Got front-ended, at-fault party asking to repair privately...what could go wrong?

devpress on 12/02/2022 - 22:34
Last edited 12/02/2022 - 23:08

Was front-ended by a merc driver (he reversed into me while at an intersection). This was at low speed so the damage isn't severe, but still noticeable (paint scratches etc.)

While we're both comprehensively insured, he has asked that the repairs be done privately (e.g. not involving the insurance companies) as he feel covering my repairs out of his own pocket would be comparable to his excess. Plus he avoids getting a black mark on his insurance record.

While I'm extremely annoyed by the inconvenience at having to privately source quotes for my vehicle, plus not having access to my car while it is being repaired, I was willing to go along in the spirit of being a good person.

But no good deed goes unpunished, as the saying goes. So what can possibly go wrong to have it done privately? Or should I not chance it and just have my insurance company sort this out?

EDIT:
Forgot to mention that:
1) I'm choosing the repairer myself
2) The at-fault party will pay the repair invoice before the repairs begin, to avoid a situation where they decide not to pay up

Poll Options

  • 382
    Via insurance
  • 57
    Repair privately
Automotive

Comments

        • Seraphin7 on 13/02/2022 - 14:03

          Just be careful.

          While you at entitled to recover such costs at law, your insurance company may have no obligation in assisting you to recover such costs.

          Pending on your policy, they may include this as a service … or simply say that they cover damage to your vehicle and any other costs are yours to chase up.

          • md333 on 13/02/2022 - 14:15
            +1

            @Seraphin7: Yeah, I don't really approve of it myself, but seems to be a reality now with various somewhat dubious companies offering to provide you a hire car and chase up the at fault insurer themselves.
            Just trying to explain the difference between having it on your policy - you can leave it out of your own insurance and save on premiums,but it doesn't stop someone trying to claim rental costs from you if you are at fault.

      • PissLUR on 13/02/2022 - 14:26
        +1

        If you are not at fault. The other party is liable for the car hire. You can ask your insurance company for assistance or do it on your own.

        • baskinghobo on 14/02/2022 - 16:21

          Hang on. I got rear ended once and decided to go through the other parties insurance. I am wondering why j got a hire car when I didn't even use my insurance.

  • fprjet on 13/02/2022 - 11:03

    Only thing to worry about is if he decides to be uncontactable down the track, or reneges…Drive merc as do I, can afford to pay his excess….Also does he loo trustworthy..

  • GrueHunter on 13/02/2022 - 11:03

    I also pay hundreds of dollars for insurance every year so that I never have to use it /s

    • devpress on 13/02/2022 - 14:45
      +1

      1) First and foremost insurance is there to cover me if I'm at fault - gives me peace of mind (financially)
      2) The point of most insurance is not to use it - e.g. I'd rather not be in an accident and have to make use of my insurance
      3) If even no-fault claims can impact your own premiums then it is worth considering whether one should go through insurance

  • GordonD on 13/02/2022 - 11:08
    +3

    In was in this situation when my car was rear-ended at traffic lights. Except the at-fault driver found the repair shop, Why should I care about the size of the bill. I just got to approve that it was legit car repair business that would give me the usual guarantees of a good job, and ensure everyone was clear that I wasn't responsible for paying for the job, the other driver was, and present my car for the required repairs. It could have turned out badly - anything could - but it didn't. They almost did a really good job, only not putting one of the badges back on straight.

  • Series4Episode10 on 13/02/2022 - 11:32
    +1

    Get the quotes, get them from the dearest repairers near you, get his approval of one of the quotes, get the $ from him, get further quotes, choose repairer, pocket difference!

  • 82norm on 13/02/2022 - 11:46
    -1

    Get quote from your repairer of choice, mark it up by the inconvenience that resulted (drop off, pick up, Uber, trauma, stress) $500.00 sounds fair…doesn’t like it, then goto insurance. I’m sure you’ll find a panel beater who’ll mark it up ;-)

  • Muzeeb on 13/02/2022 - 12:19
    +2

    While we're both comprehensively insured, he has asked that the repairs be done privately

    I'm guessing Merc driver doesn't have insurance

    • devpress on 13/02/2022 - 14:46

      He claims he has comprehensive… shrug

  • OzHunterNSW on 13/02/2022 - 12:28
    -8

    Stuff him…. they got to own a Mere by being scrupulous and underhanded individuals. Give them an inch, and they take a mile.

    Get a quote…. say $350… You then ask him to pay CASH $500 (for all your trouble).

    If not… go through Insurance and he will have to pay a lot lot lot more.

    Notify your insurer, anyway - you have done that… and you do have the other diver's FULL info and you did take photos how his car and your car…. didn't you

  • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2022 - 13:56

    How modern is your car? Parking sensors and radar can be costly to replace and recalibrate, i suspect.

    • devpress on 13/02/2022 - 14:47

      I have aftermarket front collision sensors; they still seem to be working fine

      • WhyAmICommenting on 13/02/2022 - 23:05
        +1

        Do you have radar cruise? The guy at the insurance assessor told me these are super sensitive - even just taking the bumper off and on.

  • Seraphin7 on 13/02/2022 - 14:01
    +2

    While we're both comprehensively insured, he has asked that the repairs be done privately (e.g. not involving the insurance companies) as he feel covering my repairs out of his own pocket would be comparable to his excess. Plus he avoids getting a black mark on his insurance record.

    Old mate either doesn't know what he's talking about, or is trying to send you up the garden path.

    You get the work done through your insurer … your insurer hits up all mate with the bill … old mate can either may out of his own pocket or lodge a claim through his insurance.

    Whether or not his insurer get involved is entirely up to him. Your going through insurance has nothing to do with his insurance.

    Always get the job done through your insurer … if for no other reason than your insurer (and most importantly not you) will then chase him up for costs.

  • No ONE on 13/02/2022 - 18:34
    +1

    OP, if going through insurance make sure you have video proof of other kind of proof that the other driver reversed. There is a possibility he/she could flip it as rear ended suitation and you are out of pocket.

  • Herbse on 13/02/2022 - 19:02
    +7

    These days there's no visible damage to a car that costs less than the average excess. Unless they've bumped theirs up to save on their premium.

    Either way, people will say go through insurance. and that's the smartest thing to do to avoid hassles and scams.

    However I've been on both ends of this happening and it can be a decent thing to do to help someone out if you like doing that sort of thing.

    However if you do decide to do the nice thing and do it privately to help them. Don't let the other person make the rules. They were in the wrong and you have the power, so:

    • Don't waste your time going to multiple places for a quote if you don't want to. If you have a repairer you've been to and trust, get a quote from them and tell the other party that's it. If they don't like it, go through insurance.
    • Don't let them force you into doing the repairs and proving it with receipts or something stupid like you pay and they'll reimburse you. Get the quote and say cash within 3 days or you can go through insurance. If you don't want to repair your car and use the cash for other things, that's your prerogative. You're doing them the favour.
    • Don't let them take their sweet ass time, give them a deadline and if nothing. Just call the insurance company and give them all the information.
  • Logical on 13/02/2022 - 19:20
    +1

    Go through his insurer or he pays directly. Do Not go through your insurance. Most insurance companies will increase your premium even in not-at-fault situations. Happened to me and will never do it again.

    • cuteseal on 13/02/2022 - 21:32
      +2

      I used to be in the “let your insurance handle it” camp. But now I’m conflicted for the same reason as you.

      Last year I insured with Woolies who decided not to renew my insurance after one at fault claim.
      Part of their reasoning was taking into account previous claims - regardless of whether I was at fault or not.
      Now I have a black mark against my record when I have to answer “have you ever been refused insurance”.

      • WhyAmICommenting on 13/02/2022 - 23:06
        +2

        Ew, leave them some junk reviews, but I’m guessing they already have plenty of those.

      • Logical on 13/02/2022 - 23:33

        and in my particular situation, our 3rd car that was bumped into was insured under both his and her names, and now our other 2 cars which have insurance under our own separate names carry a higher premium (for 3 to 5 years) as there was a previous claim (no matter at fault or not!). Every year when I check online quotes with other insurers it always asks if there were any claims (at fault or not)… Quite illogical…

        • hayne on 15/02/2022 - 01:25
          +1

          Which insurers do you check with? I just got a quote from NRMA and they only asked for at-fault claims.

