Auto Insurance Claims: Parking Lot accident, parking lot accident, shake down

Question
My son (20) was parked in a parking lot at a apartment complex about 2 to 2 1/2 months ago.  When he left the complex he backed out of the spot and left.  A few minutes later a 21 year he knows that was at the same complex called him and said did you know you bumped into so and so's car.  My son said no I didn't know is there any damage to the vehicle and the 21 year old said no.  There was no witness to any of this.

My son didn't think any more about it and came home.  A few weeks later he gets a call from the person saying that there was damage to her car (a big hole in the side of her car) and that she told her parents that it was a hit and run.  About 3 weeks ago this person called my son and said that she finally told her parents the truth and that they want him to pay 1/2 of the estimate ($200.00) for the repair of her vehicle.  She has told him that he doesn't have to pay the money in full and that if he wants to pay a little at a time that is ok.

To me this all sounds very fishy and I am wanting some advice  I am just wondering what can and should be done.

My questions to all of this is 1. Why wasn't the police called if my son did indeed bump into her car. 2.  Why wait until almost 2 months to contact my son.  3.  Why is she calling my son - shouldn't this be taken car of by insurance companies?  


Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks


Answer
Hi Susan,

I can not answer your questions. You're asking me to answer why someone else did or did not do something.  I was not there.

This sounds like a bit of a shake down. You or your son should make an appointment with the owner of the car and her parents. You should bring a camera. Take photos of the damage.  You should request that they provide you with a copy of a written estimate of the cost of repairs. If after you see the damage and if your sone agrees he may have caused the damage then you should create a written release form and have them sign the release form in exchange for payment. You can lay out any terms for payment in the release form. If you son does not fee that he could have caused the damage, then tell the girl and her parents that with out any proof or witnessess, you can not accept liability for the damage.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh