Paying out for damage caused

[Niji]

I was recently involved in a minor collision which was admittely my fault. There was some scratch damage to the other car on the bumper, which may or may not have been caused by the collision. The other driver is going to get back to me about what they want to do for repairs. I have a couple of questions:

If it's not too much, and I want to pay it without going through my insurance company, do I still have to notify my insurers? Also, what would be the best way to settle? As long as it isn't too much, I'm not really worried if they ask me for money but then don't get it done, but I don't want to be in a position that I pay the money, and then they come back and ask for more. If I send a cheque to the person, would that be okay - I'm just worried that I'd have no real proof that I'd paid them.

Also, there was already some scratch damage to the car which definitely wasn't caused by me. If they want to get their bumper completely replaced on the grounds that I didn't cause all the damage? Or just pay for part of it?

Any advice gratefully received.

[Niji]

Sorry, that last paragraph should say:
If they want to get their bumper completely replaced, should I refuse to pay for it on the grounds that I didn't cause all the damage?

[bednobs]

its much less hassle to go thrugh the insurance co. However, in theory you should inform your insurance co of all acidents (what if they pop up next week saying they have whiplash and are going to sue you?) In practice this will rpobably raise your premium next year, so you may as well go throught the insurance

if you want to go ahead and pay for the repairs, ask the person to get 2 quotes, and arrange to pay the garage directly

[LAW_DROP-OUT]

good answrs from bednobs ,,,,,,

[chas2008]

insurance engineer will advise correct repairs, ie repair or replace. Ive know so many people come unstuck by trying to do a cash deal...very rarely works

[Niji]

Thanks for your advice guys. I have now contacted my insurance company. I haven't heard from the other person yet, but I'm sure I will, and I feel much better knowing that my insurance company is now involved.