I hit a car. The driver sent me estimates. Should I pay her or get my insurance to?

I wanted to keep the insurance company out of it because I thought it would be less expensive than it is (a dent on the door), but the estimate she got from two reputable shops are at or more than the car would sell for. The estimates are $1200-1400. The car is a 97 Cavalier, base model coupe, which would sell for about the same amount. My insurance company would handle it, but I had an accident almost 3 years ago and I was hoping to get my record clear to qualify for a lower rate.
Additional Details
Ok, obviously everyone thinks I'm ridiculously stupid to entertain the idea of paying out of pocket. Does it make any difference that my deductible is $500 and that my rates will definitely go up since it will be my second accident in 3 years? I see your point about it being risky that she may come back for more. She says she would call it even if I gave her 1K.

BettinaD

The same thing happened to my sister, she hit a car and it dented the body and it costs almost 2000. Well we didn't tell the insurance and paid it in full. The next month she comes asking for more or shell report it to the insurance because of more "damages". It just shows that you should report it because if you dont know these people they might blackmail you.

jumbobret

Then pay it yourself.

Lover not a Fighter

For that kind of money let the insurance pay for it.

Even if your rate goes up it won't go anywhere near that much. You are suppose to pay for stuff that only about $100 or less. Maybe $200 if you have accidents every month.

Good Luck.

P.S. Insurance loves to propagate the fear of your rate going up.

bungee

so why have ins. if your afraid to use it. the ins. industry must love people like you.

la428282

why people try to handle accidents out of pocket i will NEVER understand. You pay for insurance specifically for situations like this! you really think your rates are going to go up the equivalent of 1200-1400 dollars?!

Do you also know you owe her rental? What if down the road (no matter how nice he/she seems) they claim injury?

Please please please... this is what you pay us for... let your insurance handle it.

oklatom

The vehicle is worth around $1,500. If you turn it in to your insurance they won't fix it, they will total it. Just let insurance handle it.

J MONEY!

if its over your deductible, call ur agent and let them handle it

CwboyBill

Always let your company handle these things. Do you honestly think your rates will go up by $1,400 for a claim? Get serious.... If you pay out of pocket this can spiral out of control so fast you won't know what hit you.

stef_leppard

file a claim with your insurance company. they are much better equipped to deal with these things than you would be on your own. that's why you have insurance. if the estimates are too high, then your insurance company will know what to do. perhaps the driver you hit is trying to take advantage of you. let the insurance company deal with it.

just me

Let the insurance handle it. Those estimates sound faulty. Sometimes people try to milk you and have the mechanics in on it. Using insurance will ensure that is not done. You pay for insurance so use it!

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