should I allow my car to be repaired by 3rd party's 'cousin mechanic'

Al3x

This afternoon I was sat at the traffic lights and my stationary car was hit from behind. The driver claims she saw me, but couldn't stop in time because of the snowy conditions.... fair enough it was slippery. I got her name, number, address and took pictures of her car and my car and the scene and we drove off as it was really starting to come down with snow and we were somewhat obstructing the flow of traffic. She was really shaken up and i made sure she was ok before driving off.
She later calls me to offer to repair my car privately and has a cousin that is a mechanic and can do it in one day no problem... So this is starting to look a bit dodgy to me at this stage as i realise i don't have her insurance details. I've said that i will get quotes of local garages and we can speak again. She is saying that she will send her mechanic down to verify the quote?! But happy to pay for the repair at my garage.
What would you do? How do i make sure i'm not stuck with the repair bill when they decide to stop answering the phone and block my number? Will it be too late to notify my insurance company then?

couriervanman

You'v'e got her name address and car reg number.......just contact your insurance they will be able trace the other persons insurance with those details

Al3x

yep, that would be my preferred route, but they are pleading with me to get it done privately. Am I being too suspicious thinking that she might have been driving without insurance?? It was a brand new Merc, so i didn't question this at the time.
What do i stand to lose if i go via the private route and get her to pay for the repair at a local garage of my choice? Should I still notify my insurance company now anyway?

born_again

Check on the AskMid database.

Al3x

born_again said:

Check on the AskMid database.

That's very cool- wasn't aware of this database- thanks! Yes, the car is insured

pramsay13

Get details of the mechanic cousin. If it is a proper garage and gets decent reviews then crack on.
You will still need to inform your own insurance company anyway.

shaun_from_Africa

Al3x said:

born_again said:

Check on the AskMid database.

That's very cool- wasn't aware of this database- thanks! Yes, the car is insured

Don't forget, that website only shows that there is a policy covering the car. This doesn't automatically mean that the woman driving it was covered by that policy.

Goudy

If it was me, it would all depend on what damage there is and the car.
If it was some paint and plastic damage I might be tempted to accept the offer if my car wasn't high end with metallic or pearlescent paint.

If is has or has some panel damage I would really want an insurance approved bodyshop to sort it, they will obviously warranty their work and should do a better job of matching the paint, which can be very tricky with special finishes.

It's worth remembering a mechanic and a body repair specialist aren't the same thing.

Martin_the_Unjust

Old car and minor damage, let the cousin mechanic crack on, new car etc, that's an insurance jobbie.

Rolandtheroadie

 I'd contact my insurer and leave it with them. 
Too much can go wrong, she's already questioning quotes you've not even had yet (send her mechanic, her cousin to verify). So she already thinks you're going to be at it. 
Then when the quotes you get are more than she or her cousin were expecting/willing to pay, you'll be back to square one but days down the line. 

Car_54

You're already paying good money for your insurer to sort this out properly. Why would you risk a botched repair by some "mechanic" just to please a total stranger?