Auto Insurance Claims: Unresponsive Hit and Run Perpetrator, using insurance, snowbank

Question
My car was legally parked and was hit by another car, causing damage to the trunk and taillight.  It was hit on February 5th and the perpetrator was found by the police on February 23rd.  The officer did not press charges because the perpetrator claimed that he thought he hit a snowbank and didn't know it was a car.  I spoke with the perpetrator and he wanted to avoid using insurance and just pay in cash.  I said that would be ok and about a week later gave him the estimate of $650.  He said he would pay it but needed to save up a bit first.  I was out of the country for a month and he has not made an effort to contact me since.  I have tried to contact him but he has not responded.  Am I still able to go through insurance and can I do that even though I can't contact the perpetrator?  Also, the perpetrator merely gave me his word that he would pay, is he legally bound to give me the money?  How can I go about getting him to do so?  We both attend the same university and it is possible for me to force a confrontation.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
The only thing that the perp is legally bound to is what you can prove.
Your insurance will likely still cover the loss, less your applicable deductible.  Please remember that deductibles have nothing to do with who is at fault.  They were agreed upon by you and your insurer when you applied for the policy.  Once your insurance company has settled the claim, they can then pursue the responsible party and may be able to collect and refund your deductible.

Good luck!