Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

What do I do if I scratched a person's car, agreed to pay out of pocket, but can't agree on the cost of the repair?

I got into a minor accident. There is no damage to my car, however there is a small scratch on the other person's car. I offered to pay for it he agreed. We exchanged contact info and no police were called. He then texts me an estimate close to $300 for a small scratch because he says his friend is fixing it. I sent a picture of the scratch to my mechanic who said he could fix it for less. I conveyed the message to the man and tried to set up a time where he and i would go together and we fix the scratch. However, when i said this to him, he tried to threatened to call his insurance company. What is my next step of action? I agreed to pay to fix it so I don't understand the problem.

Jul 28, 2021 Atlanta, GA

Answer
Author profile picture
Director of Insurance Content

Ava joined The Zebra in 2016 as a licensed insurance agent and writer. She now serves as director of insurance content, leading coverage strategy and…

Credentials
  • 9+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry
Unfortunately agreeing to pay for damage out of pocket without involving your insurance company can lead to issues like this. He does not have to agree with your offer and can attempt to get you to pay more than the actual cost of the repair. In all actuality, filing a claim for something this minor will likely cause your rate to increase more than the $300 he is asking for the repair. However, even if you pay the $300, there is no guarantee that he won't attempt to ask you for more money or even move forward with filing a claim. In certain situations, even if the damage is minor, it is best to contact your insurance company rather than deal with a person who is being uncooperative or unreasonable.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Pin
Shield checkmark No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Is it worth filing a claim for a scratch from when my car was parked?

For a cosmetic issue like a scratch, my general advice is to pay out of pocket if the repair is relatively affordable, rather than filing a claim that could leave you with a rate increase.First, it's worth knowing that a scratch on a parked car falls under comprehensive coverage, which covers damag…
Jul 30, 2026 Boston, MA

Should I look at my coverage ahead of El Nino?

Yes, it is a smart idea to review your policies ahead of time, but you probably don't need to completely overhaul your coverage or break the bank to protect your family. Instead of buying every add-on available out of fear, you should focus on a few key areas where major storms cause the most damag…
May 27, 2026 Macon, GA

Will insurance pay if a lawnmower threw a rock and dented my car?

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Before you file a claim, you should get an estimate for the damages and determine if it is worth filing a claim after you consider your deductible.For instance, if the damage is $700 and your deductible is $500, your policy would only pay $200. In this instan…
Feb 8, 2024 Spartanburg, SC

Is the type of siding on a house, like vinyl, a rating factor for insurance premiums?

There is no straight-forward answer to what building materials you use for your house and the homeowners insurance rate you will end up with. Here's a tip to keep in mind that may help you make a decision: brick, stucco, and concrete are preferred by most insurers because they tend to be flame-reta…
Mar 2, 2026 Athens, GA