Used car parts are still part of repairs in some markets
Insurers continue to consider the use of used components in car repairs, acknowledging that a shortage persists and that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the required parts may be unavailable in the new catalog. Industry leaders stress that the gap remains a real challenge, especially for certain models and collision scenarios where quick restoration matters most.
According to Yevgeny Ufimtsev, head of the All-Russian Union of Insurers, used parts have already become a common element in repairs. In practice, left-hand drive vehicles have long been restored with secondhand components, and the process has become routine rather than controversial. The key question is how to formalize this in a way that preserves safety and accountability for streamlining repair timelines.
The central issue is regulation. Officials suggest that legalizing the use of parts that do not impact safety—things like bumpers and fenders—could move repairs forward. The idea is not to alter safety standards but to create a clearly defined framework that covers specific cases and part categories. Implementing this framework would require full legislative alignment, a process that typically unfolds over several months rather than days.
Ufimtsev notes that there is already interest from regional administrations to pilot the concept. The Primorsky Territory is highlighted as a potential starting point where the practice exists in practice and could serve as an experimental model. If approved, such an experiment could begin in the near term, offering a tangible test bed for wider adoption across other regions.
There is also an expectation that manufacturers who once focused on new car assembly parts will broaden their offerings toward repair parts. In addition, spare parts alternatives have already entered supply chains through multiple channels, including suppliers from Asia and the Middle East, aiming to ease shortages and stabilize repair timelines for consumers.
Beyond hardware, the sector watches closely how these moves will interact with certification, warranties, and insurer policies. A careful balance is required to ensure that the use of secondhand components does not compromise safety, performance, or long-term reliability. Stakeholders emphasize that any expansion should come with robust verification, traceability, and clear documentation to protect both drivers and service providers.
In the broader context, the conversation reflects ongoing changes in the automotive repair ecosystem. As vehicles incorporate more advanced materials and technology, the repair landscape adapts. The push toward practical, safe, and economical repair options aligns with consumer expectations for faster service, lower costs, and fewer delays after incidents.
Public interest remains high as people weigh the benefits of faster repairs against the need for consistency and safety. Industry insiders argue that a transparent framework can reduce downtime for repairs and help keep insurance costs more predictable, benefiting drivers and carriers alike.
In sum, the use of used spare parts is not disappearing. Instead, it is evolving within a regulated, monitored environment that aims to protect safety while improving accessibility of repairs. The path forward involves coordinated efforts among insurers, manufacturers, regulators, and regional authorities to establish clear rules, rigorous testing, and reliable supply lines that ensure repairs meet high standards without unnecessary delays.
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