So, earlier tonight I got into a minor fender bender (kinda)

Was at a stop light, got distracted, and completely zoned out. I was driving my girlfriends automatic car and took my foot off the break. My car has a manual transmission so I guess I thought I would just stay still . I probably bumped him going 3 mph.

There was no noticeable damage on the car I was driving, however, his had a small paint scratch. He also claimed that the trunk seemed off level with the rest of the car. I'm not sure if a bump at 3 mph could do that kind of damage, but if it did, I guess I will have to pay for it.

I gave the guy my info and I want to try to handle this outside of insurance (since the damage appeared to be so minimal).

I was wondering if anybody else had a similar situation and any advice they could provide.

I plan on taking the quote that he provides me and asking him to also show his car to a body shop of my choice so that I can make sure the price is reasonable. I also plan to pay the body shop directly so that he doesn't get an inflated quote and just pocket the difference.

I tried to post photos but I can't seem to do it

I know the post is long guys, thanks in advance for any advice you guys have.

 

Ehh. These "civil" agreements rarely ever work out. You'll think it's gonna be cheap, it will be outrageous, you'll want him to go to your place, he won't want to. You guys will get in an argument and he'll call and file the claim.

Just my professional experience.

Even though minimal damage, it adds up on a rear clip. If really only a scratch and no indentations or cracks, it may not be too bad. BUT, he's already claiming trunk issues. I just don't see it going well.

What's your deductible? Or is it more of a negative impact issue?

 

That sucks =/

Good luck getting him to go to a shop of your choice. He'll be doing you a favor if he doesn't report it. Not going to sugar coat it, but when you're at fault you better bring some lube or hope they either don't care or are stupid.

 

i got in a situation like this and the lady tried to take me to the cleaners!!!

just make sure hes honest.

just a thought...usually with most insurance companies if the claim is under a certain amount it wont affect your monthly premium. mine is $1,800

good luck..be sure to let us know how things work out

 

I was hit at about that speed by a person texting at a stop after their car started to roll. Put a hole in the paint about the size of a nickel and a dent in the license plate inset. ~$2,000.00. R/R bumper cover, paint, two days rental.
I don't think a private deal is likely to work... maybe if you gave him $1,000.00 and got a full enforceable release from him (?) I'm not a lawyer, he may be. Cr@p happens, don't let it get to you. No one was hurt, your G is good, that is all good.

 

absolutley true

 

You have two options. Go to your nearest pharmacy and get massive quantities of KY, or since you don't have any damage (and assuming there are no pictures) completely ignore him from now on and if you get a call, deny being in a wreck. If he has your insurance information, then you only have option 1.

It will either end well for you (option 2) or badly for you (option 1)