Something happened to me today that has never happened before. Hell, I've never even heard of this happening.

On Friday I backed into a car and our bumpers scraped. Negligible damage as it was plastic on plastic at sub 1 MPH speed. I did the right thing and left a note on the car with my phone number. The guy calls and says, "the damage is so negligible that I don't think it's something to get the insurance companies involved with. How about $100 in cash and you sign these release forms?"

This is the whole reason I have auto insurance. This feels a lot like extortion. No way I'm signing anything so I just made the claim with my insurance company.

Has anyone ever heard of this? Seems sketchy af to me.

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your rates will go up. better off handing him the cash.

Agree. Just give him 100 without signing anything Record the interaction

What’s he want $100 for if the damage was so negligible? Seems sketch.

I have heard if just giving some cash, but not release forms LOL.

The correct response is, "If you feel compelled to give me $100, i wont argue. But I don't require you to sign anything thanks.

Yup. I’d say he limited his claim to $100.

I wouldn't sign any forms, but be happy to pay $100 cash or even slightly more if you are liable. Will save you way more in the long run than a claim against your insurance. He is doing you a favor from my limited info first sniff.

Wait what? You backed into his car and he would let you off for $100? I say yes assuming the forms are legit

This may be an excessively paranoid thing to ask but are you even sure the person who contacted you was the vehicle owner and not just some scumbag who saw you leave the note and is trying to make a quick buck?

If the owner is willing to accept a cash payment, shouldn't he be the one signing a statement releasing you of liability?

The cash payment, yes.

Release form, no.

But, there was something written up and signed by both parties releasing any further liability.

Ask if he accepts sats?

Pretty sure, brother, your deductible will mean you are paying anyway. Pay the dirty fiat, have the person sign your own release and be done with it.

I know we are a “don’t trust, verify” crowd, but the hassle of dealing with insurance makes the $100 tariff seem like a 2025 new year’s gift.