Auto Insurance Claims: Follow up to insurance repairs, insurance repairs, insurance charges

Question
Hi.
I backed into my tenant's bumper with a friend's truck in Oakland CA. She took it to the shop and got an estimate for $1500 in repairs because I told her I would prefer not to go through insurance. She wanted me to pay her cash and wouldn't allow me to get any other estimates because she wanted to go to that shop only. I told her let's go any time so I could pay the shop. Apparently that's not what she had in mind. She called the insurance company to file a claim. Here's my question: If I cash her insurance out what kind of follow-up is there that the repairs will be made to her bumper? I'm not trying to pay for this girl's next vacation or rent at all, but I'm more than willing to replace the bumper. Insurance charges include the cost of a rental as well. If she never goes to the shop what type of recourse do I have.

Answer
I'm not sure I understand your question - what does "cash her insurance out" mean?

Nevertheless, if you agree to pay her a lump sum then you should have her sign a release.  The release "releases" you from all further obligations with respect to this accident.  That's pretty much it.

If she's already contacted her insurance company then my advice would be to just resolve the claim through the insurance company.  Your (or your friend's insurance) probably already is aware of the accident if she reported it...

Best regards,

Ernest Ferraro