I've done it both ways.
Years ago when I was in high school, a pretty, popular girl hit my car leaving the school parking lot. She cried,admitted it was her fault because she wasn't paying attention, and said she was soooo sorry. When she asked me to please let her dad pay and not to call the cops, I said ok. She was so sweet, how could I say no? My dad ended up going round and round with her dad before he finally paid up. Her story AND attitude changed after she talked to daddy. He acted like we were trying to scam him even though all we asked for was the replacement cost of the bumper and labor costs. Somehow during her crying I forgot that she was too snooty to talk to me any other time. I'm still a sucker for the tears of a pretty woman, but these days I'll only fall for out and out nudity( [img]tongue.gif[/img] ).If I had that to do over again, I'd have called the police despite her tears.
Last year a customer at my wife's place of business hit her car while backing out of his parking space. No one saw the accident, but he stopped, came back inside to find out who the owner was, and told my wife he'd be happy to pay. He had a teenage son and didn't want his insurance to sky rocket. I couldn't help but trust a guy who admitted to an accident he could have easily driven away from. He told us to tell him how much, I provided an estimate and the final bill but he said I didn't have to give him either. He was a nice guy who needed a favor and appreciated our help.
So it all depends on the situation, and I'd say if you have ANY doubts, report it.
AS to the guy wanting the car evaluated, I guess that isn't too unreasonable because he doesn't want to be ripped off, but the bottom line is, you're doing him the favor. If you feel like he should pay $1500 to cover the cost of the car, he can pay it to keep it off his insurance, otherwise you should file it. I believe as long as no one was injured you are free to handle the damages without reporting it, but you get to choose, not him.
Sounds like he's all into this from his point of view without regarding your loss. You are the victim. What about your loss of transportation? You are the one being put out. If your car is out of commission his insurance will not only pay to fix or replace it, but they'll also pay you for a rental.
If this guy doesn't seem to be out to make this situation as easy and painless as possible for you, then I'd say report it.
You just can't be nice to some people.
