[zdragnar]

Some states have weird laws that affect prices, too. I once got hit while in MN, and the insurance company had to pay out for the cost of a new body panel. The shop gave me the option of a new panel, or a refurbished one off of a scrap car.

It looked identical when they were done, but I ended up getting a check cut for half the value of the new panel because the used one was so much cheaper.

As I was in college at the time, a free $800 made my day.

[bombcar]

I could see the state requiring new parts because of unscrupulous insurance companies insisting that shitty used parts were fine: but it’s nice you had the option of taking the cash. Best of both worlds, really.

[zdragnar]

Really, in the long run all it does is make your premiums more expensive.

> insurance companies insisting that shitty used parts were fine

That's not up to the insurance company, because they aren't the ones sourcing the parts or doing the repairs. You go to a body shop that either works directly with the insurance company, or the company cuts you a check in the shops name for the quoted work.

It makes no sense whatsoever to put a brand new body panel on a car that's already lost 70-80% of the MSRP value to depreciation... IF the used parts are not damaged already, and the paint matches. Again, though, that's in the hands of the mechanic, not the insurance company.