Auto Insurance Claims: accident/insurance vs. private party, room deals, accident insurance

Question
Someone ran a red light and hit my 1998 Town & Country van.  The estimate from the body shop is $2800.  The other driver wants to pay me with a check, not involving her insurance company.  If her check bounces, can I still contact her insurance company for the damage?

Answer
Hello,

I don't recommend back room deals like this because they can come back to bite you.

Let's say you were injured and realized it in the near future, you cannot collect for future damages.

Why on earth would you consider her check? This tells me it is no good. Have her go to the bank, cash her check and give you cash. I don't even trust cashier's checks any more, because I have gotten 2 bogus cashier's checks.

One other point: I have seen these situations go backwards.  You did not say if there was a police report filed. If not she could turn the claim into your insurance and claim the accident was your fault.

Personally, I would just turn it in. What ever you do, don't take a check!