Korea Insurance Development Institute Announces Results of Crash Tests on Vehicles Equipped with Certified Quality Parts
Performance Comparable to OEM Parts
There was found to be almost no performance difference between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts, which are genuine automobile parts, and certified quality parts, which are non-OEM parts.
Certified quality parts are components (mainly exterior parts) that have been reviewed and certified by an agency designated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. These parts offer the same or similar performance and quality as OEM parts but are available at lower prices. The certified quality parts system was introduced in 2015 as part of a policy to reduce consumer parts costs and promote the development of the parts industry. However, usage rates remain low, and consumer awareness and trust are insufficient.
The Korea Insurance Development Institute conducted performance tests between Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts and certified quality parts in low-speed collision accidents. Korea Insurance Development Institute
In Korea, the market is predominantly supplied with OEM parts, so the proportion of non-OEM parts (certified quality parts, remanufactured parts, and used parts) paid for by auto insurance accounts for only about 0.5% of total parts costs. In contrast, in the United States and Europe, the figure is approximately 30%.
Comparative tests between OEM parts and certified quality parts showed no difference in safety performance in high-speed (56 km/h) collision safety tests. The injury risk for the three main body regions (head, chest, and upper legs) was rated as "excellent" for both OEM parts and certified quality parts. In low-speed (10 km/h) collision damage tests, the degree of damage to certified quality parts was also found to be the same as that of OEM parts.
Certified quality parts are about 35-40% less expensive than OEM parts, which can reduce repair costs for drivers. They are especially more economical for owners of imported vehicles, where parts costs are higher. As of 2023, the average parts cost per insurance claim was 2,385,000 won for imported vehicles, about 3.8 times higher than the 629,000 won for domestic vehicles.
Last year, the revision of the Automobile Management Act included certified quality parts in the definition of new parts, laying the foundation for increased usage. When repairs are made using certified quality parts, it will also become easier for repair shops and insurance companies to check parts inventory.
Heo Chang-eon, president of the Korea Insurance Development Institute, said, "We hope that the results of this collision test will alleviate safety concerns about certified quality parts and serve as an opportunity to introduce these economical parts to consumers in this era of high inflation." He added, "The Korea Insurance Development Institute will continue to support the use of certified quality parts with competitive performance and price in insurance repairs, thereby helping to reduce vehicle repair costs and insurance premiums for consumers."
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