Auto body repair & detailing: Estimated cost of repair and labor for 2005 Honda Civic 2 door bumper, small claims court, auto body shops

Question
Greetings!  A week after my 17 year old son got his driver's license, he took a turn to fast in his 2005 Mustang and rear ended a parked 2005 Honda Civic. He caused a 4-5 inch crack in the Honda rear bumper.(A week later he hit a curb and did major damage to the Mustang -I know, I should have taken the car away from him the first time).  He left his info on the Honda Civic and the lady called back.  I asked her to get a couple of estimates and also asked her to bring it to a private guy that has done work for me in the past and does a great job.  Her estimates ranged from $670.00 - $1200.00 to replace the entire bumper.  My guy said he'd charge $185.00 to repair it and paint it.  He stated that if she did not like it, we would not have to pay. She conversed with her husband in Spanish, so we could not understand what they were saying.  She then pointed out other damage to the bumper that her husband caused and stated that they wanted to sell the car within the year and that they wanted the whole bumper replaced.  According to her the auto body shops she went to stated that the whole bumper needed to be replaced especially if she wanted to sell it.  She refused to go with my guy but said she would get more estimates.  I think she may try and rip me off, and pay for previous damage that wasn't caused by my son, but we morally want to "do the right thing".  If I let my insurance company handle it, t will be free, but they will drop my son from the insurance and my insurance will sky rocket.  I was thinking of having her take it to other body shops, I can recommend that will give an honest estimate and put it in writing.  (None of her estimates are in writing.) Or, I can let it go to small claims court.  Any suggestions?  Sincerely, Linda

Answer
Get an estimate in writing replacing the bumper with an after market part, it should be in the neighborhood of five to six hundred dollars. Paint and labor is the cost here and you really can't expect her to go to your guy, I know it would be nice but your son was at fault.
Offer to rent her a car for a couple days if she will use your guy and guarantee her the job will be done to her satisfaction.