What is the name of your state? Connecticut
A few days ago I was given authorization by the owner of the car to drive her car to a specific location. While leaving the drive way I side swiped the back bumper of a truck. I damaged the right rear passenger door and back quarter panel of the car i was given permission to drive. I scuffed the bumper of the other vehicle. I offered to reconcile the situation by offering to pay the insurance deductible ($500). This offer was declined. Instead the owner of the car brought it to an autobody shop for an estimate. She did not want to claim the accident on her insurance due to the fact "it would raise premium." The estimate came out to $860. She told the autobody shop it was "a personal transaction" when i did not agree to that statement. She is now threatening to take me to small claims court to pay for the full $860 when i clearly stated i would pay her insurance deductible of $500.
Who is at fault in this matter? I would like to know if the $860 is my responsibility? Or should i only have to pay $500? Or anything at all? How would a small claims court handle this issue?
Thank you for your time i greatly appreciate it.
A few days ago I was given authorization by the owner of the car to drive her car to a specific location. While leaving the drive way I side swiped the back bumper of a truck. I damaged the right rear passenger door and back quarter panel of the car i was given permission to drive. I scuffed the bumper of the other vehicle. I offered to reconcile the situation by offering to pay the insurance deductible ($500). This offer was declined. Instead the owner of the car brought it to an autobody shop for an estimate. She did not want to claim the accident on her insurance due to the fact "it would raise premium." The estimate came out to $860. She told the autobody shop it was "a personal transaction" when i did not agree to that statement. She is now threatening to take me to small claims court to pay for the full $860 when i clearly stated i would pay her insurance deductible of $500.
Who is at fault in this matter? I would like to know if the $860 is my responsibility? Or should i only have to pay $500? Or anything at all? How would a small claims court handle this issue?
Thank you for your time i greatly appreciate it.