Terminology

As with any profession, there is a lot of terminology. The following Dictionary of terms is a quick guide that we hope will help you. If not, please feel free to give us a call, our number is at the bottom of every page. If you'd like to visit us, please see our "Contact Us" page for interactive driving directions.

Explanation of Relevant Terms

• Referral repair shop (AKA insurance preferred): A registered collision repair shop that has entered into a contract with your insurer agreeing to certain conditions, such as using L.K.Q. or imitation parts versus OEM parts, and making repairs as specified by your insurer which may or may not restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition as specified in your insurance policy.
  
  
• After-Market parts: A replacement part not made by the original equipment manufacture of the damaged part.
  
  
• L.K.Q. parts: Parts of like kind and quality made by the manufacturer of your vehicle. These are used parts, generally purchased from an auto parts re-cycler.
  
  
• OEM parts: (AKA original equipment manufacturer parts): Parts made by the original equipment manufacturer of your vehicle. These parts have been crash tested and are subject to recall provisions under the law based on safety and performance.
  
  
• Pre-accident Condition: The condition your vehicle and its component parts were in immediately prior to the accident. In Massachusetts, licensed damage appraisers are required to determine the proper cost to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition.