How to avoid getting scammed: car repair edition (paying out of pocket)

Post date: 2025-01-15 07:49:08

Here's what happened: I hit a parked car while driving my friend's car. Left a note on the parked car and offered to pay for the damage. I want to pay out of pocket, because otherwise my friend's insurance rates go up and they are penalized for my accident (I don't have insurance because I don't own a car).

So far so good! The owner of the damaged car texted, was very appreciative, and agreed with the photo of the damage that I sent over that I caused. They told me the name of the mechanic that they sent it to--excellent reviews. I have a good sense about all of this and that it will be resolved amicably. However, I am also naive about these things. Is there anything that I should be on the lookout for in order to avoid being fleeced? I haven't told them yet that I'm paying out of pocket--at what point should I do that? And do I pay the mechanic directly, probably? After seeing an itemized list? Help me not be a total sucker, please.

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