Auto Insurance Claims: Time elapsed from accident to claim, lunch time, repair time

Question
I was parked in a parking garage at work ~2.5 years ago and someone hit my left rear bumper.  Security saw the person, and filed a report at my place of employment, complete with pictures.  I communicated with the person who hit my car, and she asked that I get quotes and she would likely pay for the repairs out of pocket rather than file a claim with the insurance company.  

I've not had the opportunity to take the car in for quotes and subsequent repair, as I need the car for transportation to/from work and could not afford a rental car during the repair time.

My question - is it legally too late for me to ask her to pay, as I now have alternate means of transportation?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Courtney,

The statute of limitations in most states for this kind of thing is 2 years. I don't mean to scold you but, waiting over 2 years just to get an estimate is rediculous. It would have only take 30 minutes to drive to a body shop and get an estimate on your lunch time or on a saturday.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh