Someone hit car, can I keep the cash?

Zara23

Hi everyone,

While babysitting this morning in the child's house, a neighbour came over to tell me she backed into my parked car. As I had the kids and the car was down the road I couldn't go to look at it right away. Told her I would have a look and come over for a chat when I was finished up.

I've since gone out for a look and theres a medium sized dent and a few scratches on the front passenger panel. I've taken pictures and a mechanic friend called out and said he could fix it for 150.

To be honest, its not a top range car (a 98) and I could live with the dent. Finances aren't great at the moment and I could really use the money.
I'd rather deal with the matter privately without involving insurance and I got the feeling she felt the same.
My question is would it be acceptable to tell her I got a quote for 150 (I could get a written quote no bother) but 100 would put us square? I know money should be for repairs but what is the difference if I choose to spend the money to repair the car or accept the devalue of the car because of the dent if/when I choose to sell?
Am I being unreasonable to say that she has done 150 worth of damage to my property and what I choose to do with that is up to me?

djimi

So long as you are not looking to fleece her on the cost then whatever you choose to do with the money is your own business. Get a quote (or a couple of quotes if you want to be fair about it and show her that you are not taking the piss), get the money, sign a receipt saying that you have the money and that the matter is closed, and its up to you what you do with it from there.

the_syco

Personally, when paying for the damage that I caused to someone elses car, I paid the mechanic. Be aware the woman may do the same.

djimi

the_syco wrote: »

Personally, when paying for the damage that I caused to someone elses car, I paid the mechanic. Be aware the woman may do the same.

I dont see any reason why the other party would or should insist on paying the mechanic directly. For the sake of €150 just ask for the cash.

To be honest, I would have no issues being up front about this. She has caused €X amount of damage to your car; just tell her that you would like the money in cash as you are not sure what you are going to do with the car yet. If you were planning on selling it for example then you may not bother fixing the damage, and will just price the car a bit lower knowing that you have the cash in your account to compensate for it.

tin79

the_syco wrote: »

Personally, when paying for the damage that I caused to someone elses car, I paid the mechanic. Be aware the woman may do the same.

Its not up to the woman though its up to the OP how its handled.

tin79

djimi wrote: »

So long as you are not looking to fleece her on the cost then whatever you choose to do with the money is your own business. Get a quote (or a couple of quotes if you want to be fair about it and show her that you are not taking the piss), get the money, sign a receipt saying that you have the money and that the matter is closed, and its up to you what you do with it from there.

That's pretty much what I was going to post so I wont repeat it. Agree with this.

mickdw

the_syco wrote: »

Personally, when paying for the damage that I caused to someone elses car, I paid the mechanic. Be aware the woman may do the same.

It is the car owners responsibility to do as they wish. Damage cost x amount so they should be paid x amount. It is of no concern to anyone else whether the car gets repaired or not. If it was to go through insurance, that damage would possible write off a 98 car so I don't see why the person would have a problem with paying 100.

Zara23

Well I was planning on being honest with her about not actually repairing it, that's why I would accept 100 instead of 150.
Also the fact that I babysit here quite a bit she would most likely see that I didn't repair it! I just wasnt sure if I could ask her for money and tell her I had no intention of repairing it.

No Pants

Zara23 wrote: »

Well I was planning on being honest with her about not actually repairing it, that's why I would accept 100 instead of 150.
Also the fact that I babysit here quite a bit she would most likely see that I didn't repair it! I just wasnt sure if I could ask her for money and tell her I had no intention of repairing it.

I don't see the point in not getting the full amount. Just tell her you're undecided on what to do with the car yet. It's really none of her business.

Zara23

No Pants wrote: »

I don't see the point in not getting the full amount. Just tell her you're undecided on what to do with the car yet. It's really none of her business.

I don't know, it just doesn't feel right when I know its not going towards repairs. Plus she seems like a nice lady and I respect that she came over and told me straight away when she could have just took off. I know that is what your supposed to do anyways but sadly more people just leave and get away with paying nothing.

Del2005

Zara23 wrote: »

I don't know, it just doesn't feel right when I know its not going towards repairs. Plus she seems like a nice lady and I respect that she came over and told me straight away when she could have just took off. I know that is what your supposed to do anyways but sadly more people just leave and get away with paying nothing.

People are usually friendly till the time comes to hand over money. Get a couple of quotes give her the price of the lowest and take the full amount. You may feel bad taking money to repair a car and not repairing it but the other party needs to know that there are consequences to crashing into other people's property.

djimi

Zara23 wrote: »

I don't know, it just doesn't feel right when I know its not going towards repairs. Plus she seems like a nice lady and I respect that she came over and told me straight away when she could have just took off. I know that is what your supposed to do anyways but sadly more people just leave and get away with paying nothing.

Its up to you how you play it, but ultimately she damaged your car which is going to cost you money whether you decide to fix it or when you go to sell it when damage on it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a fair quote and pocketing the cash; it makes no difference to the other party either way if you drive around in a damaged car, they have fulfilled their obligation to you.

dr.fuzzenstein

djimi wrote: »

Its up to you how you play it, but ultimately she damaged your car which is going to cost you money whether you decide to fix it or when you go to sell it when damage on it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a fair quote and pocketing the cash; it makes no difference to the other party either way if you drive around in a damaged car, they have fulfilled their obligation to you.

That. The money is simply reparation for the damage caused.
One popular example:
If you fall and do yourself an owie and decide you want €20k for that (the going rate in Ireland for a scraped knee, real injuries cost ten times that), the liable party cannot say "But we will only pay the hospital directly", you are due the money, they do not have the option to pay the surgeon directly.
If someone dinged my car and then refused to pay me directly, I would gladly give them the option of settling up with my insurance and pay me far more than settling with myself directly. And then I'll collect the cheque. If I fix it or not is up to me.

CiniO

Zara23 wrote: »

Hi everyone,

While babysitting this morning in the child's house, a neighbour came over to tell me she backed into my parked car. As I had the kids and the car was down the road I couldn't go to look at it right away. Told her I would have a look and come over for a chat when I was finished up.

I've since gone out for a look and theres a medium sized dent and a few scratches on the front passenger panel. I've taken pictures and a mechanic friend called out and said he could fix it for 150.

To be honest, its not a top range car (a 98) and I could live with the dent. Finances aren't great at the moment and I could really use the money.
I'd rather deal with the matter privately without involving insurance and I got the feeling she felt the same.
My question is would it be acceptable to tell her I got a quote for 150 (I could get a written quote no bother) but 100 would put us square? I know money should be for repairs but what is the difference if I choose to spend the money to repair the car or accept the devalue of the car because of the dent if/when I choose to sell?
Am I being unreasonable to say that she has done 150 worth of damage to my property and what I choose to do with that is up to me?

Whether she wants to pay for the damage by cash, or use insurance it's totally up to her.

Once you are refunded for damage, no matter if it's being paid by her directly or by her insurance company, it's compeltely up to you what you want to do with that cash.

CiniO

the_syco wrote: »

Personally, when paying for the damage that I caused to someone elses car, I paid the mechanic. Be aware the woman may do the same.

You did it, because person whose car you damaged agreed.
They had no obligation to agree. They were fully entitled to take cash.

Vikings

mickdw wrote: »

It is the car owners responsibility to do as they wish. Damage cost x amount so they should be paid x amount. It is of no concern to anyone else whether the car gets repaired or not. If it was to go through insurance, that damage would possible write off a 98 car so I don't see why the person would have a problem with paying 100.

That can backfire just as quick. For the sake of €100.

If the person who caused the damage only offers to pay the mechanic/garage after the repairs have been done, you are out of luck and have to go through insurance company then.

As has been said above, if your car was involved in a tip and you both want to resolve it outside insurance companies then there are no rules - you both do as you please and let me matter be. If you make it clear to the other person you are looking for money for the inconvenience rather than to repair the car there is no problem. If you make out you need the money to repair the car and then pocket it you are committing theft.

djimi

Vikings wrote: »

That can backfire just as quick. For the sake of €100.

If the person who caused the damage only offers to pay the mechanic/garage after the repairs have been done, you are out of luck and have to go through insurance company then.

As has been said above, if your car was involved in a tip and you both want to resolve it outside insurance companies then there are no rules - you both do as you please and let me matter be. If you make it clear to the other person you are looking for money for the inconvenience rather than to repair the car there is no problem. If you make out you need the money to repair the car and then pocket it you are committing theft.

It's nothing like theft. The car owner is not gaining financially by taking the money; by pocketng the money they might have €150 in cash in their wallet, but that have a car that is €150 worse off. There is no net gain.

dr.fuzzenstein

Vikings wrote: »

That can backfire just as quick. For the sake of €100.

If the person who caused the damage only offers to pay the mechanic/garage after the repairs have been done, you are out of luck and have to go through insurance company then.

As has been said above, if your car was involved in a tip and you both want to resolve it outside insurance companies then there are no rules - you both do as you please and let me matter be. If you make it clear to the other person you are looking for money for the inconvenience rather than to repair the car there is no problem. If you make out you need the money to repair the car and then pocket it you are committing theft.

Bollocks.
If someone hits my car and causes X amout of damage, I can ask for X amount.
If they don't want to pay me, they can pay my insurance. And then I collect a cheque for X.
If they refuse to pay or pay in a manner not suitable, they can speak to my solicitor.

blade1

When you go to sell you're car you might get as much for it because of the damage done by the other lady.
So get an estimate and then take the cash.
No need to mention what you plan on doing with the cash.
Just take the money.

Vikings

Vikings wrote: »

If you make out you need the money to repair the car and then pocket it you are committing theft.

djimi wrote: »

It's nothing like theft. The car owner is not gaining financially by taking the money; by pocketng the money they might have €150 in cash in their wallet, but that have a car that is €150 worse off. There is no net gain.

Have another read.

Once you lay it all on the table there is no problem. Just don't go tell the person I need €150 to fix my car, and then go on the lash for the weekend instead. If it's for the inconvenience of the damage, loss of value to the car/what have you and that is why you are asking for the money there is no problem. Once the other party agrees to it.

dr.fuzzenstein

Vikings wrote: »

Have another read.

Once you lay it all on the table there is no problem. Just don't go tell the person I need €150 to fix my car, and then go on the lash for the weekend instead. If it's for the inconvenience of the damage, loss of value to the car/what have you and that is why you are asking for the money there is no problem. Once the other party agrees to it.

OP's absolute right if he wanted to and if the other person paints himself green and covers himself in rolled oats because he doesn't like it, TS.

corktina

what goes round comes around, just tell her to forget it, the car isn't worth repairing...if she bungs you a fifty anyway, then score....if she doesn't at least you didn't make an enemy. After all she was straight up with you telling you she did it wasn't she.

Big Bag of Chips

Whether or not you can do it, it is something I wouldn't do!

If it wasn't that much damage. If the car wasn't worth a whole lot anyway, and I wasn't going to bother getting it fixed I'd just not bother taking the money. But, that's just me, personally.

I know you say you could do with the money, but if she hadn't backed into it, then you still wouldn't have it. If she's happy to hand over the cash, and you are happy to not repair the car, then go for it.

djimi

Vikings wrote: »

Have another read.

Once you lay it all on the table there is no problem. Just don't go tell the person I need €150 to fix my car, and then go on the lash for the weekend instead. If it's for the inconvenience of the damage, loss of value to the car/what have you and that is why you are asking for the money there is no problem. Once the other party agrees to it.

What does it matter what you tell the other party? They have caused €150 worth of damage to your car, you have gotten an invoice to show them the cost of the repairs, they give you the money. What you choose to do with it from that point is your own business; they have been given a fair quote for repairs and have paid the money to end their involvement. The car owner is back to square one financially, so if they decide to fix the car, drink the money or spend it getting a picture of a sheep tattooed on their left arse cheek, it makes no odds to the other party!

Vikings

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

Bollocks.
If someone hits my car and causes X amout of damage, I can ask for X amount.
If they don't want to pay me, they can pay my insurance. And then I collect a cheque for X.
If they refuse to pay or pay in a manner not suitable, they can speak to my solicitor.

You're right. Go back and read my posts. Once you've been up front with what you want the money for.

In this instance €150 damage was caused. If OP asks for €150 to repair the car and then does not repair the car, that could get them in bother. (Once the other person realises this and then goes off and reports them, it can happen - and in this case where the other person will be seeing the car on a regular basis I wanted to point this out).

If OP wants €100 because they have been inconvenienced and now the car will be worth less when selling it on then that is above board and they are entitled to whatever they ask for once the other person agrees. It's that simple.

Vikings

djimi wrote: »

What does it matter what you tell the other party? They have caused €150 worth of damage to your car, you have gotten an invoice to show them the cost of the repairs, they give you the money. What you choose to do with it from that point is your own business; they have been given a fair quote for repairs and have paid the money to end their involvement. The car owner is back to square one financially, so if they decide to fix the car, drink the money or spend it getting a picture of a sheep tattooed on their left arse cheek, it makes no odds to the other party!

It's deception. If I tell you I need €150 off you to fix my car and then use that money for something else you have deceived me into giving you €150 which I was told would be to repair your car.

There is nothing wrong with asking for the money and pocketing it once you make it clear that you will not be repairing the car. Then you are not asking for the money under false pretenses. That is the only area that could cause a problem. You might not agree, but there is a law that says otherwise.

I've highlighted a law for the OP to consider that is all.

djimi

Vikings wrote: »

You're right. Go back and read my posts. Once you've been up front with what you want the money for.

In this instance €150 damage was caused. If OP asks for €150 to repair the car and then does not repair the car, that could get them in bother. (Once the other person realises this and then goes off and reports them, it can happen - and in this case where the other person will be seeing the car on a regular basis I wanted to point this out).

If OP wants €100 because they have been inconvenienced and now the car will be worth less when selling it on then that is above board and they are entitled to whatever they ask for once the other person agrees. It's that simple.

It wont get them in bother. The OP can point to the damage, show the quote that they got to repair said damage, and then say that they decided not to use the money to repair the damage, but instead put it aside to compensate for the hit that they will take when they go to sell the car. What the OP told the other party does not matter one iota.

If the OP were to pull a figure for repairs from thin air, or get a mate to draw them up a significantly inflated quote or whatever, then I would agree with you. However if the quote is fair for the damage caused then the OP is not making a profit from the incident and nobody can have any cause to complain.

Vikings wrote: »

It's deception. If I tell you I need €150 off you to fix my car and then use that money for something else you have deceived me into giving you €150 which I was told would be to repair your car.

Its not deception though; the OP does need €150 to fix their car, and can provide a quote from a garage to back this up. The damage has been caused and a quote for repairs has been furnished; there is no deception here.

blastman

Vikings wrote: »

In this instance €150 damage was caused. If OP asks for €150 to repair the car and then does not repair the car, that could get them in bother. (Once the other person realises this and then goes off and reports them, it can happen - and in this case where the other person will be seeing the car on a regular basis I wanted to point this out).

Reports them to who, exactly? Their mum?

Vikings

djimi wrote: »

It wont get them in bother. The OP can point to the damage, show the quote that they got to repair said damage, and then say that they decided not to use the money to repair the damage, but instead put it aside to compensate for the hit that they will take when they go to sell the car. What the OP told the other party does not matter one iota.

If the OP were to pull a figure for repairs from thin air, or get a mate to draw them up a significantly inflated quote or whatever, then I would agree with you. However if the quote is fair for the damage caused then the OP is not making a profit from the incident and nobody can have any cause to complain.



Its not deception though; the OP does need €150 to fix their car, and can provide a quote from a garage to back this up. The damage has been caused and a quote for repairs has been furnished; there is no deception here.

This will be my last post here, I can't make it any clearer than I have already.

- Ask for €150 to repair car & DON'T REPAIR CAR = deception.

- Ask for €150 because the car has been devalued and you have been inconvenienced = fine.

I really don't know what else to say on the matter so here's the wikipedia entry on the word deception. And the dictionary.com reference for good measure.

looksee

Vikings wrote: »

It's deception. If I tell you I need €150 off you to fix my car and then use that money for something else you have deceived me into giving you €150 which I was told would be to repair your car.

There is nothing wrong with asking for the money and pocketing it once you make it clear that you will not be repairing the car. Then you are not asking for the money under false pretenses. That is the only area that could cause a problem. You might not agree, but there is a law that says otherwise.

I've highlighted a law for the OP to consider that is all.

Maybe you could quote the specific law? I could come up with all sorts of complicated scenarios where you might be able to make something of that, but in the OP's situation it does not apply.

A very similar situation happened to me with a neighbour, old car, bit of a dent, I just said, let it go. Not worth making an issue of. That may not be what the OP wishes to do, fair enough.

blastman

Vikings wrote: »

This will be my last post here, I can't make it any clearer than I have already.

- Ask for €150 to repair car & DON'T REPAIR CAR = deception.

- Ask for €150 because the car has been devalued and you have been inconvenienced = fine.

I really don't know what else to say on the matter so here's the wikipedia entry on the word deception. And the dictionary.com reference for good measure.

You're still talking rubbish. There is no obligation on you to spend the money there and then repairing the car, but damage was done and if it costs x to repair, you are entitled to compensation amounting to x. There is no deception as you are claiming for damage done. When you decide to take the hit on it is up to you.

djimi

Vikings wrote: »

This will be my last post here, I can't make it any clearer than I have already.

- Ask for €150 to repair car & DON'T REPAIR CAR = deception.

- Ask for €150 because the car has been devalued and you have been inconvenienced = fine.

I really don't know what else to say on the matter so here's the wikipedia entry on the word deception. And the dictionary.com reference for good measure.

I get what you are saying, but your logic is flawed. The fact is that the other party owes the OP €150 for the damage caused, and has paid the OP €150. There is no moral or legal obligation for the OP to use the money to repair the car; it is not deception, and if the other party took exception to the money not being used to repair the car then nobody is going to give them any sympathy and nobody would be pursuing the OP over the matter.

dr.fuzzenstein

corktina wrote: »

what goes round comes around, just tell her to forget it, the car isn't worth repairing...if she bungs you a fifty anyway, then score....if she doesn't at least you didn't make an enemy. After all she was straight up with you telling you she did it wasn't she.

That's absolutely true, the above debate was more along the lines of technicalities.

Vikings

looksee wrote: »

Maybe you could quote the specific law? I could come up with all sorts of complicated scenarios where you might be able to make something of that, but in the OP's situation it does not apply.

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/sec0006.html#sec6

Was in my first post.

djimi wrote: »

I get what you are saying, but your logic is flawed. The fact is that the other party owes the OP €150 for the damage caused, and has paid the OP €150. There is no moral or legal obligation for the OP to use the money to repair the car; it is not deception, and if the other party took exception to the money not being used to repair the car then nobody is going to give them any sympathy and nobody would be pursuing the OP over the matter.

There is, IF that is what the OP told the other person the money was for.

Look, if I crash into your car and you go get an invoice or quote and show me the cost of the damage and you ask me to pay you that amount of money so that you can repair the damage, you are asking me for that amount of money to repair your car. I will be giving you the money on the grounds that you told me the car would be repaired. If you use that money to go buy yourself a nice new pair of shoes instead, you have deceived me into giving you the money to buy yourself new shoes.

Dr.Fuzz is right, this is pedantry over technicalities.

All i'm saying is tell the truth, don't pretend you want to get the car repaired to get money out of someone. If you don't plan on getting the car fixed and still want money, you have every right to ask/look for it. Just don't do it on the false pretense that you will be using the money to repair the car. If the other person went to the guards they would have the grounds for a complaint.

dr.fuzzenstein

Vikings wrote: »

This will be my last post here, I can't make it any clearer than I have already.

- Ask for €150 to repair car & DON'T REPAIR CAR = deception.

- Ask for €150 because the car has been devalued and you have been inconvenienced = fine.

I really don't know what else to say on the matter so here's the wikipedia entry on the word deception. And the dictionary.com reference for good measure.

Now you're just splitting hairs.
Let's just say someone comes over to my house and breaks a vase.
If I wanted to be a dick I would say "that cost me €20, you will now need to give me €20 so I can buy a new vase". If I ultimately decide not to buy a vase because I changed my mind, it's OK.
Maybe the person that broke the vase might be pissed off that I took the money to the pub, but there is nothing they can do. They can take me to court, but the judge will tell them that they cannot stipulate how the money is being used.
If you cause damage and have to cough up, it's the same thing, how the money is used is out of your control.

dr.fuzzenstein

Vikings wrote: »

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2001/en/act/pub/0050/sec0006.html#sec6

Was in my first post.

This is the crux:

6.—(1) A person who dishonestly, with the intention of making a gain for himself or herself or another, or of causing loss to another, by any deception induces another to do or refrain from doing an act is guilty of an offence.

OP is not making a gain. If damage is €100 and he gets it repaired OR he takes the money and spends it, he still has €100 damage to his car.
OP did not make a gain.
And sorry for splitting hairs, but this comes up again and again and again and the amount of people who think they can dictate in case of an accident how much they'll pay and to whom and how it is being used is ridiculous.

corktina

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

That's absolutely true, the above debate was more along the lines of technicalities.

also the OP says money is tight, well, maybe it is just as tight for the other driver.

Zara23

Ok seems to be some conflicting views! From what I can see, most agree that its fair to take the cash for the damage.

I've also just found out that she may not have been planning to tell me after all. As I said, I was babysitting when it happened this morning and it was when the father was leaving for work that this happened. He saw her back up into my car and she continued to drive on up the road towards the estate exit. He stopped her and told her that was my car. I had no idea he had seen it as he was running late and didn't come in to tell me just headed on to work. He's just back for lunch and told me now.

I also don't understand this deception business? As stated I planned on being honest. Anyways I also believe its up to the owner what to do.
Lets say your in a store and you break something- you have to pay for it. Your not goin to make sure that the shop orders the same exact item with your money. They show you the cost, you pay you move on.

dr.fuzzenstein

corktina wrote: »

also the OP says money is tight, well, maybe it is just as tight for the other driver.

I just deliberately sidestepped the whole issue of "is it worth the bother" when it comes to trying to make a claim for damages to a car that's worth less than the petrol in it. That is an entirely different discussion. I'll keep out of that one.:)

franer1970

This happened to me - had a minor fender bender with a guy and paid him, coincidentally, €150 it was allegedly going to cost to fix.
Spotted the guy again nearly a year later. The damage had not been repaired.
I was on a bike so I made a point of glaring at him and the unfixed damage. Made me feel a little better.

Zara23

dr.fuzzenstein wrote: »

I just deliberately sidestepped the whole issue of "is it worth the bother" when it comes to trying to make a claim for damages to a car that's worth less than the petrol in it. That is an entirely different discussion. I'll keep out of that one.:)

I don't really think that's fair. Maybe the car wouldn't sell for that much but I really love my car and I took really good care or it. Its the only dent there but because of that plus the age is probably nearly worthless now.
I have been a responsible driver, minding my own car and others so I should just walk away because in her own words 'the rear window was frosty and I couldnt see and I was in a hurry'.

Zara23

corktina wrote: »

also the OP says money is tight, well, maybe it is just as tight for the other driver.

Money is tight for me. But if I just leave it, aren't I out money? Why should I have to pay through the reduced value for something that was some else's fault? I've even stated here I would only accept 100 even though the quote is 150 euro of damage.

corktina

it's an old banger, it doesn't have a value you could reduce. If you don't intend repairing it, you are cheating her out of the money.

Cabaal

If you visit the area alot won't the women notice that you didn't actually repair anything after taking her money?

Zara23

corktina wrote: »

it's an old banger, it doesn't have a value you could reduce. If you don't intend repairing it, you are cheating her out of the money.

If you had read the whole thread you would see I always planned on telling her the truth. She is not paying for repairs but the damage caused. What makes you qualified to value a car you know nothing about? You don't even know the make or model, miles condition or anything. My 95 car that was stolen 3 years ago got 1200 quote from insurance after.

Drummerboy08

Zara23 wrote: »

If you had read the whole thread you would see I always planned on telling her the truth. She is not paying for repairs but the damage caused. What makes you qualified to value a car you know nothing about? You don't even know the make or model, miles condition or anything. My 95 car that was stolen 3 years ago got 1200 quote from insurance after.

Yeah but your 95 €1200 with €150's worth of damage is still worth €1200. People who buy a car of that value arent generally interested in overall condition, once it starts, goes and stops.

A €12,000 car with the same damage is de-valued alright.

I'd still ask for something to pay for the damage caused to the car. Regardless of what other people have said in this thread, it's up to you to do with the money as you please.

blastman

corktina wrote: »

also the OP says money is tight, well, maybe it is just as tight for the other driver.

Then maybe they should pay more attention when driving.

Arbiter of Good Taste

Go ahead. If you are being upfront with her then I don't see the problem. The only thing is if she is the kind of person who would bump and run (and worse in her own estate!) then she might cause a fuss. If she does, I would politely say, maybe you're right, let's do this properly and sort it out through the insurance.....

No Pants

Zara23 wrote: »

If you had read the whole thread you would see I always planned on telling her the truth. She is not paying for repairs but the damage caused. What makes you qualified to value a car you know nothing about? You don't even know the make or model, miles condition or anything. My 95 car that was stolen 3 years ago got 1200 quote from insurance after.

I know money is tight now, but is there a chance that you might repair the car in the future? If so, then you're not deceiving or cheating anyone.

djimi

Vikings wrote: »

All i'm saying is tell the truth, don't pretend you want to get the car repaired to get money out of someone. If you don't plan on getting the car fixed and still want money, you have every right to ask/look for it. Just don't do it on the false pretense that you will be using the money to repair the car. If the other person went to the guards they would have the grounds for a complaint.

This is the part that I am disputing with you. You can look at it morally all you want; I have my view on it and you have yours. But legally the Gardai would have absolutely no interest in getting involved. The damage was caused, an amount was put on the damage, the guilty party handed over the cash; case closed, end of story. Legally there is no theft (as the OP has not gained from the situation) and no deception (as there is no legal obligation on the OP to actually spend the money on getting the car fixed, regardless of what they told the other party).

wotswattage

Someone hit car, can I keep the cash?

Yes
Is it right to keep the cash when someone has been upfront + honest? I don't think so.
Forget what you are legally obliged to do/not do and think about what is the right thing to do.