Auto body repair & detailing: side view mirror repair, mirror repair, extra insurance

Question
I was driving a UHaul truck last week down a narrow street and hit another vans side view mirror.  I exchanged information with the guy and during our conversation he said he had had this same thing happen a couple times before and it would only be around a hundred dollars and that my insurance would cover it.  I didn't take note of the type of van, just that it was older and not in fantastic condition. The mirror itself was still partially attached...he was able to fold it in after I hit it (and yes he should have done that before).  Now he's called me and said the estimate from the shop to repair it is $305.00 and I'm starting to feel like I'm being taken advantage of. Add to that that the UHaul insurance only covers their van (which had no damage to it) and I'm going to have to pay this out of my pocket. Does this estimate sound reasonable at all?  What should I do?

Answer
Well, this is going to sound a little harsh, but you asked me what to do- this is what I think, based upon long experience. I won't BS you- The condition of his vehicle is irrelevant- you caused damage that wasn't there before you came down the street. 305.00 is well in line, in my opinion. I believe you would have an extremely difficult time convincing a small claims judge that it was partially his fault you hit the mirror on his parked vehicle, because he didn't fold the mirror in. In all honesty you haven't convinced me. If you take this to court, I promise you, you will lose, lose a day of pay, and have to pay court costs on top of all this, Pay the man, you probably caused damage to the door's exterior panel as well. I have seen this many, many times. You might have been able to take out extra insurance on the van when you rented it, but perhaps chose not to- that is a calculated risk. Now, you might be able to go back on your auto insurance, in some states the insurance follows the driver, but this is a frivolous claim-  Do you really want to draw the ire of your insurance company with a 305.00 claim? I'm not sure I would. I do applaud you on taking responsibility for the damage, and being a man. This puts good karma out in the universe for you, and I promise you, it will one day come back to you. Don't ruin it by making the man's life tough because you don't want to pay. Continue to be the good man I know you are, and make this right. My hat off to you, sir. Have a great evening. Bill