The Dink Network

Horrors! Oh boy. Yes, by all means make a claim. Your accident is my business. I deal with insurance companies, body shops, injury claims (by default), auto repairs, etc. all day long. The father of the boy is spinning you a tale of woe cuz he doesn't want to pay the deduct or subsequent policy raise. OK. Why does he expect you to foot the bill? He pays for insurance for this very reason: To be covered in case of accidents! He cannot dictate doodly-squat to you. He cannot make you go to any shop you don't want to nor can your insurance co. altho your ins. co will try. If you agree to the guy's request? demand? , you might as well take money out of your own pocket and hand it to him. And believe me, there will be cost's you haven't thought of yet not too mention that he probably will renege on paying the bill. Will he pay for your rental while the car is in the shop? Will he complain and whine and say he will only pay so much for this or that reason? I have seen it happen over and over and as the owner of the vehicle, YOU are ultimately responsible for the bill. You'll end up turning it over to your company. Your rates will go up and you will be out the deduct. Only rarely has the very same situation turned out well and I mean rarely. It has nothing to do with being a sucker at all. Just try the headaches of making a claim later down the road when the guy shafts you!! Your kindness will only get you in trouble.
And besides the guy has the sound of a jerk already. Tell him to bite the bullet or just let your insurance do the talking for you. Insurance co.'s know how to deal with this stuff and they will help you with the paperwork. SUBMIT, SUBMIT, Your claim.