Must I go through an insurance claim after damaging another car, or can I pay for the damage myself?

I bumped a girl's Volkswagen Polo in an the work car park on the near-side wing. I have stated that I would pay for the damage I had caused rather than go through the insurance. She stated that it would cost £600 to repair from her father's garage, so I asked her to provide me with three independent written quotes as the repairs clearly won't cost £600. I have had quotes of £280 for a new wing, bearing in mind it was a dent with minimal scratches, but she wants to notify my insurance company regardless. Can I be forced to go through an insurance claim when I've already offered to pay for the damage?

Asked on 16 August 2010 by RattyRyan

Answered by Lucy
She is under a duty to mitigate her loss, so if the work can be obtained to a reasonable standard at a lower cost and she goes somewhere else she is liable to pay the difference between the lower quote and the higher one.
Similar questions
My son and his partner purchased a pre-reg Clio Music with zero miles last October for the advertised price of £8,500. In December, whilst stationary in a jam on the motorway, they were hit in the rear...
My car was subject to a very minor accident whilst parked car outside my home, whilst a third party was attempting to park. The damage was very minor (possibly none to theirs and a small mark on my bumper)...
My Volkswagen Golf (2.0TDI, 140 bhp, 2004, 90k miles) was hit on 27th December whilst parked with no occupants in a residential area. The other party admitted liability and my vehicle is currently being...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer