I went to meeting with a colleague last week, I have worked with her for coming up to 8 years and get on so well with her (meet up sometimes outside of work although we live opposite ends of the region to each other so not very often). We work together in the office on many projects.
As we were leaving and we said our byes to each other, I was in my car about to switch my engine on when I heard a bang on my passenger door behind me; it was extremely windy that day and when my colleague was opening her car door it flew open and hit my passenger door.
I looked out the window and my colleague had got into her car and mouthed sorry to me, smiled and started her car. I didn’t get out to inspect it as I thought it’d be fine if she had got into her car, so thinking nothing of it I drove home.
A few days later DH noticed that on the passenger door there was a deep-ish dent (about 1.5cm in length) with some blue paint - my car is white and hers was blue - so I know it’s from that.
DH has spoken to a friend who thinks it will cost at least £50 to repair, we are hoping to part exchange the car soon and so DH has asked me to notify the colleague to expect a bill. I’m not great with confrontation, I’d prefer to take the hit for it as I have to work with this woman and think it might make things awkward and I’m not even sure how to say it as really I should’ve got out of the car on the day to check it. I also know that she’s been through a divorce in the last 2 years and isn’t in the greatest financial position at the moment.
Should I say something, and how would you word it? Thanks!