With supply chains for older vehicles crumbling in 2026, a new industry has emerged: 3D-Printed Replacement Parts. While this helps keep “modern classics” on the road, it has created a massive headache for insurance underwriters regarding liability and safety.
The “Service vs. Product” Debate
- Quality Control: In 2026, the “elephant in the room” is traceability. If a 3D-printed suspension component fails and causes a crash, who is liable? Is it the CAD designer who created the file, the shop that printed it, or the supplier of the “feedstock” (raw material)?
- Insurance Stance: Most 2026 insurers will only approve 3D-printed parts for non-structural, aesthetic components (like trim, knobs, or light housings). Using a 3D-printed part for brakes or steering without a “Safety Certification” can void your policy’s mechanical failure coverage.
- The “Certified Files” Era: To solve this, 2026 manufacturers are beginning to sell “Certified CAD Files.” When a shop uses an official, manufacturer-backed file to print a part, the insurer treats it with the same legitimacy as a traditional OEM part.
