Questions on car repair after an accident..

[lf1234]

Hi..

I had a car accident, and it's already been repaired by AAMI. It looks like they've done a good job.


Damages are on front, driver's side.
Front bumper is damaged.
Driver's side headlight is scratched, but still working fine.
The panel between the front bumper and front tyre (driver's side) is damaged.


I got the car back and I have a few questions:

1. from the "repaired list" of what they've done to the car, it seems like they didn't replace a new headlight, because for the bumper it says 'NEW', but for the headlight it only says the following:
"EXC Headlamp Assembly"

So just wondering who should I ask to find out if they have replaced a new headlight? honda dealer?

2. there are many Part Numbers on the list, so should I take it to my honda dealer to ask if they have been using genuine honda parts? or I should ask someone else..? (and there are no part number next to the headlight, so I guess the headlight is not new? but only refurbished or something..?)


If someone can give me some guidance that will be great! Thanks!!! :D

[tron07]

why not just call up the repairer as ask them first?

[lf1234]

cos i think they might just say anything.. so I wanna ask someone else who knows it first, then when I go back to them i can just ask why didn't you put a new headlight and how did you fix the damaged one.. so I'm kinda want to make sure I'm correct before I go back to them...

and for the parts, they probably will just say, ye they are genuine parts don't worry...

[i-vtec]

if you want to have it done right, speak to your insurance company first then speak to them and say that your not satified with your repairs. they will advise you what to do from there. there is a lifetime guarantee on the smash repair. dont be afraid as i've done that before and had no dramas

[HunterZero]

EXC means the headlight was an exchange part. If your car is more than 3 years old or out of original warranty, the insurer will usually state in their policy that they will use exchange parts, not new parts wherever possible to save costs. Those parts should be consistent with the age/condition of your vehicle. The headlight now on your car was probably an undamaged or refurbished one that came from a wrecker.

The part should be genuine, although sometimes eg for windshields they use non-genuine parts.

- HZ

[lf1234]

oh.. i see!!

so does that mean they cannot find a new part at all? or they just want to save cost?

should I go ask them why didn't you put a new one? or this is normal that every repairers do this for some reason like they can't get the new part anymore? etc..

Thanks again!! :)

[Type R Positive]

They'll be genuine mate, repair places don't mess around. They get payed what ever they want from the insurance companies.
That's why they don't actually repair anything, they just spray new panels.

Soooo, what was the question again? Have they replaced your headlight? Does it look new? Is it fixed? What's the problem?

[lf1234]

The headlight look new, and there's no problem from what I can see..

I called them up, they said it was mistakenly written on the repaired list. they said the headlight is not an "exchanged part", it's 100% brand new...

I have no idea how to check if it's brand new or old, so should I just trust them..?

thanks again everyone! :)

[Type R Positive]

Yeah. Who cares, as long as it's fixed.

[HunterZero]

If you have no idea if it's old or new, and it looks new, then it's surely got to be good enough!

- HZ

[tony1234]

The headlight look new, and there's no problem from what I can see..

I called them up, they said it was mistakenly written on the repaired list. they said the headlight is not an "exchanged part", it's 100% brand new...

I have no idea how to check if it's brand new or old, so should I just trust them..?

thanks again everyone! :)

You worry too much.Sounds to me like its' been fixed.

[noobcake]

Check if its a brand called depo, that means
They have used a aftermarket headlight, i would be fussy about the repairs as i expect them
To use brand new parts they are genuine

[praja6]

I think they used the new aftermarket parts. As long as it works properly, i wouldnt think too much...

[HunterZero]

I wouldn't be impressed at all with a non-genuine headlight assembly or bumper cover.

- HZ

[lf1234]

Right.. I see... I might have another look tonight...

Thanks everyone for the reply!!! :D

[hondapop]

As HunterZero has stated ,insurance co's will mostly (if not all)have a clause in your policy about the use of replacement parts. If you wish to have this ammended to "only use new replacement parts", then you will of course pay a higher premium. The other problem you are going to run into (especially with electrical parts) is that all manufacturers have more than 1 (at least 2) suppliers of original equipment to ensure continuity of supply, so, before you embarrass yourself by accusing the repairer (and ins co) of using inferior parts, you may need to do some extra research first.

[tron07]

AFAIK, most repair place give 10 year or lifetime warranty... if they use lousy product, they will fade or crack, etc.... and you can claim new one... unless you got a dodgy repairer

[lf1234]

Thanks everyone! (sry didn't get a chance to get on this forum...)

I think i'll just leave it.. if it breaks, i'll go back to them.. (can't be bothered now...)

thanks again for the inputs!!! this is the NO.1 forum!!! :D