Am I Entitled to original parts after Body Work?

[Frupal]

I want to keep the slightly damaged front headlamp assembly after it has been replaced. Insurance paid for the new one. How say you?

[jjasonSU]

I dont think you're entitled to it. Maybe if theyr'e cool
Body shops/salvage yards obviously work together in the background. No telling what they have going on

[kong24680]

I would totally ask for it back. I always ask for original parts back to insure the shops actually changed/replaced what they promised.

[Opie55]

It certainly does not belong to the body shop. As between you and the body shop, it's yours unless something you signed says otherwise. But the insurance company may own it, but insurance companies don't care about used parts - not worth their time, so ask for it back.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Opie55

It certainly does not belong to the body shop. As between you and the body shop, it's yours unless something you signed says otherwise. But the insurance company may own it, but insurance companies don't care about used parts - not worth their time, so ask for it back.

Thanks, Opie55. I did ask and the body shop guy said of course I could have all of the parts with the caveat that if there was a core charge (for instance for the headlight) I’d have to pay it if I wanted to keep the part. I do not think that BMW will want a core for the new OEM headlamp assembly ($2961.00!!) but you never know. So far this body shop has been very up front and professional. And judging from their work order, which includes the removal of just about everything that might be subjected to overspray, etc., I think I found the right place.

[Cincinnatus]

Just one man's opinion, but...

When you bought the car, you paid for the parts. All of them. Damaged or not.
When you paid for your insurance policy, you paid for them to replace any of those parts.

If it's a case where they're going to total the car, that's a bit of a different scenario.

[Frupal]

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

Just one man's opinion, but...

When you bought the car, you paid for the parts. All of them. Damaged or not.
When you paid for your insurance policy, you paid for them to replace any of those parts.

If it's a case where they're going to total the car, that's a bit of a different scenario.

Agreed!