If it were me, I'd take the full estimate amount for the repair (the cheaper one). The guy is willing to pay for the damage he caused, which is good of him. My thinking is you might decide to go ahead and get it fixed in a week, month or year from now and if you've only gotten the tire cost from him, we'll then your stuffed.

He caused the damage. He's willing to make it right. Seems ethical to me. Unless you are fully certain that you will never get that fender fixed. If that's the case, then I feel you'd be doing the right thing by only charging him for any accident-related repairs you do have done.

Never know when you might decide to have it repaired properly.

Just my humble two cents -- your results may vary

__________________
1998 E300 +310,000K
1996 E300 +460,000K

I agree.

I think you should ask for the lower estimate of $1030 whether you fix the car or not. He's willing to pay that amount to have the car fixed and if you have decided not to, you may change your mind at some point then wish you would've taken the money. Your time is worth something as well plus aggravation, neither of which he's being charged for. You did have a car that was fine and now, through no fault of your own, you have a damaged one. It was nice of the guy to leave you a note but he should still pay for the damages regardless if you intend to fix them or not.

Cheers,

Bill