Oh, ugh, my new-driver daughter had her first fender bender

[K8-EEE]

Literally, bent a fender.....she hit somebody's bumper while braking and although the damage is barely visible that person is claiming it needs to be replaced and will cost $800. No damage at all to my car. They say they will settle for the cash and sign off as a done deal.

I am thinking of just giving her the $800 but am I leaving myself open to "whiplash" type bull shit if I do? I really think our ins. would go up if I reported it! It already tripled with the new driver.

[kayakjohnny]

1. Get other opinions. Make sure it's not a scam. Don't settle immediately without consulting

a pro. A pro lawyer, a pro doctor, a pro body man.

Don't rush it just to resolve it.

Take your time, research and get advice from someone with the knowledge.

My humble o.

And good luck with the outcome.

[seabeyond]

2. i had one a handful of years ago. ended up calling my insurance.

her bf called later and said she was going to hospital cause she couldnt move lower body, or something ridiculous. i was so glad i let insurance take care of it. it was nothing on my car. a little dent on her bumper.

i say, use insurance. you are out of it then.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

3. have them sign a release form and offer them 500 -- get the release signed first

and then have the money in your hand -- see what happens :shrug: good luck.

[petronius]

4. I like this idea - even though $800 sounds reasonable to replace a bumper cover it

seems like they just want to pocket some cash. So the OP might as well get some benefit out of it as well.

I wonder if there are on-line templates for a release form that would be sufficiently binding?

[Recovered Repug]

5. I agree with the insurance handling the matter.

Or, if the bumper is going to be replaced anyway - go over and beat the crap out of it. Might as well get your money's worth. :evilgrin:

[REP]

6. $800.00 is very modest; replacing mine was $1,500.00

If it goes through insurance, it could be much higher. If I'd been the one hit, there'd be no question: insurance only.

[K8-EEE]

7. I ended up giving them the $800 and making them sign a release

My gut feeling was that she was not even going to replace the bumper although it was a fair estimate for replacing it. She had an older car not in great shape and the crease in the bumper was barely noticeable. She was a young single mom; I think she will end up keeping the money. Whatever, hopefully it works out for everyone and my daughter will learn a lesson about being extra careful in stop and go driving cuz she is gonna have to pay it back! Since she is on our insurance for prob at least another year it will prob end up cheaper.....insurance is a racket too!