Simply told; car (new) parked correctly in designated bay in council car park;return to find slight, but noticeable and (no doubt) expensive damage to door; two notices on car - one giving mobile number and 'call me', the other describing car and giving reg no. that had bumped me.

Have now phoned mobile - owner admitted that her 18 yr old daughter had bumped me though blamed another driver for 'stealing the parking place she intended to park in'. Owner gave her name but said she wanted to sort it out without involving insurance companies - though also wanted it not to be 'too expensive'.

Now I will take car to dealer on Monday and get a quote, then speak to he again; my problem is:

1) what if she won't pay?

2) Shold I pay & claim back from my insurance co.? or

3) Should I go to the police? or

4) May I need to take her to the small claims court?

Any advice? Thoughts?

Many thanks

 It's a new car and you're entitled to get it repaired by a dealer and a proper job done. While you're at it I'd phograph the damage in case she disputes it later.

Her insurance will chase it if she doesn't pay: I think she's obliged to give you the insurance info.

I don't think the police will be at all interested if no one's hurt.

Tell your insurance company, but make it clear that it's a report only, not an actual claim unless you make it one. If the third party won't pay, you can claim on your policy if you have comrehensive cover - do you have 'protected' no claims discount? Insurance premiums for 18 year olds are horrendous, so the mother may well pay to avoid an even worse renewal premium relating to her daughter. Don't pay up front, and don't claim from your insurance company unless you have to. In any event, your company will probably want to inspect the damage if you claim, unless it is trivial. Get an estimate asap however.

The police won't be interested unless someone has been injured. Forget any legal action until matters are clarified. Most people would have 'hit and run' so the fact the third party has left contact details suggests she is likely to be honest and reasonable.

Was the 18 year old girl insured to drive that car, did she have a full licence?

Often people do offer to pay at the time of the accident. However once they find out the cost of damage they soon change their minds. Perhaps get the quotes first and send them to her to see if she is still willing to sort this out directly. If she is not forthcoming it would be wise to ask your insurers to deal as they are the experts. I wonder if the daughter was not insured to drive the car.