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.

Oct 10, 2017 Atlanta, GA

Answer
Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

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.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

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

Icon Agent

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!

No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

If I hit a pole at a gas station and damaged my car will my policy cover the cost of fixing it?

In this situation, your policy will need to include collision coverage in order for the damage to be covered. State laws do not require this type of coverage so it's possible that it's not part of your policy. If you're unsure whether or not you have it, we recommend contacting your …
Aug 31, 2016 Cedartown, GA

Do I need to unfreeze my credit to get a quote?

You should be able to get preliminary rates with your credit still frozen. However, in order to run all of the reports (credit, claims history, violation history, etc.) and finalize your auto insurance rates, many carriers will require a credit check which would require you to unfreeze your credit.…
Jul 22, 2022 Atlanta, GA

Will comprehensive insurance cover damages caused by road debris?

Sorry to hear about your accident. If you have comprehensive coverage, it should cover any damages caused by debris. However, just like collision coverage, it will usually have a deductible. I would suggest using our claims calculator to see if it's worth filing a claim or simply paying for the dam…
Jan 14, 2020 St. Marys, GA

If I'm no longer driving my car in Georgia, do I have to carry insurance and registration on the car?

No, in Georgia you don't have to keep car insurance for a vehicle that you are no longer driving, but you will more than likely be required to cancel the vehicle's registration. Canceling your registration should not affect your ability to sell the vehicle, but just to be sure I would con…
Sep 27, 2016 Kennesaw, GA