Quote:
Originally Posted by
Steve Smith 
The OP damaged someone's car. He admits responsibility. It sounds like he and the owner of the other car will be able to come to terms at $100 or $200. What's the problem?
We make small mistakes and learn from them.
Kudos for giving the business card.. most of the jackasses around here just take off.
$488 is a tad high. Most likely, the body shop will claim that they will have to sand out all the other scratches on the bumper, which are not your responsibility. This is the problem that body shops have to deal with all the time (prior damage) and insurance companies not paying for any work beyond and above what was damaged.
For example, if his bumper was mint, you could probably find someone to fix it for $350 (sand out the damage/fill it, respray the entire thing)
The best of both worlds is indeed for him to take SOME money since he probably doesn't care that much about fixing his car, about $150-$200, and call it a day.
Keep in mind that if his car was mint to begin with, then you'd probably wouldn't feel too bad about fronting the full cost of repairs anyway. But the condition of HIS car shouldn't really play into what you owe him, damage is damage. .if that makes sense.
