I live in New Jersey and I'm 18 years old, the other day I was backing up my car to get out of a parking spot and accidentally hit a car behind me. I simply left a minor dent. The owner of the car and I agreed to not involve our insurances, but now he says it is going to cost him $600 to get it fixed, which is completely outrageous. 2 months ago I got into a car accident which cost me to $700 to get my hood, light, and side completely changed along with the paint job. So I get the feeling this guy is completely ripping me off because I think it'll cost so much less to simply get it popped back up. Any advice on how to handle this situation?

Do what the insurance companies frequently do, require him to get 3 estimates from shops you approve. I dented my rear rubber bumper, its going to cost $2100 so maybe your read on repair cost is a bit low

Not sure what New Jerseys law says but in VA the person who's car gets damaged decides who is going to do the work...

Some cars cost more to repair than others... paint alone varies tremdously in price depending on the color alone.

Unfortunately YOU are the one who did the damage... and its not for you to decide how or where it gets repaired.

You could have turned it into your insurance company. They did you a favor by allowing you to pay cash... play games with them and they still can go after your insurance.

Just an FYI... Once upon a time someone rearended me.. wanted to pay me cash after I got an estimate, then started to play games on paying what it cost after I got them an estimate (my car was 6 months old)... I already had his tag numbers and from those got the owners name and insurance info from the state... and THEN put a claim for the HIGHEST estimate I could find... which did then get paid from his insurance. Would have been cheaper if he just lived up to his promise... I don't extend that courtesy to anyone now or since because of that. Hit me now then hand over the insurance info... or I call the police.


Just a word to the wise... this is a battle you can't win. Just pay it and get a signed receipt (this covers YOUR butt) that all debts related to the accident are satisfied by that payment so they can't come after more later.

His car is probably like a 95 car I honestly think he's rippin me off. I just hope we can find a smaller amount to pay

Doesn't matter, YOU caused the accident... pay it or give him your insurance info... before they charge you with a hit and run... and effectivly by keeping the required information from them at the time of the accident... you will be guilty of.

State laws everywhere requires you to surrender insurance and drivers license into to the other party AT the scene of the accident.

Like I said... you aren't going to win this one.