    • imurgod on 14/02/2022 - 11:25
      +1

      Only the worst insurers do this.

  • [Deactivated] on 13/02/2022 - 19:46
    +1

    Depends how much the damage bothers you. I've been front ended one, their paint came onto mine, some scratches and a bit of a dent, I told them it was fine. If you don't care, maybe just take the cash. If you do, get some quotes and ask them to pay you before getting it done. Then if it seems dodgy, go through insurance. I've been told any claims increase your premium, whether you're at fault or not.

  • Empharand on 13/02/2022 - 21:11

    Go through insurer. While yes it would likely be cheaper going privately, you don't know this person from a bar of soap and they could very well not pay up when the repairs are completed leaving you with an out of pocket expense.

    The only time I'd go privately is if the damage was done by a friend or member of my family as I can count on them not to evade when the bill comes.

    • devpress on 13/02/2022 - 21:12
      +5

      If I was going privately I would make them pay upfront / prior to repairs taking place, in case they did a runner

      • Empharand on 13/02/2022 - 21:15

        Can you count on this person to actually show up to pay prior to putting the car in? and what happens if the repairer needs to do additional repairs which costs more than the intial quote. You will probably find that most repairers won't take payment until after the job is done for that reaosn

        Even if you opt to collect payment by going to their house, how do you know that the address on their licence is up-to-date or that they're simply residing elsewhere and that house belongs to their parents, siblings etc? They could very well have moved and not updated their address or put the sticker on their licence, it's very rare that said people would get pulled up on that unless they get pulled over by cops. If that does happen then you will have to rely on police to 'investigate' which could take a while

        • devpress on 13/02/2022 - 21:21
          +2
          • I'd give them a deadline to transfer the cash to me … if they dont make deadline then just involve insurance
          • Once the car is in the workshop, have the repairer confirm the costs/repair; if he/she finds there's more to do, then I'll go back to the at-fault party for more money. If he refuses then I'll return his cash and get the insurer involved
          • Empharand on 13/02/2022 - 21:25

            @devpress: Seems like a rigmarole. I understand you're trying to be fair and resonsable with this person but at the end of the day you both have car insurance for a reason, if said person doesn't have car insurance then they're stupid as they will have to fork out the full cost of repairs not just an excess (which is their problem not yours).

            I'd personally put it through my insurance company and let them take care of it, if there's any discrepencies with address and/or contact details and can't get a hold of them then that's their problem not yours after all that's what you pay them for. You simply put your car in and get it back upon the repairs being completed with the bonus of having a taxi take you back home (or to your workplace) and then back again when it's time to pickup your car. Your insurance company does all the hard work for you (as that's what you pay them for)

          • ankor on 14/02/2022 - 09:04
            +2

            @devpress: That sounds like a huge amount of work. you can lodge the claim online in about 5m or so and be done with it.

  • jono1971 on 13/02/2022 - 22:57
    +6

    I’m a motor claims consultant, you’re actually also entitled to a not at fault hire whilst your vehicle is in for repairs. If he’s not willing to lodge his own claim or provide the NAF hire car then I would highly recommend that you reject his offer and lodge your own claim with your insurance company asap!

  • mmd on 13/02/2022 - 22:59
    +4

    Is there a MS paint drawing of the damage?

    Everyone has jumped straight to repairer, but is the damage so minor that it may just need a detailer?

  • kaleidoscope on 13/02/2022 - 23:21
    +2

    100% go through your insurance. Other guy can choose not to involve his insurance and pay by himself to sort it out.

    • Logical on 13/02/2022 - 23:36
      +2

      that's what I did and now I have a higher premium for the next five years even though I was at No-Fault. To most insurers a claim is a claim no matter if at fault or not. So if OP does as you suggest then they will need to suffer the consequence with higher premiums for around 5 years. No Thank you. I learnt my lesson. The only damage to my car was the rear bumper.

      Therefore, first step go through their insurance. Otherwise get the payment made upfront at the repair yard.

      Of course, where the accident is a major one, with possible write off then I would go through my insurer..

      • Carmen Sandiego on 14/02/2022 - 17:27
        +1

        Good, but pricey, insurers don't ask for not at fault, or ask for your POV of it before they write you off like that.

  • rack on 13/02/2022 - 23:33
    +5

    Don't waste time. I got rear - ended a month ago. Lady gave me a sob story and offered $500. Then got angry accusing me of being rude when I didn't take up her offer. We finally agreed to us going privately. I got the quote at my own inconvenience and it was $1800. Now she wants to go through insurance. I am pissed.

    • gromit on 15/02/2022 - 08:21
      +1

      I think this is likely pretty common, people don't realise how expensive repairs can get even when the damage looks small. When I got rear ended the P plater wanted to just pay it as it looked like minimal damage, Luckily I refused and repairs totaled over $4k due to bumper being cracked and a second panel needing respray, so needed replacement and sensors damaged, I heard separately that he was complaining to insurance and trying to claim I must have done other damage separately as no way he did more than a tiny scratch and a dent.

  • cheaper on 13/02/2022 - 23:49

    Many years ago I had the similar situation like you. What I did was reporting the incident to the insurer with full details and asked them not to act as I plan to sort it out privately in case if it doesn't work out and the insurer can still sort it out for me. It was sorted privately in the end.

  • uzz32 on 14/02/2022 - 00:06
    +2

    OP, you've obviously taken out a comprehensive policy to address situations like this. Lodge your claim and be done with it.

  • 82norm on 14/02/2022 - 08:18

    If he can afford a Merc he can pay the excess. Why should you be inconvenienced and then screwed over?

  • domadgee on 14/02/2022 - 09:26
    +1

    As someone who literally had your situation happen to them not more than 2 weeks ago. Insurance!

    The damage may look minor, but what you don't see is all the small things broken behind the panel.

    The guy who ran into me wanted to do it outside insurance. The place that fixed mine ended up billing my insurance $4400 for a small dent in the front passenger side.

  • baskinghobo on 14/02/2022 - 09:36
    +1

    I would just get a quote from a reputable panel beater and if he doesn't agree to the first quote tell him that you will go with insurance so that he doesn't waste any more of your time. I am speaking from experience.

  • Zondor on 14/02/2022 - 10:02

    The only reason he is asking you to do this privately is to rip you off. He can just pay your insurance company directly and avoid a black mark.

    Source: Have been the at fault party and have done this. I'm still rating 1.

  • imurgod on 14/02/2022 - 11:04
    +3

    These never go the way you hope. I can tell you from 22 years of experience.

    You're insured so go through your insurer and the 3rd party can just pay the bill to them and that way, you have lifetime warranty on the repairs and, more importantly, legal protection in case anything else comes from the claim that you weren't aware of.

    They'll probably even pay less for the repair after the insurers assessor is finished with it.

    • Carmen Sandiego on 14/02/2022 - 17:28
      +2

      Adding my years of experience to agree

  • AndyDD on 14/02/2022 - 11:22

    I've gone through a similar situation to this - at fault party pay directly for repairs - before, and been fine.

    However I can, in no way, guarantee that it will go that way for you.

    In 90% of cases with a reasonable other party, I think you'll be ok, but whatever benefit you think there is - eg: not having an not-at-fault claim against your name with your own insurer - is offset by small chance of being done over, somehow.

  • Brick Tamland on 14/02/2022 - 12:07

    Go with your gut on this one.

    I've been in a similar situation and it worked out ok but there were some annoyances along the way. Like the at fault parties husband later challenging me on the damage and wanting heaps of photos and the repair shop not willing to start repair until the amount was paid upfront by the at fault party which of course had to be followed up. All up it turned out ok.

  • blitz on 14/02/2022 - 13:50

    Did the other driver suggest private repairs before or after they realised you had dashcam footage?

    • devpress on 14/02/2022 - 13:58

      Don't know if he had noticed my front dashcam, but he did immediately suggest private repairs once he had inspected my damage

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2022 - 13:54
    -2

    Let me get this straight….

    OP is posting about what can go wrong, and multiple people comment on how to rip the bloke off? Aka get highest quote, get it paid and go with cheapest?

    Talk about a scum move

    I swear to god people on here make me sick at times.

    The bloke could be honest, and legit. No one wants to lose ratings.

