Auto body repair & detailing: Estimate fraud?, excessive claims, funny business

Question
Dear Friend,

I recently got into a car accident in a mall parking lot at about 5mph where I ran into the back of a small green 2002 Honda.  It left a scuff mark about 12 inches long that  looks like someone took their shoe and just drug it across the bumper.  The estimate I received was for $425 from the owner of the Honda.  I was wondering if you can offer any advice about the legitimacy of the estimate or am I getting ripped off?  To be honest the scuff mark I left looked like you could just rub it off with a  buffer and I just think this price seems ridiculously high.  He will probably just pocket the money as there was no damage whatsoever to the functionality of the car.  He wants to settle outside of the insurance company and I don’t know what to do.

Please advise!
John Gechter


Answer
Get a copy of the estimate and see what they are doing,are they replacing the bumper?If so then the price is about right.There is a possibility that there are hidden damages that you didn`t see or there could be more damage under tha bumper.It does not take much to do $500 damage any more.If you have not had excessive claims I would suggest letting the ins. co. deal with the problem if you suspect any funny business.