Well I think I lucked out. The estimate for the work on the car I hit came out to $300.00. So I paid it. I paid by check so there will be a record and I mailed it to him. I think I made out on that because I imagine that my car insurance would have gone up if I made a claim.
My car will require body work. I got a quote and it was a lot more than $300 but, not enough to make me upset. I did the math and I haven't paid for collision coverage in about 20 years and I more than saved money by doing that. I actually also think the body shop gave me a discount when they heard I wasn't using insurance.
I am adding to the list today to get a new insurance company. I ended up with this insurance agent via the small place I started with closing and being purchased by a large company and this large company has been unhelpful and having an attitude. They seem to think they are in charge of me rather than the other way around.
And I have an eye exam appointment tomorrow -- wish me luck.