Auto Insurance Claims: minor damage caused in a parking lot, insurance comapny, diminished value

Question
My wife has an 8 year old convertible that was side swiped in a parking garage. The person left a note and filed a claim with their agent. My questions:
1.do we need to file with our agent?
2.should we be looking at diminished value? This is an older car, but a sought after Luxury car that will have a reasonable resale because we've kept in good shape.
3.the insurance company is making it very difficult and time consuming, can we claim time spent on this?
4.do we have to except what they give? If not, what are options?
Thanks

Answer
Hi Matt,

1) You do not need to file with your insurance company.
2) Considering the age of the vehicle, unless the damage is in excess of $5,000.00 you should not bother.
3) you can claim documented time at $10. to $15. per hour
4) You should select the body shop that you want to do the repairs.  Have them provide an estimate to repair. If it is different that the insurance comapny, the body shop should contact the insurance company to negotiate the cost on your behalf.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh