Never get why people can settle for a small sum, but choose to say no and go through insurance, their excess will be more than that let alone the premium next year.

Even if it is 50/50 then they still pay out more than that. Some people are numpties.

That case will end 50/50 imo so best not to chase, only trouble is that now you have to declare that accident when you renew even though there may be no claim as they ask you "any accidents in the last 5 years?" and as you have contacted them, I would imagine it is on record.