"Car Accident gone bad"

[George Compo]

What is the name of your state? I was in a minor accident about a week ago. The damages
were not major. I and the other party decided that I would
pay for the damages.

I figure why should we include the insurance company when
the damages were minor. The damages were a small scratch on
the driver’s side mirror. The vehicle was an older model
vehicle, the scratch wasn’t noticeable. The individual told
me that maybe it would fix the mirror if it needed fixing.

From what I could see the mirror did not need any major repairs
maybe just a paint touch up, that’s it!

Well about two days ago, the other party gives me a call
and tells me the mirror needs to be replaced. And to send
a check.

I’m like what the ____, (fill in the blank).

Before they ask for money the other party needs to give
me two or three estimates, right?

It seems somewhat weird. But what can I do? I have to pay
the damages.

Any advice?

When I pay for the damages, I need to pay the other party
with a check, right?

Do I have to fill out a form stating that this check is for
all the damages and it is fully paid?

I think I need something on paper, right? I don’t want the
other party coming back saying that I need to pay for
something else.

Can anybody help with this problem?

Maybe there’s a form that I just fill in the blanks, and
have the other party sign the form.

Thank you in advance.

 

[racer72]

Your question is disqualified for failure to read the red words on the top of the page.

 

[George Compo]

I apologize for the mix-up forum. I know it’s no
excuse, but I’m a newbie.

If anybody still wants to help, I would really
appreciate it.

Sorry, I forgot to include where I reside. It's
California, USA

 

[RunningOnEmpty]

The other person is legally entitled to the reasonable cost of repair at the shop of his choice.

If you really want to keep your insurance company out of it, I would recommend that you don't ask him to provide you with two or three estimates. Would you want to spend your time running around town getting estimates to please somebody who had damaged your car? He is not required to do that. Nor should you ask him to. He will most likely decide it's not worth the trouble and report the accident to your insurance company. They aren't going to make him jump through hoops for something this minor.

If he wants the money up front, ask him for one estimate and give him the money, in the form of a check or money order. Keep a copy of his estimate for yourself. Keep a copy of your cancelled check or money order. Memo the check or money order "John Doe's mirror repair/accident date _____. It doesn't matter whether he actually fixes his car or not. You are still responsible for the cost of the repair either way. He probably has no intention of fixing it. He probably wants $100 or less, right? If you think he wants too much, then turn it in to your insurance company, let them pay for it and hope your insurance doesn't go up too much. If it makes you feel better, ask him to sign a statement that the amount you have paid him releases you from further liability for damages relating to the accident.

Just be glad he didn't tell you his neck was hurting!