100ths of a second make?
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What You See

Is not necessarily what you get. See what can happen...

ProFirst Collision

Proper collision repair and ProFirst.
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The Wheel Story

The not-so-funny story of replacement wheels.

Yes They Can.

See how body parts can affect vehicle safety performance.

Honda is Commited to Providing
Safety for Everyone.

That means crash protection not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for the occupants of other vehicles, and injury mitigation for pedestrians. We are dedicated to identifying and implementing advanced designs and features that help enhance the safety of vehicles on the road.

A Worldwide Commitment

Safety Commitment—Honda vehicles feature many important safety technologies.

Real World Research—Honda focuses on research and development to improve safety in the real world.

Airbag Innovation—Honda vehicles feature advanced airbags that provide high levels of protection.

Collision Compatibility—Honda engineers design technology that helps align vehicles of different sizes when they are involved in a frontal collision.

Pedestrian Protection— Honda vehicles are designed to help protect their occupants, while utilizing technology that helps mitigate injuries to pedestrians.

A Worldwide Commitment

Safety Leadership— Honda has a well-established history of safety leadership.

Active Safety— Honda engineers design a variety of active safety features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™(VSA®) to help our customers avoid collisions.

Passive Safety— Passive safety technologies include sophisticated airbag systems and strong vehicle bodies that efficiently manage crash energy.

Future Technologies— Honda is always working to develop innovative technologies to enhance safety.

Connected Vehicle Technology— Honda is a member of the Crash Avoidance Metrics Partnership to further develop applications that warn drivers of potential hazards coming from vehicles that cannot be seen.

Collision Glossary

If you’ve been in a collision, things can get very confusing very quickly. Use our glossary to familiarize
yourself with common terms used in collision repair.

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A B C D E F G H I L M N O P R S T U V W

Accident Forgiveness: In most states, customers who have not had an at-fault accident in the previous five years qualify for this program. Accident forgiveness is when insurance carriers don't add a surcharge to your premium after you are at-fault in an accident, or your deductible may reduce over time. Check with your insurance provider, there may be an additional charge for this coverage.

ACE™ Body Design: ACE™ is an acronym for Advanced Compatibility Engineering describing Honda’s next-generation vehicle construction, designed to help minimize the effects of mismatched vehicles (large vs. small or heavy vs. light) striking each other.  The design helps protect vehicle occupants by dissipating the energy of a crash.  

Act of God: Natural occurrence beyond human control or influence. Includes such acts of nature as; hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. This is usually covered under comprehensive insurance and is not covered by liability and collision insurance. 

Actual Cash Value: Most auto insurance coverage only reimburses you for the actual cash value of your car. This is the value of the vehicle at the time it was damaged, stolen or destroyed. After a loss, your company will review the condition of your car's body, interior, tires, and additional equipment. Based on the pre-accident condition of the car, a claim adjuster locates similar models for sale by private parties and dealer quotations in your area, and uses those prices to determine the Actual Cash Value.

Additional Insured or Additional Interest: A person or entity (such as a leasing company), other than the named insured, who is protected under the auto policy.  If an auto is leased, the leasing company may want to be listed as an Additional Insured as well as a lien holder or loss payee.  This protects the leasing company if it's named in a lawsuit for an accident caused by a policyholder. 

Adjuster: A person employed by an insurance company that investigates and settles claims. An adjuster evaluates each claim brought by policyholders or claimants and then recommends payment based on the coverage available under the insurance policy.

Aftermarket Parts: – New replacement parts that were not made by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Imitation parts offer a price-based alternative, but may not provide the same fit, finish, and structural strength. They may not perform to Honda’s exacting specifications so they may not return the car to its full pre-loss condition. Aftermarket parts are often referred to on your estimate with these names or abbreviations:
A/M    Aftermarket / Automotive replacement parts
QRP Quality Replacement Parts
CP     Competitive Parts
LKQ   Like Kind and Quality

Agreed Value: A policy available for collectible, custom or antique vehicles that do not depreciate in value as the average car does. When your policy is written, you and your insurance company come to an "agreed value" of what will be paid out in the event of a total loss instead of actual cash value.

Airbag: Part of a vehicle safety system that consists of a bag that inflates during a crash. It’s purpose is to slow an occupant's motion as evenly as possible while preventing impact with the interior of the vehicle. Today’s advanced airbags are highly precise devises, capable of incremental inflation based on the severity of the crash as well as size and position of the vehicles occupant. They are supplemental restraints and work best in combination with seatbelts.

Air Bag: Part of a vehicle safety system that consists of a bag that inflates during a crash. It’s purpose is to slow an occupant's motion as evenly as possible while preventing impact with the interior of the vehicle. Today’s advanced airbags are highly precise devises, capable of incremental inflation based on the severity of the crash as well as size and position of the vehicles occupant. They are supplemental restraints and work best in combination with seatbelts. 

Air-Drying: The process of drying paint by exposing it to air at normal temperatures. Water-borne paint, a new technology in the US, uses air-drying as opposed to standard solvent based paints which may use heat to facilitate drying.

Amendment: A change to the basic policy contract. 

Anti-Theft Device: Devices designed to either reduce the chance a vehicle will be stolen, or assist in its recovery. Examples include car alarms, keyless entry, starter disablers, motion detectors, the “Club”, and recovery systems.

Anti-Theft Recovery System: An electronic device which you activate in the event that your vehicle is stolen, which then emits a signal that can be used to locate your car.  Installation of such a device may make you eligible for an auto insurance discount.

Appraisal: A written estimation of the value of property or the extent of damage. Damage appraisals may be completed by an insurance adjuster, vehicle repair specialist, or body shop estimator.

Arbitration: A process of settling a dispute through an impartial party rather than in the courts. Both parties agree to be bound by the decision of the arbitrator.

Assigned Risk Plan: A state-managed auto insurance plan for individuals who cannot obtain conventional liability coverage because of poor driving records.  Such drivers may get coverage through a state assigned-risk plan, which requires that each insurance company must accept a proportionate share of these individuals.

Assured: Means the same as an insured, policyholder, or someone who has an insurance policy.

At-fault: The party that is legally liable for the damages in an accident.

Position Statements

Honda’s position on collision repair issues.

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