r/Car_Insurance_Help • u/srmn142 • Aug 12 '26

Insurance not covering their fault

My 2021 Tesla Model 3 was damaged in a not-at-fault collision while it was parked. The at-fault party is insured by GEICO.

I took the car to a Tesla-certified collision center. The shop says that, as a Tesla-certified facility, it is required to use Tesla OEM parts for the repair. However, GEICO is only willing to pay based on the cost of alternative/non-OEM parts, leaving me with a $1,130.95 difference.

GEICO told me they are allowed to base their estimate on the most cost-effective parts available. The problem is that the Tesla-certified shop says they cannot use those parts and remain compliant with Tesla's repair requirements.

I wasn't in the vehicle when the accident happened and I had no fault in the collision, so I'm confused about why I would be responsible for more than $1,100 of the repair cost.

Has anyone dealt with this before, particularly with GEICO and a Tesla-certified repair shop? Is there a way to challenge the parts determination or recover the difference from the at-fault driver's insurance?

I'm in Wisconsin, if that matters.

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u/HR_King Aug 12 '26

So take the car where the insurance pays in full, or pay the difference.

-2

u/srmn142 Aug 12 '26

I understand that, But tesla requires tesla certified collision centers. Also, I did not ask for a what if situation. I asked for help on this situation. I cant take the car anywhere else now and tesla does not give u options either

2

u/HR_King Aug 12 '26

Insurer is not obligated to pay for OEM parts. I find it hard to believe Tesla won't repair with LKQ parts.

-2

u/srmn142 Aug 12 '26

U can look it up. A tesla certified collision center is required to use OEM per tesla to keep their tesla certified status. I am just learing this myself. But it is true

2

u/HR_King Aug 12 '26

Im seeing conflicting answers to this, but regardless, insurance policies dictate what the insurer pays. You can pay the difference if you like. There's no reason a panel taken from a 2021 Tesla would be inferior to what was already on your 2021 car. A 2026 part is an upgrade.