I bumped someone's car... Now they want $650 for scratches... Should I pay?

So here’s my situation: I live in Chicago and I accidentally bumped into the back of someone’s car. I admit it was my fault, so I immediately took responsibility. I gave them my insurance and license info, and also took pictures of the damage. The damage was really minor, just some scratches; no dents or anything big.

Three days later, the other driver tells me they won’t file a claim with their insurance but now they’re asking me for $650 to fix the scratches. I think that’s a bit much for just scratches, and I was wondering if it would be okay for me to offer them around $100 for a paint pen or something instead. Would that be fair, or am I legally required to pay the full $650? I’m not sure if I should tell them to just go through insurance if they’re not happy with the $100. What do you think?

You gave them your info so you’re not obligated to pay anything. If they want to fix it, they can file a claim. Don’t give them cash. If they really want payment, tell them to go through insurance and leave it at that. Don’t pay a penny.

@Blakeley
I had a similar situation with someone who had insurance. I warned them that paying out of pocket could lead to issues later, especially if the repair costs more than expected. People think they can avoid insurance, but things can get messy. You did everything right, OP, so don’t feel pressured.

No way, don’t pay them cash. They have your insurance info, so they can file a claim if they want.

Tell them to file a claim if they want payment. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for something like this.

It sounds like a scam, honestly. If they’re trying to get $650 from you directly, that’s a red flag. Don’t pay them. Refer them back to your insurance company. If they want to fix the car, let them go through proper channels. You’re not obligated to settle this privately.

@Arin
A scam? I don’t know about that. $650 is actually reasonable for a bumper repair in some areas. You’re just avoiding a claim by offering a lower amount, but that doesn’t mean they’re trying to scam you. Get an estimate, and if you feel comfortable, pay in a way that can be tracked. But if you want to avoid insurance involvement, that’s your call.

@West
Exactly, the $650 is not unreasonable. If they get that amount and still want more later, it’s a problem. But at least you’ll have it on record.

Briar said:
@West
Exactly, the $650 is not unreasonable. If they get that amount and still want more later, it’s a problem. But at least you’ll have it on record.

A signed release would be the way to go. You could avoid future claims if you get them to sign something saying they won’t pursue further damages. It might actually save you more money than dealing with a potential insurance claim and rate increase.

They could take your $650 and still file a claim with your insurance. Don’t pay them directly. Refer them to your insurance and let them handle it.

Don’t give them anything. Just tell them to file a claim. I wouldn’t trust them.

Tell them to go through your insurance. Do you have photos of the damage? If it was a light hit, it might be easy to buff out. Either way, let your insurance handle it.

You might want to tell them to file a claim. If you don’t want to get involved in a back-and-forth, having insurance handle it is probably the safest route. If you know a good lawyer, maybe they could help you with a release form just in case. Otherwise, be careful; it could come back to bite you.

I don’t know why people are calling this a scam. $650 is low for bumper repairs, especially in a place like Chicago. It’s not fraud, it’s the cost of fixing a scratched bumper. If you’re uncomfortable paying out of pocket, you can get an estimate and pay in a trackable way or just let them go through your insurance. Either way, your rates might go up if they file a claim.

Honestly, paying them $650 might be a good idea. Your insurance rates will go up a lot if they file a claim. I had a similar situation, and paying out of pocket saved me from a huge rate hike. The $650 is reasonable for repairs, trust me.

Could there be another reason they’re avoiding insurance? Maybe they’re driving without a license or insurance? That could explain why they don’t want to file a claim. I know someone who had rear bumper scratches that cost $1500 to fix; no dent, just scratches.

I’d just pay the $650 to avoid the claim on your record. If they file a claim, it could affect your rates, and it might be more than the $650 you’re trying to avoid.

River said:
I’d just pay the $650 to avoid the claim on your record. If they file a claim, it could affect your rates, and it might be more than the $650 you’re trying to avoid.

If you pay them, keep proof. You might want to get something signed saying they’ve received the money and that they won’t file a claim with your insurance. In some places, like Texas, that’s a good way to protect yourself.

@Micah
Make sure they sign something, or it won’t be considered a real settlement. They might come back later and claim there’s more damage, or say they never received the payment. A signed agreement can help cover you.

I’d probably pay them to avoid a claim. But if you do, get a signed document from them saying they won’t pursue further claims. You could try to negotiate the price down, too. Either way, you’re not required to pay them; if you don’t want to, let them go through insurance, but be ready for higher rates.