Hi guys...one for the experts!

Just been rear ended in my E46 . I was stationary at the lights and a Focus went into the back of me, no idea how fast, maybe 15mph?

Hell of a bang, but the damage to my car is minimal, luckily she went into the bumper and my metal work has escaped any damage. It's also luckily not split the plastic of the bumper, just gouged it/dented it. So a fill/paint will sort it out.

The young girl was really sorry about it and didn't want to lose her NCB's and wants to ideally not to go through insurance. Turns out the garage I use and really rate for bodywork is one she is friends with the owner at.

So I'm happy enough to take the car there for a quote, she can pay the bill and my car will come back looking lovely (as it always does from there).

My question is whether taking a week to try and go down this route is wise, as will that forfit my right to take it through the insurance company? How long is too long? I am just worried if the quote is too much and she kicks off then I won't have the insurance avenue open anymore?


Although it's her not wanting to use the insurance I think that may be best from my point of view too. In Feb I was crashed into at the front, and the car was Cat C'd, I was paid out and had it all repaired etc. Now if I was to go through the insurance I bet the fact it's been Cat C'd will really hammer any payout if they chose not to repair it?

Cheers for any advice!