Same here, but again they go by the guidlines and if insurance company X says, then the body shop can't do much about it.

In progressive case, they want you to go to THEIR body shops like you are going to get a good deal from them. Not only will they cut coners because they get allocated only so much time to do X, they will put on the cheapest part possible.

Whereas your body shop will have to fight the insurance adjuster every step of the way, it's a major pain for the body shop manager as well along with the time spent by yourself. IMO, if workmanship and parts don't matter, stick with progressive, you get what you pay for and that is it.

Most insurers will not pay for all new OEM parts past a particular model year. Each carrier is different, and it's one of those things most DON'T put in their policy -- even in the fine print. The policy will have just some generic language like they will pay for "property damage", etc.

Once your car gets to be older (say 5+ years) using new vs. old parts can make the difference between repairing the damage and totalling the car.

That said, used OEM parts are okay on an older car. After all, if your car is a few years old, that's what your car consists of -- used parts. A good shop will make sure there is no corrosion, etc. and will prime and paint it just like a new part. The most important thing is the technician touching your car. Even good shops have techs who may do below par work.

Regarding somebody else's insurer who may be responsible for your damage -- really be careful. There are many substandard carriers out there and they will specify knock off parts and substandard repair methods.

My particular policy (with Erie Insurance) has a rider that will pay to replace my TCH with a new one if it is totalled within the first two years. Of course, I pay an extra premium ($69/year) for this replacement cost coverage. However, if my car is totalled I don't get hit with the depreciation, and that is the most during the first couple of years.

Some states have laws regarding parts. In my state, Indiana, it is the law that an insurer must give their policyholder the right to specify new OEM parts if the vehicle is 5 years old or newer. Thus, all carriers are playing by the same rules. That seems to be a pretty fair compromise.