Auto Insurance Claims: accident in leased car, auto body shop, rear bumper

Question
I was rear-ended while driving my leased vehicle. Although the damage is minor, it does look like the rear bumper would have to be replaced.  The father of the kid who hit me wants to avoid going through the insurance company and has said he will pay for it out-of-pocket.  My question is, what ramifications does this accident have 3 years from now when my lease is over and I will be turning this car in. Will the  repair work still be recorded by the auto body shop even if the insurance company is not involved?  Do I or do I not file a police report?

Answer
Hi Paula,

You do not have to report the accident to either the police or the insurance company. You should obtain a writen estimate of the repairs. Ask the body shop how many days it will take to repair the vehicle. Then present your demand to the at-fault person to include the cost of repair and a rental car during repairs. Body shops do not report to CARFAX. Since the damage is very minor there should be no affect on your lease turn in.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh