Settling minor car incident privately - wise?

[mks2005]

Is it ever wise to pursue the non-insurance route for settling minor dent/scratch incidents involving yourself and a third party?

My friend had a minor incident which that didn't really put either parties clearly at fault, but he is being blamed and being expected to pay, but has doubts to whether he should really be liable. Quotes for the damage are below the insurance policy's excess, and reporting the incident would lead to the added cost of increased premiums - making private settlement seem attractive.

Does anyone have any experience or advice for this kind of situation? Would going through insurance be the most sensible route?

 

[Matt82]

if he wasnt at fault, he shouldnt pay, simple as that, sod the premium (unless hes still a teenager paying through the nose for his insurance)

 

[paradigm]

I've settled a few cases outside of insurance, although I've always been the innocent party (and the drivers involved were quite adamant it was their fault). I typically get a couple of repair quotes, send them (email, fax, letter, whatever) to the other driver, and then get them to pay me in a manner of their choosing (last time was bank transfer).

I then sent them a signed letter stating that I'd not be taking the matter further.