To not go through insurance and pay cash?

[Greywalls12]

Long story short, i rear ended someone at traffic lights. Minor damage, small dent to the car I hit and minor paint damage to mine.
Other driver said they would rather not go through insurance, which was fine with me depending on the price as I'd rather not lose my no claims. (I know i have to inform insurance company about the accident)
Quoted £200 to fix damage (said his friend does body repair) which seems reasonable to me. But it's been asked for in cash, rather than bank transfer.
AIBU to think it's a bit dodgy? Although he seems like a reasonable person, I've got no way of knowing he's just going to pocket that and claim from my insurance anyway?
But then I don't think a bank transfer would be protected anyway, but at least I would have a papet trail?
Any help or experience appreciated!

It makes zero difference whether or not he’s insured.

It might have been the reason he was trying to avoid it, that's all. And yes; it does matter, because uninsured drivers cost millions. It's important to check if there is a chance someone may have none. Avoiding insurance is a red flag. It always makes a difference.

I presume you have never been hit by one.

Oh god op please don't do this. Yes he will take the cash. Yes it will be fine and dandy for a while. Yes they will make a claim on your insurance in a few months time and yes it will include a personal injury claim. My job is to investigate these arses. Please don't pay, just go through insurance. For all you know, he may have planned all this and slammed on on purpose. Granted, he could also be a decent human

It's a huge risk OP. Huge risk. Just remember if you don't go through insurance that he has 3 years to make an injury claim. That's 3 years of not knowing. There is no way I would risk it.

It's of no benefit to you not to use the service you pay for. None.

Of course it benefits OP. A body shop will charge ££££ and her excess is probably more than £200. I know mine is.

We were hit recently, got it on dash cam, person didn’t stop. We actually went through the police and they contacted the other driver. The police have said the driver wants to pay rather than go through insurance- fine by us and we wouldn’t dream of then contacting the insurers.

Of course it benefits OP. A body shop will charge ££££ and her excess is probably more than £200. I know mine is.

That's up to you.

The excess isn't relevant.

The op has told her insurers, she can't make the other person, she's waiting three years regardless

A cash for crasher just going to suggest taking cash in the first place, his only aim is to make a claim so I wouldn't worry to much about that happening

Afaik the excess only applies to your own. claim not the 3rd parties, is that right?

I'm not here to argue the details.

OP, if you want to be fully protected with no comeback then use the insurance you pay for.

I have seen far too many people suffer.

Afaik the excess only applies to your own. claim not the 3rd parties, is that right?

Yes. So if OP pays the guy £200 or uses her insurance it doesn't change the cost. The premiums may rise, but it's unlikely they will rise by more than £200. Insurance is protection.

My son had a small bump in his car, minor damage to both. Next thing he hears is that the whole family, all four from the car in front, were claiming whiplash at 5k a head, Be careful, make sure that it's his full and final claim and get him to sign it.

@Thegracefuloctopus he was stationary at traffic lights, there was nothing for him to plan!

I skidded on black ice a couple of years ago and went into the side of another car. The other driver said not to worry about it and it was just one of those things. I was probably in shock and didn't realise that I still should have exchanged details.

I couldn't live with worrying about them making a claim/informing the police or my insurance potentially becoming void if they found out I didn't report an accident. I ended up reporting it to the police myself and telling my insurance I was reporting it but not making a claim.

My insurance went up a little but nothing too noticeable and that could have happened anyway but I could sleep at night without worrying about the consequences of what could happen in the future.

So my advice would be to report it to your insurance just in case the other driver decides to make a personal injury claim in the future. It's worth it for peace of mind and knowing you've done the right thing.

Thanks @purplepingu i think it's definitley worth the peace of mind!

I know it's a slightly different situation but I still remember the worry from my accident.

I'm pretty sure as well, you only pay your excess/lose your no claims if you're claiming for damage to your own car. I think! I can remember being really surprised when the guy on the phone told me. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable about it can confirm that for me!

I'm a worrier anyway and I couldn't cope with worrying that the police would show up and ask me about it or that my insurance would become invalid because I didn't report it. The peace of mind was great and I figured I'd have nearly a year before I had to deal with the hike in insurance premium!

Happened to my husband. They settled without going through insurance. The other man made a claim anyway, which although my husband disputed and had proof of, was decided in the other man's favour. Go through insurance.

Tale from the other side- someone crashed into me, I encouraged him to pay me rather than go through insurance, got a quote, let him know and he was keen once he found out it was less than his excess. He paid cash, I got the work done, all fine. I would have also accepted a bank transfer though.
Not always dodgy.

First of all you get quotes from another firm yourself to confirm if his quote is reasonable by showing photos. Second you ask for a witnessed receipt stating you have paid x amount for the damage shown in pictures. The receipt should have the other drivers details and state they are satisfied with this and will seek no further action in regards to this. If they decide not to repair the vehicle and try to claim that should cover you. Alternatively if they try to claim you deny all knowledge.