    To see Multiple people promote on how to scam someone else is disgusting.

    I wish Ozbargain would permanently ban these people.

    So unaustralian, and just a crap human being.

    "Edit" negging me for being a good person, and not promoting to scam people. 👍👍👍

    Btw a 15cm paint repair, Multi quotes were $750
    I laughed, a new front spoiler was less! Crash repairers are the biggest rip offs in the country.

    • eddieboy2 on 02/03/2022 - 01:07

      Totally agree with banning these people for these comments. Honesty is the best policy and if everyone acted that way it would be a better world. Can't believe people are suggesting ripping someone off who is likely honest and just wants to avoid losing ncb for small damage claim.

  • jorf on 14/02/2022 - 14:12
    +1

    We agreed to a private repair once, but that was because it was a neighbour who backed into our car and it was mostly cosmetic damage - slight ding in the beaver panel that an insurance repairer would have replaced, but we decided to not worry about it. They paid cash before we took it in for repair and we were happy with the result.

    I would never do this for a random though. I've dealt with more than one person who has hit me who tried to weasel out of it with the idea that paying a minimal amount of restitution in cash is a winning solution for everyone. There's a high chance they won't pay enough, or at all. Not to mention the time wastage in getting quotes and chasing them for money. Why would you bother?

    Insurance every time. If they don't want to deal with insurance, they shouldn't hit things

  • Ten on 14/02/2022 - 15:13

    Similar thing happened to me, the guy owned a local small business etc so "wouldn't be doing a runner" as he put it… He dragged it on for so long. It took months for him to transfer me a few hundred dollars. constantly had excuses etc. I'll 100% go through insurance if anything happens again.

  • harrywwc on 14/02/2022 - 15:59

    as no doubt many others have pointed out - while the damage may look 'superficial', there is no telling until a (trusted!) professional looks at it.

    at that point decide if you want to involve the Insurance Companies

  • simplerick on 14/02/2022 - 16:06

    "Plus he avoids getting a black mark on his insurance record."

    F*$& him, he deserves to have a mark on his insurance record for poor driving. Sounds like the kind of person to screw you over whichever way they can…

  • DingoBlue on 14/02/2022 - 17:25

    Seriously the best course of action is to take some cash from him for a full repair and then just buff out the scratch yourself. Everyone wins.

    This is really common, not sure why all the alarmist comments. For sure, get it checked out by a specialist first, you'll need a quote whichever way you choose.

  • xlimit on 14/02/2022 - 17:39
    +2

    Do not do it privately!!! Had a similar incident. Rear ended, low speed, very minor indentation, some paint damage. At fault party wanted it privately done. So like you OP, trying to be a kind person I decided to go along.

    1st quote - At fault driver not happy with the quote for repaint and says its too expensive, asks for me to get another one (now 3 days after accident).

    2nd quote - Went to 3 other mechanics and managed to get it cheaper. Showed him all 4 quotes. At fault driver still not happy saying he didn't see much damage and it shouldn't be that much to fix (now 8 days after accident). Wants me to go to get quoted by someone he trusts, a family friend who is a panel beater.

    Now I'm pissed off for having my time wasted. Getting a quote takes time and at this point my car isn't any closer to being repaired. So I simply call my insurance company and lodge the claim. 48hrs later I have the car inspected and they tell me even if you get hit at low speed you NEED to replace your whole bumper due to microfractures. Obviously, the quote blew up for bumper replacement and repainting, and I'll bet that guy wish he took any of the 4 previous quotes.

    An at fault party will NEVER be happy with any quote you give, even if it is more than fair. Your aims are polar opposites - they will want the bare minimum or less, and you will want the best for your car. Don't waste your precious time. Just get your car fixed properly through insurance.

  • altitudinous on 14/02/2022 - 17:52
    +1

    You are taking on a huge amount of risk here. Push it over to the insurance companies. You know NOTHING about this person except for the fact that they are terrible drivers. May not even be insured, may scam you, may do this every day, criminal records etc.etc.

    Why are you even considering this?

  • taoz on 14/02/2022 - 20:45

    Get him to pay you and sign an agreement.
    You can then get repair where you like then.
    Ask him/her to cover a rental car also for the amount of required days.

