Auto Insurance Claims: Liability question, notory, stepdaughter

Question
My stepdaughter Katie was involved an accident in a parking lot. Katie was at fault. Katie
had no damage to her car, but the other person said there was a scratch/gouge on her
car. Katie noted at the time that the other car had damage/wear/scratches that were not
the result of the accident. Since the damage appeared to be minor they unfortunately
decided not to call the police. The other party has now contacted us weeks later with
estimates of $500 to $1000 and is willing to settle for $250. My concern is that since
there was no paint transfer I can't tell which damage on the other parties car was the
result of the accident - if any of it was. Wondering how to proceed.

Answer
Hi Bill,

This is a tough situation. If you don't pay they will likely make a claim on your insurance which will make your rates go up. $250.00 is no very much when it comes to body damage. Just repairing a scratch and repainting it could cost 3 times that much.

You should prepare a release of claims form for the other people to sign. You should meet with them in person. Offer to settle with them for say ..$200.00 in cash. But before giving them any money, have them sign the release form showing that they are accepting the $200.00 or $250.00 as payment in full for all claims relating to the accident that occured on (date). Have them sign the form in front of a notory and keep a copy of that release form forever.

If they refuse to accept the settlement in exchange for the signed release, tell them to just make a claim to your insurance.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh