Auto Insurance Claims: auto accident in parking lot, repair estimates, stationary object

Question
My son was trying to back out of a parking space at his school parking lot.  A car was sitting in the driving lane, preventing him from leaving, he tried but he hit this car.  Who is responsible?  It was not reported to the police, we do not want to inform our insurer to keep costs down, but the other party has demanded a cheque for $1200 to cover damages.  There was only a slight scratch.

Answer
Hi Kim,

Anytime you hit a stationary object you are at fault. Even if the stationary object is an illegaly parked car.

As for the cost of the repairs, you should request that the person obtain 3 repair estimates from 3 different body shops. Then you can offer to pay the lowest one of the 3. However do not pay anything until you get a signed release form. That way they can not come back for any additional money.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh