Paying privately for minor car accident
Had a very minor at fault accident, wanting some opinions on paying privately.
Either Christmas Eve or new years night was at McDonald’s drive through at night and VERY slowly rolled into car infront (didn’t even realise I hit it was so gentle).
Photos at the time didn’t show any damage - but it was dark.
A week later she calls and says she spoke to a panel beater and will likely need a new bumper and paint job ~$1300 for her CX-5. Price sounded reasonable based on my research, so asked her to book it in and give me details of panel beater to confirm repairs/price.
Didn’t hear anything for 6 weeks. Messaged her and she says she’s been really busy. She just wants this over with and would I be happy to just settle this for $1200. I explained I wanted to verify the work that needed to be done and cost with whatever panel beater she chooses. No reply to that.
She called a week ago, saying she took it to a panel beater who took some photos and was going to give her a quote. She just sent me their details to call them today.
My understanding is she not actually getting her car fixed, and is just wanting me to pay for what the repair would cost. It has also now been 3 months since the incident. What are peoples opinions? Should I refuse to pay unless she actually gets the work done? Just pay her to settle it?
Posted Apr 8, 2025, 9:07 PM UTC