Offer of cash - what would you do?

I would not accept the money but tell him if he feels guilty suggest he gives it to a charity thet you would want to support. As others have said, accepting money could muddy the waters if he is prosecuted.

I once had my car damaged while it was parked outside my fiance's house while we were out in his car. The driver didn't stop, but a neighbour witnessed it and took the number. We reported it to the police who contacted the driver. It turned out she had recently passed her test and panicked, not knowing what to do. She could have been charged by the police, but agreed to pay for repairs, which were fairly minor. The police asked if I would drop the charges and I agreed. In the end I regretted it. I said I would wait to get the repairs done to give her time to save up as she was very young. When I eventually had the car repaired her parents got involved and only paid the garage repair cost, refusing my out of pocket expenses - transport to work etc. Being kind cost me, and I wasn't even at fault! If something like that happened again I wouldn't drop charges until the money was in the bank. I can't remember if the insurance companies were involved but I assume not if the driver was paying me. In retrospect I'm surprised that the police encouraged that.

It is generally best to leave everything to the insurance companies. They charge us enough for their services after all.

Don't do it - could be an expensive £1,000 gift in the long run...

Block him....do not take the money

Franbern

Oh! For goodness sake!!
Some people deserve to get scammed.
.

Do not take the money. He might try to argue that you took it in lieu of a settlement or that you had agreed to bypass the insurance etc

I agree with wellbeck your insurance will deal with it

SuzieHi

It is the insurance company hands. He’s admitted complete fault. We were not physically hurt, but both were shocked after the accident. He had my phone no (as we had exchanged details after the accident). He’s sent a few kind messages asking how I am this week, & today asked if he could speak to me. On the phone call he asked how I was and would I accept £1000 as a “goodwill gift” towards my new car . I just think he’s a really kind man. I know it’s not a common gesture & feels a little odd to accept. ( although cash would be welcome!)

If you are feeling quite like accepting his offer, phone your insurance company, tell them about the offer. I'm sure they will advise you not to take it, it could affect your claim.

Absolutely not, go through insurance every time, there is no guarantee they will pay you. The only reason they want to not go through insurance is to keep his insurance own costs down for his next renewal, if he gets arsey block him

Thanks again for all the support.

Have sent a final text to say “thank you for your kind offer but not able to accept”.

Have since found out (googling) that he is actually very well off, had a huge job, now retired but still does a lot in the local community. Sounds like a good man but it felt wrong to accept & I certainly don’t want to risk problems with the insurance claims or any issues that arise. Thanks again