  • gimli on 14/02/2022 - 21:48
    +2

    I would go through insurance.
    Basically merc driver is not going to be happy unless repair cost is less than excess. (+/- cost of their repairs?)

  • [Deactivated] on 14/02/2022 - 21:51

    Depends… he could easily say that you rear ended him, unless you have dash cam footage.
    Important thing, if its worth more than $1000 damage, is try to get it on record that he is at fault, ie police report (from him), and your insurance company wont charge you excess or change your premiums.

  • field1985 on 14/02/2022 - 22:09
    +1

    I've gone private and through insurers, and honestly I would go private everytime if I could.

    My private experience was great. I hit another persons car, but there was minimal damage (paint, not structural). Both cars were cheap (<$5000) and the other driver was a p-plater. I suggested we go private and she agreed, we took photo's of each others licences and went on our way. Within a week she sent me the quote, which was completely reasonable.. $350 from memory. So I bank transferred her the money.

    I ended up seeing the car six months later (small town) and it hadn't been repaired. But I didn't care one bit. That was her prerogative and her cash to do as she pleased. We both saved money and trouble not going through insurers.

    Insurers on the other hand are a nightmare. I had a $10k car, was rear ended, insurer paid ~$2k for repairs, only for another of their drivers to rear end me again, before I had time to get repaired (cheque hadn't cleared). This one completely wrote off my car. Because it was already in a damaged state, they claimed the value was <$2k. So they destroyed my $10k car and paid me $4k. With absolutely no recourse (maybe there was? But I was young and gullible VS a multinational issurer with an army of lawyers).

    • maverickjohn on 14/02/2022 - 23:58

      I'm pretty sure the OP and the Merc drivers Car are far more expensive than 10k or 5k. In that case insurance is far more reasonable

  • adn on 14/02/2022 - 22:43

    If not at fault. Go through insurance.

  • pipe on 14/02/2022 - 23:29

    Predictable poll, Ozbargainers love their car insurance.

    • gromit on 15/02/2022 - 08:30
      +2

      More like OzBargainers love saving money. doing this yourself is insanely time consuming, inconvenient and expensive and on top of it you lose all the protections afforded to you by going through insurance like Guarentee's, car hire etc.

      Or to put it another way, the true ozbargainer is the merc driver, he has realised he can potentially save some money and pass on the costs while not having his insurance affected.

  • figarow on 15/02/2022 - 00:37
    +1

    what could go wrong?

    He doesn't pay.

  • Cave Fire on 15/02/2022 - 03:22
    +1

    Not sure if this was raised, but there is duty of disclosure on insurance. So you should have to notify but not claim on this incident. Worst thing besides losing money is a possible gap in coverage. Insurance also covers your repairs in the future plus any damage that could be unseen.

    • Yabbie on 15/02/2022 - 11:33

      this 100%

  • sovereign01 on 15/02/2022 - 11:30

    IMHO - Get quick quote, add 25-50% and accept payment upfront.

    If he isn't prepared to agree to those terms then don't waste your time and just go through your insurance.

    It's not an unreasonable ask from him, just comes down to whether its worth your time to do the kicking around yourself instead of relying on the insurance company.

    $2000 instead of $1300 might be worth it to him and to you, everyone wins.

    • Qazxswec on 15/02/2022 - 13:33
      +2

      what is with all this selfish advice from everyone, would you want someone to add 50% to a quote if you run into their car, accidents happen, treat others how you wish to be treated

      • sovereign01 on 15/02/2022 - 19:03

        No one is forcing them to pay it - There's an established, legal process for them paying exactly and only what they have to.
        It's purely offering them an opportunity to skirt the legal process and have the harmed party take on otherwise unnecessary risk at their cost.

        To reverse it (Pun @ OP not intended),
        If I crashed into someone, the damage was minor and I wanted to avoid going through insurance - I would absolutely offer them an incentive for the advantage of having them quickly and directly closing out the issue.

        e.g "Paying you directly will save me $2000 in excess and over my next 5 years of premiums, I'll split it with you, add $1000 to your repair bill and we both win"

  • Yabbie on 15/02/2022 - 11:32

    why do him a favour his at fault, this is what you pay insurance for! say down they road you have a accident and it’s found the part has been previously repaired insurance may decline your claim as they were unaware. simply call YOUR insurance problem solved.

