Always a quandry something like this.

If after a quote or two are obtained the other party blanks you or quibbles about the cost what are you going to do about it having not notified the insurer for several days a week or more.

Then you have the thorny issue of courtesy car while repairs take place, will the other driver cover that cost too?

Hopefully the other driver is straight but too many times i've trusted other people to do the right thing, they make all the right noises at the time just like politicians and just like politicians they invariably let you down.

Similar questions arise on this Forum at least 3 or 4 times a year.

It is impossible to give anything but the definitive answer: All incidents should be reported to the Insurers, including details, as known, of third parties, witnesses etc.

When a close relative of mine, a recently qualified driver, ran into a third party and contacted me for advice, I arranged to meet the third party over a pint before assessing their attitude.

I agreed a cash settlement and that was that.

Without knowing anything more about the people involved, (and, possibly getting to know them!) and full details, I cannot believe that anyone could possibly advise anything more than to contact the Insurers and let them sort it out.