Had a car accident and decided to settle it privately, I'm the one paying the damages..help?

Jackson P

If you pay the garage directly then get a fully detailed receipt.
DO NOT transfer money to the other persons account if you can help it.
If you are paying the 3rd party directly then ensure you get a signed receipt which details all the work done and states - this is in respect of blah blah and is full and final payment.

Basically, just make sure that everything is detailed and the other party signs to say that all work is paid for and completed.

niknik

Pay her in any way you like, but make sure she is with you when you do. Then get her to write you a receipt- It should say something along the lines of: received on DATE - the sum of $777 from YOUR NAME as FULL payment for repair of such and such damage. THEIR SIGNATURE. She should then give that to you. keep it. forever.

â˜žH.Potterâ˜œ

Don't inform the insurance company or they will bump up your premiums next year even if you didn't put a claim in.
You need to write out exactly what happened making sure you include the part where she is willing to settle privately and get her to sign it along with an independent signatory. Make sure you date it and keep a copy for yourself. Pay via your visa card if you can but failing that a cheque will do. Photocopy the cheque and keep it with the signed letter.
You should now be covered.

Dilkaraja

Besides having her sign an agreement, you can also write on the memo portion of a check stating she is accepting the payment in settlement of the accident that occurred on such date (insert date).You can word it however you like but if she cashes the check, it is pretty much all the proof you need. Make sure you insist on a check, cash is tricky even if you have receipt.

entidtil

Don't settle privately. It's a bad decision. You have insurance, USE IT !
Do you really believe that paying on your own and maybe having to hire a lawyer and worry about getting a proper form to have the other side sign off and worrying whether the other party will find hidden damage or now find they have injuries they didn't know about in the beginning is going to cost less that a "possible" rate increase on your insurance? Even after you do all of the things people here are suggesting, you can still be sued and even if you win, you will have to pay a lawyer to defend you. Why are people sooooooooo foolish ?

lindybug

get a solicitor to draw up a contract for her to sigh then you have proof also pay her buy cheque not cash

Pay with a cashiers check. That will provide you with a carbon copy of your payment.

red

The best solution is to contact your insurance company.You are insured? are you not? Then you will have all the proof you need.

clarkeinc101

Don't pay it. Fight it in court. If you feel at fault, at least the the court with have it documented that it was paid. What do you have to lose but your time. I think it will be worth the time to do this in the long run. By doing this, it is also a safety thing for yourself that the person can't come back and say that there are more issues than vehicle damages. I really think you should do this to cover yourself for more damages in the long run.

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