  • Name on 15/02/2022 - 11:59

    Yeah, i'd go and get three quotes from reputable repairers. Ask for the merc owner to give you the cash and then part ways with the Merc owner. You go and get it repaired yourself or if the damage isn't too bad / you can live with it. Just pocket the cash.

  • UFO on 15/02/2022 - 13:16

    Why in the world would you go do all that running around getting quotes for him??
    Only for him to then say "no way, they are ripping you off, I'm not paying that!".

    Just go through insurance. You don't owe this guy anything, and you'll have greater piece of mind with any flaking paint or any other issues with the repair.

  • dirtybigbjelke on 15/02/2022 - 14:44
    +1

    If you have a reputable panel beater you trust and you know does good quality work handling it privately might be a better option than some sausage factory repair shop of your insurers choosing.

  • Al09 on 15/02/2022 - 16:37
    -3

    Can we ask the nationality of the driver of the merc?

    • airtime on 15/02/2022 - 18:00
      +3

      Really? Why bring prejudices and other inappropriate beliefs into the mix? There are good and bad nuts in all populations and groups of people.

      My advice to the OP is to hand this over to their insurance company to handle. That is what you pay them for. While its great to be helpful to others, the risk to yourself is higher and not worth accepting. You have already been inconvenienced by the other driver, don't put yourself in the position where you can be even more inconvenienced.

  • Al09 on 15/02/2022 - 16:38
    -1

    Or background?

    • cms1 on 16/02/2022 - 15:13
      +1

      You can start by telling yours.

  • Enzalicious on 15/02/2022 - 23:06
    +3

    I had this exact situation recently and thought I’d do the at fault driver a favour.

    So I ran around and got 2 quotes to repair my bumper. Both panel beaters suggested replacing the bumper to get the life time guarantee. I got to admit the price was a lot more than I was expecting. (Perks of driving a high yielding investment)

    Other party thought I was ripping him off once he got the quotes and began to moan, became un-cooperative and acted like he was the one being inconvenienced. In the end I claimed through my insurance and let them deal with him. I got the repair done through the panel beater I wanted and didn’t have to deal with him anymore.

    • Eeples on 21/02/2022 - 17:24

      Yes, but did the panel beater replace the bumper?

  • Franc-T on 16/02/2022 - 06:31

    I did this myself once (a company truck that damaged my car and tried to drive off). They made things difficult.I regret not going through insurance, it was a pain in the arse for me and they gave me attitude about it as well.

    Why should you take a risk for a stranger who damaged your car? Theres a few other reasons like what happens if the workmanship is bad etc.

    Dont do it.

    • Yola on 16/02/2022 - 18:02

      Since they tried to drive off you should have known what sort of person you were dealing with.

      • Franc-T on 17/02/2022 - 19:29
        +1

        Wasnt the person it was the company and I was a lot younger and nicer. Nowdays not a chance, lesson learnt.

  • WilliamDGH on 16/02/2022 - 10:30

    Only do it 1. He give you the money upfront based on the quote you're getting, 2. He covers your rental car cost. Then I don't see anything could go wrong.

  • IdBuyThat4aDollar on 16/02/2022 - 11:56

    Depending who you're insured with, the repairs are guaranteed for life (or for something like 3 years at least). There's no excess for u if you're not at fault and won't effect your insurance history.

  • Tech5 on 16/02/2022 - 14:59
    +1

    Go through insurance. They don’t need to provide their insurance details. They can pay your insurance directly

  • Eeples on 21/02/2022 - 17:23

    I thought if you claim on your insurance and you are not at fault then your insurance will pay you money to get it fixed but you do not need to use that money to fix your car.

    • Euphemistic on 21/02/2022 - 19:44
      +1

      Not likely, most insurers will choose to either fix your car or write it off. If you claim on the other parties insurance you can do that.

    • ankor on 22/02/2022 - 08:16
      +1

      @euphemistic is right, but the other person would have to lodge a claim through his insurance company first and that's what this other person has been trying to avoid. So you cannot lodge a claim against the other person's insurance, if that person hasn't lodged a claim for that incident.

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